How Often Should You Wash a Cat’s Food & Water Bowls? Vet-Approved Advice

It is important to keep your cat’s food and water bowls as clean as possible. Cleaning them regularly can help to reduce the risk of dangerous bacterial contamination, which can lead to health issues for your pet. But how often should you be washing their dishes? Let’s take a look.

How Often Should You Wash Your Cat’s Food and Water Bowls?

The frequency at which you wash your cat’s bowls depends on several factors, including the material of the bowls, the frequency of use, and the typical cleanliness of the bowls. As a general rule, we recommend washing your cat’s food bowls after every meal. Water bowls should be washed at least once a day.

If your cat is one of the millions of picky eaters and doesn’t finish their food in one sitting, it’s essential to remove any leftover food and wash the bowl before refilling it. Wet food, in particular, can spoil quickly, so it’s important to keep the bowl clean to prevent bacterial growth. Similarly, water should be changed daily, and the bowl should be washed periodically, at least once a day, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. It’s a good idea to have several spare bowls for your cat, as you can easily grab a clean bowl for your cat if you’re ever too busy or unwell to keep up with daily bowl cleanings.

Even if the bowls appear clean, it’s important to remember that harmful bacteria can still thrive in microscopic crevices and cracks in the material. Therefore, daily washing is the best way to ensure that your cat’s bowls are free from harmful bacteria.

How to Disinfect Your Newly Clean Cat Dishes

Once you’ve washed your cat’s bowl, it’s important to disinfect them. This can be done by soaking them in a weak bleach and water solution. A good dilution for such purposes is 1:32, or a 3% dilution. Ensure you soak the dishes in the disinfectant for at least 5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing them and allowing them to completely dry overnight before using them for your cat’s food or water the next day. Alternatively, you may place your cat’s bowls in a UV sterilizer, such as those used for disinfecting baby bottles.

Both of these methods will help to kill any harmful pathogens that may still be present in the dishes. This thorough disinfection should ideally be done once a week. If your cat has an infectious disease (especially one that can spread to you, such as ringworm), a more frequent disinfection protocol should be adopted.

What to Look for in a Good Cat Bowl

When choosing a cat bowl, there are several factors to consider, including the material, size, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Material

Cat bowls come in a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic, stainless steel, and glass. Each material has its pros and cons. Plastic bowls are lightweight and inexpensive, but they can harbor bacteria and scratch easily, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Ceramic bowls can be fragile and chip easily, but they are non-porous and easy to clean. Stainless steel bowls are sturdy and non-corrosive, making them a good choice for cats that scratch or chew their bowls. Glass is another option, as it is non-porous and easy to clean, but it can be heavier and more fragile than other materials. Because shattered glass is quite dangerous for both pets and humans, such bowls aren’t recommended and should only be temporarily used (with appropriate caution) in the unlikely scenario where other options aren’t available.

Size

The size of the food bowl is also important. It should be large enough to hold an adequate amount of food or water but not so big that it’s difficult for your cat to reach. A good practice to follow is to choose a bowl that is one and a half times the size of your cat’s food or water portion.

Durability

Cats can be rough on their bowls, so it’s important to choose one that is durable and can withstand scratching and chewing. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are typically the most durable options. Plastic and silicon dishes are also durable if made with high-quality materials. Avoid flimsy bowls that may crack or chip easily. If you have a dishwasher, ensure the bowls you buy are dishwasher safe.

Ease of Cleaning

The bowl you choose should be easy to clean, with no tiny crevices or cracks that can trap food particles or bacteria. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are generally the easiest to clean.

FAQ About Washing Your Cat’s Food and Water Bowls

Do I need to use soap when washing my cat’s bowls?

It is best to use a mild dishwashing detergent to clean your cat’s bowls before wiping them down and leaving them to dry.

Is it okay to put my cat’s bowls in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can put your cat’s bowls in the dishwasher. However, this should be done on a gentle cycle and with only mild detergent. You should also make sure that any plastic components are labeled as “dishwasher safe” before putting them in the dishwasher.

What type of material is best for cat bowls?

Stainless steel or ceramics are generally the best materials for cat bowls. They are non-porous, durable, easy to clean, and won’t harbor bacteria. Plastic bowls can be lightweight and inexpensive but should probably be avoided as they can easily scratch and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

What happens if I don’t clean my cat’s bowls regularly?

Not cleaning your cat’s bowls can lead to the overgrowth of harmful pathogens, which can make your cat sick. To keep your cat healthy and safe, it is important to wash their bowls regularly and change their water daily.

Why is my cat’s water bowl slimy?

If your cat’s water bowl has a slimy buildup, it is likely due to bacteria or other contaminants. It is important to regularly wash and change your cat’s bowl to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or other pathogens.

What type of soap or cleaner should I use on my cat’s bowls?

When cleaning your cat’s bowls, you should use a mild dish soap or a pet-safe cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after using any cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals that could be toxic to your cat.

Can I put my cat’s bowl in the microwave?

Though some cat bowls are microwave safe, you shouldn’t place them in the microwave. A hot bowl or food from the microwave might easily burn your cat and scald their skin, lips, or tongue.

How can I prevent my cat’s bowl from tipping over?

The best way to keep your cat’s bowl from tipping over is to use a rubber-backed mat under the bowl. This will help keep the bowl stable and reduce the risk of spilling. You can also opt for a heavier bowl or one with a wide, stable base.

Are there any special considerations I should keep in mind when washing my cat’s bowls?

Yes, it is important to pay attention to the type of material your cat’s bowls are made from and use only mild detergents that are safe for cats. You should also avoid boiling plastic bowls and make sure to rinse thoroughly after washing, as soap residue can be toxic to cats.

Should you use separate bowls for wet food and dry food?

Yes, it is best to use separate bowls for wet food and dry food. This will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and keep your cat healthy. Additionally, it can also help you better monitor how much your cat is eating if you have designated bowls for each type of food.

Conclusion

To keep your cat healthy and happy, it’s important to keep their food and water bowls clean. Wash the bowls daily, choose a good quality bowl that is durable and easy to clean, and frequently disinfect them to ensure their longevity. The correct bowls and more importantly, their cleanliness and maintenance will go a long way to ensure a healthy life for your cat.

Featured Image Credit: MargaPI, Shutterstock