Looking for the best cat water bowl for your feline friend? Keep reading for our ultimate guide! Whether you’re looking for something simple to help quench your kitty’s thirst or something a bit more extravagant, we’ve got you covered.
Before we get into our top picks, let’s look at the different types of cat water bowls on the market and which one may be best for you. For more cool stuff for cats, check out our list of the best microchip cat feeders, too.
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Best Cat Fountain
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Best Gravity Cat Bowl
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Best Basic Cat Bowl
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The PetSafe® Outlast™ 90 oz Pumpless Pet Fountain uses HydroSpin™ technology to deliver continuous, fresh water without a traditional pump. Designed for durability and easy cleaning, it features an Ion-X™ Filter for pure, great-tasting water. With smart sensors and a quiet motor, it’s built to keep your cat healthy and hydrated with minimal upkeep. |
The PetSafe® Healthy Pet Water Station™ will revolutionize your pet’s drinking water and your home environment. With this gravity water station, your pet gets fresh water, whenever he needs it, served in a stainless-steel bowl. Refill the reservoir with water and watch the bowl automatically fill up with fresh, filtered water. The water station disassembles for easy cleaning and the removable, stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher safe. |
Loving Pets Bella Bowls are patented award-winning pet bowls - and for good reason! Both functional and beautiful, Bella Bowls are truly the perfect pet dish. With stylish patterns and amazing colors, they're sure to brighten up the space and make feeding fun! |
The PetSafe® Outlast™ 90 oz Pumpless Pet Fountain uses HydroSpin™ technology to deliver continuous, fresh water without a traditional pump. Designed for durability and easy cleaning, it features an Ion-X™ Filter for pure, great-tasting water. With smart sensors and a quiet motor, it’s built to keep your cat healthy and hydrated with minimal upkeep.
The PetSafe® Healthy Pet Water Station™ will revolutionize your pet’s drinking water and your home environment. With this gravity water station, your pet gets fresh water, whenever he needs it, served in a stainless-steel bowl. Refill the reservoir with water and watch the bowl automatically fill up with fresh, filtered water. The water station disassembles for easy cleaning and the removable, stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher safe.
Loving Pets Bella Bowls are patented award-winning pet bowls - and for good reason! Both functional and beautiful, Bella Bowls are truly the perfect pet dish. With stylish patterns and amazing colors, they're sure to brighten up the space and make feeding fun!
Types of Cat Water Bowl
You might think there aren’t many types of cat water bowls, but you’d be wrong! The pet product world is advancing, and nowadays, there’s a lot to choose from. Of course, standard water bowls are still the most popular design, and for most, they’re ideal, but you still want to make sure you get a high-quality product from a trusted brand!
Elevated cat bowls are like standard bowls with a raised design for better posture and digestion. They’re designed to be easier to reach, reducing the need to bend down, making them ideal for senior cats and cats with limited mobility.
Gravity water bowls, on the other hand, are perfect for busy owners. They have refillable tanks that release water into the bowl as your cat drinks, ensuring a constant supply of water, even when you’re away from home.
And then there are cat water fountains, the ultimate luxury item for cats! They also offer a consistent stream of water, but with electricity-powered filtration to keep it fresh and clean. Cat water fountains are great for enticing bad drinkers to drink more and some even come with app control and health monitoring features.
However, they’re significantly more expensive than the other types and require some assembly, as well as periodic filter replacements and monitoring of the electrical components over time.
Other things to take into consideration when shopping for your cat’s water bowl include:
- Size for your cat and home
- Safe and durable materials
- Thermoregulatory materials
- Non-slip designs
- Easy to keep clean
- Noise level
- Appearance
- Value for money
Top Picks
Water Fountains For Cats
We’ll start with water fountains since they’re our favorite option. They really make life so much easier and help entice your kitty to drink more. These are our top product picks!
Outlast™ Cat Fountain
The PetSafe® Outlast™ 90 oz Pumpless Pet Fountain uses HydroSpin™ technology to deliver continuous, fresh water without a traditional pump. Designed for durability and easy cleaning, it features an Ion-X™ Filter for pure, great-tasting water. With smart sensors and a quiet motor, it’s built to keep your cat healthy and hydrated with minimal upkeep.
The Outlast™ Cat Fountain is the world’s first pump-free cat water fountain; a groundbreaking pet hydration solution with a unique design for uninterrupted flow.
Key features:
- World’s first pumpless cat water fountain
- 90 oz capacity
- Patented design
- HydroSpin water flow
- Ion-X filtration
- LED monitor
- Night mode
- Dry and quiet motor
- Stainless-steel ball bearings
- Easy to assemble
- Dishwasher safe
- Fewer moving parts
- Plug-in
- Comes with a wall adapter, USB cable, and guide
- One-year warranty
What we like:
Featuring HydroSpin™ technology with a patented cone mechanism and Ion-X™ pet fountain filters to soften and improve the taste of your cat’s water, they’re guaranteed the best.
It’s super easy to assemble and dishwasher-safe for straightforward cleaning, with a quiet motor that won’t disturb your home – or sensitive ears.
It’s also built to last with fewer moving parts and the motor utilizes premium stainless-steel ball bearings that sit away from the water, so it never needs to be cleaned.
The LED indicators also let you know when you need to refill the tank or change the filter, with a clever batter-saving night mode that automatically slows the flow at night and shuts off when water levels are low.
What to consider:
It’s a plug-in product, which may not suit everyone, but it comes with its own USB cable, as well as the wall adapter, and a handy quick start guide to help you set it up.
The PetSafe® Outlast™ 90 oz Pumpless Pet Fountain uses HydroSpin™ technology to deliver continuous, fresh water without a traditional pump. Designed for durability and easy cleaning, it features an Ion-X™ Filter for pure, great-tasting water. With smart sensors and a quiet motor, it’s built to keep your cat healthy and hydrated with minimal upkeep.
CatLink Ultra-Filtration Water Fountain
If you want something that incorporates smart tech for remote control and health monitoring, the CatLink Ultra-Filtration Water Fountain is the perfect pick. It’s made from BPA-free food-grade materials and offers a continuous flow of fresh water for up to two weeks for one cat.
Key features:
- 7.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches
- 2.6-liter capacity
- 100 ml water tray
- BPA-free food-grade materials
- Human-grade multi-filter system
- 99.9% effective sterilization
- Continuous flow & up to 2 weeks of freshwater
- WiFi connectivity
- App control and reminders
- Health monitoring features
- Four different modes
- Ultra-quiet 30 db
- Easy disassembly
- 90-day lifespan filter
- Plug-in with emergency storage
- Single and double sets are available
- Comes with a filter and manual
- One year warranty
What we like:
As mentioned above, you can control and monitor the fountain via the app, with four modes to choose from including flowing, start, eco, and night mode. You can also generate drinking reports, keep a record of your cat’s habits, and get reminders about water supply and filter changes.
It’s another great choice for owners who value water quality, with a multi-layered filter system that’s 99.9% effective at sterilization preventing hair, insects, bacteria, and mold, including a first filter that removes significant debris, a water pump filter that removes smaller residue, and a 90-day ultrafiltration filter that softens the water for human-grade quality.
Operation is whisper quiet at 30 decibels for sensitive ears and it comes apart easily for cleaning.
What to consider:
It’s plug-in as opposed to battery-powered, which may not suit everyone, but it does have emergency water storage in case of power failures.
The only other issue is that the power button is on the front. Smarty-pants cats (like Luke, above) may figure out how to turn it off.
Check out our CATLINK PURE 2 review for more details.
The CATLINK PURE 2 Water Fountain combines innovation and convenience with its wireless pump and ultra-filtration system. Designed to keep your pets hydrated and healthy, it features a quiet operation, a spacious water capacity, and smart sensors for hassle-free maintenance.
PetKit EverSweet Solo 2 Pet Water Fountain
The PetKit EverSweet Solo 2 Pet Water Fountain is a great pick for buyers on a budget, as it’s the cheapest fountain on our list, without compromising on quality! It’s made from BPA-free silicone and offers 8-10 days of hydration between each refill.
Key features:
- 7 x 7 x 6 inches
- 2-liter capacity
- BPA-free silicone
- 8-10 days of hydration
- Upgraded filtration system
- Food-grade purification
- Protects against heavy metals
- Bluetooth connectivity
- App control and reminders
- Three different modes
- 25 db noise-level
- Enhanced safety design
- Water level window
- Waterproof base
- Detachable parts for easy cleaning
- Comes with a cleaning brush, filter, and manual
What we like:
The upgraded filtration system purifies water to food-grade safety levels, with a high-density filter, coconut shell activated carbon, and ion exchange resin that removes heavy metals to protect against disease.
It also uses a wireless 3.0 upgraded water pump for enhanced electrical safety and a waterproof base for regular, long-lasting use.
The app allows you to check the current status of the fountain and get reminders about refills and filter changes, but there’s also a handy window that lets you see the water level with your own eyes. You can even choose between three different modes to customize your cat’s experience; smart mode with intermittent pumping, normal mode with continuous flow, or night mode with the lights off.
What to consider:
The Bluetooth connectivity makes it an issue for away-from-home monitoring.
The PETKIT Eversweet Solo 2 features a wireless pump for ultra-quiet (below 25dB) and long-lasting operation. Manage it via the PETKIT app, which alerts you when the water is low. The detachable design makes cleaning easy and safe, while the multi-layer filtration system ensures pure water. With three modes—Smart, Normal, and Night—this 2L fountain keeps your pet’s hydration needs covered.
Standard Water Bowls
For lovers of the classic design, check out our top standard water bowls for cats.
Loving Pets Bella Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl
The Loving Pets Bella Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl is the first of our top picks, with a simple, sweet design that gets the job done.
Key features:
- Comes in several sizes
- Available in eight colors
- Cute paw print design
- Stainless steel interior
- Poly-resin exterior
- Keeps water cool and fresh
- Bacteria resistant
- Non-skid bottom
- Dishwasher safe
What we like:
It comes in eight attractive colors including espresso, grape, and turquoise, so you can choose something that suits your cat’s personality. There’s a cute paw print design on the poly-resin exterior, and it also comes in several sizes, with a capacity ranging from 1.75 cups to 7.75 cups.
The stainless steel interior is bacteria-resistant and keeps water cool and fresh, and the bottom has a removable rubber ring that keeps the bowl firmly in place, preventing noise, slips, and spills. It’s also dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning.
What to consider:
Remember to remove the rubber ring before putting it in the dishwasher!
Loving Pets Bella Bowls are patented award-winning pet bowls - and for good reason! Both functional and beautiful, Bella Bowls are truly the perfect pet dish. With stylish patterns and amazing colors, they're sure to brighten up the space and make feeding fun!
Peggy11 Stainless Steel Water Bowl
If you want something that will stand the test of time, consider the Peggy11 Stainless Steel Water Bowl.
Key features:
- 3, 6, 16 cup options
- Premium grade stainless steel
- Food-grade silicone base
- Non-toxic and BPA-free
- Rust and stain-resistant
- Deep design
- Non-slip
- Dishwasher safe
What we like:
With a deep design perfect for long-lasting supplies of water, it comes in 3, 6, and 16-cup size options. The premium-grade stainless steel is rust and stain-resistant, with a non-slip bottom that protects your floor from scratches.
The base is also made from non-toxic, BPA-free food-grade silicone, and the whole thing is dishwasher safe.
What to consider:
It may be too big for small cats and kittens.
This stainless steel pet bowl is perfect for cats and small dogs under 20 lbs, holding up to 2 cups of food or water. Its non-toxic, BPA-free materials ensure safety, while the anti-slip silicone base prevents sliding and spills. Durable and dishwasher-safe, it’s built for long-lasting, hassle-free use.
Frisco Round Meow Non-Skid Ceramic Cat Bowl
If you’re after something a little more stylish, take a look at the Frisco Round Meow Non-Skid Ceramic Cat Bowl! It’s 4.7 x 2 inches with a single cup capacity and a minimal yet luxurious design.
Key features:
- 4.7 x 2 inches
- 1 cup capacity
- Minimal yet stylish
- White ceramic bowl
- Meow fishbone design
- Blonde wooden base
- Non-skid bottom
- Hand-wash only
What we like:
The white ceramic bowl features a cute, raised “meow” design on the outside, and an adorable fishbone stamp in the center. It sits on a high-quality non-skid blonde wooden base, it’s excellent value for money, and it’s just the right size for cats!
What to consider:
It’s hand-wash only and needs a little extra support on super slippery flooring.
Give your kitty a stylish hydration experience with this round, white ceramic pet bowl featuring a cute “meow” graphic on the side. The sleek design is complemented by a blonde wooden base for a modern touch. With a fishbone detail inside and non-skid feet for stability, it’s as practical as it is adorable!
Elevated Water Bowls
If you think your cat would benefit from an elevated water bowl, take a look at these product picks.
Necoichi Ceramic Elevated Cat Water Bowl
The Necoichi Ceramic Elevated Cat Water Bowl is another stylish option, with a high-quality porcelain construction that’s hardy, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe.
Key features:
- 5 x 3 inches
- 12.2 oz capacity
- Stylish white porcelain bowl
- Three cute design options
- Rust, mold, and bacteria resistant
- Drop resistant
- Handy measuring lines
- Curved inner lip
- Non-skid silicone cover
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe
What we like:
It’s resistant to mold, rust, and bacteria, and it comes in three designs: white with black paw prints, Sakura, and colorful dots.
It also has handy measuring lines to help you monitor your cat’s water intake, with a non-skid silicone cover and a curved inner lip to prevent spills.
What to consider:
It may be a little too small for larger cats, risking whisker fatigue.
The Necoichi Raised Cat Water Bowl offers superior comfort and convenience, reducing neck strain with its elevated design. Measuring lines help track hydration, while a subtle inner lip prevents spills for cleaner floors. Made from FDA-approved, non-absorbent porcelain, it’s dishwasher and microwave safe, combining practicality with a chic, stylish look.
PetKit Fresh Nano 15° Adjustable Stainless Steel Elevated Dog & Cat Bowl
The PetKit Fresh Nano 15° Adjustable Stainless Steel Elevated Dog & Cat Bowl is our top elevated pick for lovers of steel bowls, with non-toxic rust-resistant 304 stainless steel that keeps water cool.
Key features:
- 2.6 x 5.5 inches
- 4 oz capacity
- 304 stainless steel
- Oval design
- Rounded edges
- Adjustable angle
- Keeps water cool
- Non-slip rubber handles
- Rust-resistant
- No toxic coating
- Dishwasher safe
What we like:
The clever design features an adjustable angle; of 0 or 15 degrees for comfortable eating and drinking, with an oval shape and rounded edges to prevent whisker fatigue in cats. It also has four non-slip rubber handles for a secure grip when you’re doing refills and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.
What to consider:
The plastic base isn’t made of the most high-quality material.
Upgrade your pet’s mealtime with the PETKIT Fresh Nano 15° Adjustable Stainless Steel Elevated Bowl. Designed for comfort, its raised, angled structure reduces strain while the wide opening prevents whisker fatigue. Made from rust-resistant, dishwasher-safe stainless steel, it features a secure, non-slip base to minimize spills and messes for effortless feeding.
HCHLQLZ White Ceramic Elevated Raised Cat Bowl
For luxurious kitty cats, the sleekly designed HCHLQLZ White Ceramic Elevated Raised Cat Bowl is another great elevated pick.
Key features:
- 100% porcelain ceramic bowl
- Small (1 cup), medium (2 cups), large (3 cups) options
- Comes in five colors
- Attractive matte design
- Natural bamboo stand
- Non-slip rubber stickers
- Food-grade and non-toxic
- Dishwasher safe
What we like:
It’s made from non-toxic, food-grade porcelain ceramic that’s free from lead and cadmium, with an attractive matte design, and a natural bamboo stand. It also comes in five colors including yellow and pink, and three sizes, small, medium, and large.
The stand has adjustable height for different pets and rubber stickers on the feet to prevent slipping and sliding, with a tilted 15-degree design for ultimate comfort. It’s also dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe in case you want to use it for food.
What to consider:
It may not be big enough for large cats.
This adjustable elevated pet bowl set combines 100% porcelain ceramic with a natural bamboo stand for a safe, stylish, and practical dining experience. Designed to support healthy digestion, it reduces strain and prevents vomiting, making it ideal for cats and small dogs. Non-slip and microwave-safe, it ensures easy, mess-free feeding.
Gravity Water Bowls
For busy owners and forgetful cat parents, check out our favorite gravity water bowls for a long-lasting water supply.
PetSmart Whisker City® Fashion Gravity Cat Waterer
If you want something with a filter for cleaner, better-tasting water, consider the PetSmart Whisker City® Fashion Gravity Cat Waterer.
Key features:
- 10 x 8 x 5 inches
- 32 oz capacity
- Black, clear, and silver design
- Stainless steel and plastic construction
- Removable bowl
- Includes charcoal filter
What we like:
The design is modern and sleek looking, with a black plastic lid and base, a clear plastic tank, and a stainless steel bowl. The bowl itself is removable for easy cleaning and as mentioned above, it uses a charcoal filter for better quality water.
What to consider:
The plastic contains polyethylene terephthalate which is a commonly used resin, but health-conscious owners may wish to avoid it as it’s linked to health concerns.
This Whisker City Gravity Fashion Water makes water readily available to your cat whenever the desire to hydrate arises. Easy to use and stylish, this gravity waterer refills the water bowl as your cat eats, meaning that water is readily available to your feline friend, and also that you don't have to fill her water bowl as often. In other words, it's super convenient for the both of you. Only at PetSmart.
PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station
If you’re looking to go big, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station has a capacity of 1-2 ½ gallons.
Key features:
- 11 x 10 inches
- 1-2 ½ gallon capacity
- BPA-free plastic
- Clear design
- Compatible with brand’s filters
- Stainless steel bowl
- Dishwasher safe
What we like:
The tank is made from BPA-free plastic, with a clear design that allows you to clearly see when it needs refilling. It’s also compatible with the brand’s healthy pet water filters and the stainless steel bowl is safe to use on the top rack of the dishwasher.
What to consider:
You have to buy a filter separately, as it doesn’t come with the product.
The PetSafe® Healthy Pet Water Station™ will revolutionize your pet’s drinking water and your home environment. With this gravity water station, your pet gets fresh water, whenever he needs it, served in a stainless-steel bowl. Refill the reservoir with water and watch the bowl automatically fill up with fresh, filtered water. The water station disassembles for easy cleaning and the removable, stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher safe.
Richell Elevated Gravity Water Dispenser Dog & Cat Bowl
Another sizable pick, the Richell Elevated Gravity Water Dispenser Dog & Cat Bowl is 7.5 x 13.5 x 13 inches with a one-gallon capacity.
Key features:
- 7.5 x 13.5 x 13 inches
- One gallon capacity
- Comes in black and white
- Durable plastic
- Wide lid for quick refill
- Made in the USA
What we like:
It’s made in the USA from high-quality, durable plastic, with an extra wide lid for easy cleaning and quick refills. It also comes in black and white for a neutral look that won’t disrupt the decor of your home, and despite its large capacity, it doesn’t take up much room.
What to consider:
It’s pricier than our other picks, but it’s worth it for the capacity and quality of the product.
The Richell Elevated Gravity Water Dispenser keeps your pet hydrated with a 1-gallon capacity for fresh water all day. Made in the USA from BPA-free plastic, it features a modern, spill-resistant design with an easy-to-clean lid. The adjustable height stand supports better posture, making drinking effortless for pets.
FAQs
How many water bowls should I have per cat?
You should have at least one water bowl per cat, and you should keep them somewhere safe, quiet, and accessible, away from their litter box and out of reach of any other pets in the house.
How much water do cats need?
Cats should have a constant supply of clean drinking water. You should refill their bowl at least a couple of times per day, even if they haven’t finished the bowl yet.
How do I get my cat to drink more water?
Make sure your cat’s water bowl is clean and placed somewhere suitable and try a different type of bowl in case they don’t like theirs. You can also try adding some flavor from chicken broth or tuna to entice them, using bottled or filtered water, or even a different temperature water, and feed them wet food if you’re worried about their hydration levels.
Final Thoughts
Those are our best cat water bowls! Are you sticking to the classic design or going for something fancier? Let us know in the comments below, and if you’re looking to upgrade more of your cat’s stuff, check out our best cat litter boxes for every home, too!
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