How to Clean Cat Food and Water Bowls: Materials and Hygiene

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

We wash our own plates after every meal, yet cat bowls often go days without cleaning. Bacteria multiply on leftover food and in saliva, and a slimy film called biofilm forms on the surface. A few simple habits keep your cat's dishes safe and your cat healthier.

Why clean bowls matter

• Health. Bacteria can cause stomach upset, and dirty bowls attract flies and pests.
• Skin. Residue on bowls can irritate the chin, leading to chin acne. See cat skin allergies.
• Appetite. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and stale odors may put them off eating or drinking. See how to get a cat to drink more water.
• Hydration. Clean water encourages drinking, which supports the kidneys and urinary tract. See chronic kidney disease in cats.

Best materials

Stainless steel. Durable, non-porous and dishwasher safe. Choose heavy bowls with non-slip bases. Some cats dislike the sound or reflection.

Ceramic. Heavy and stable, easy to wash when glazed with lead-free glaze. May chip or crack, and chipped bowls can harbor bacteria, so replace them.

Glass. Non-porous and easy to clean, but breakable.

Plastic. Cheap, but scratches easily, which can harbor bacteria. Some cats develop chin acne. If you use plastic, choose BPA-free and replace when scratched.

Shape and size

Many cats prefer wide, shallow bowls, since deep, narrow bowls may bump their whiskers, causing discomfort sometimes called whisker fatigue. Raised bowls can help some older cats. See senior cat care guide. Use separate bowls for food and water, placed apart.

How often to clean

• Food bowls: wash after each meal, or at least daily. Wet food should be removed and the bowl washed immediately after eating.
• Water bowls: wash and refill daily.
• Fountains: disassemble and wash weekly. See cat water fountains: worth it.
• Feeding mats: wipe daily, and wash weekly.
• Dry food storage containers: wash and dry before refilling, and do not mix old and new kibble.

How to wash

1. Scrape off leftovers.
2. Wash with hot water and unscented dish soap, using a sponge or brush kept for pet dishes.
3. Scrub the rim and base, where residue collects.
4. Rinse thoroughly, since soap residue can upset stomachs.
5. Dry completely, or air dry.

For a weekly deep clean, run bowls through a dishwasher on a hot cycle, or soak them in a dilute solution of white vinegar and water, then rinse. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, and rinse well if you use a dilute bleach solution, as some products are toxic to cats. See cat poisoning: what to do.

Wet food safety

Wet food spoils quickly. Remove uneaten food after about an hour in warm rooms, and up to a few hours in cool rooms, and wash the bowl. Cover and refrigerate opened cans, and use within a few days. Do not microwave in the can. See wet vs dry cat food and how to switch cat foods.

Raw feeding

If you feed raw food, wash bowls, utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water and sanitize after each meal, since raw meat carries bacteria. Wash your hands. See raw food diets for cats and can cats eat raw meat.

Multi-cat homes

Give each cat its own bowl, and clean each one. Feed in different places if there is competition. See aggression between cats.

Signs of bowl problems

• Chin acne, or black spots on the chin.
• Cat refusing to drink or eat from a bowl.
• Slimy film, odor or flies.
• Chips or scratches.

Automatic feeders

Wash parts regularly, since food residue builds up. Check the manual. See puzzle feeders and slow feeders for cats.

Cleaning supplies you can trust

Choose plain dish soap without strong fragrance, and keep a sponge or brush just for pet dishes. Replace sponges often, since they hold bacteria. Do not use scented sprays on bowls, and rinse until no suds remain. If a bowl has an odor that does not go away, replace it. Washing bowls away from human dishes avoids cross contamination, particularly if you feed raw food.

Travel and outdoor bowls

If you use bowls outdoors for a feeding station, wash them daily and bring them in at night, since leftover food attracts wildlife and flies. On trips, pack a travel bowl and a small bottle of soap, and wash at the destination. A silicone collapsible bowl is easy to clean and pack, but check for wear. Never reuse old food containers for water, and avoid leaving food in a hot car.

When to see a vet

If your cat has persistent chin sores, stomach upset or changes in drinking, see a vet. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.