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I’ve helped my cat, a 14 pound Maine Coon, has overcome a host of feeding issues. From not eating as a juvenile, to currently eating way too quickly… and too often!
Tired of dealing with her lethargy, weight gain, and occasional vomiting, I set out to find the best slow feeder cat bowl. That model is the Lorde Slow Feeder Bowl.
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Wide and shallow for cat breeds of all sizes
- Difficult to tip over.
- Thoughtful food obstacle design
In this article, you’ll see my top recommendations and why. But, what’s best for my cat may not apply to yours, which is why I’ve categorized types of slow feeders to cater to your unique cats!
Here are the slow feeder cat bowls we will be reviewing:
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Works extremely well for kibble
- Pseudo-automatic dispensing
- Very large, wide, and whisker friendly
- Accommodates multiple cats
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly material
- Able to be used with both wet and dry food
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free, phthalate-free extremely durable hard plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Effective and inexpensive
- BPA-free plastic
- Vertical design perfect for some cats
- Ease of hand cleaning
- Adjustable difficulty
- Wide, stable base
- BPA-free plastic
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Easy to clean
- Range of difficulties
- Overall Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl – Ceramic
- Runner Up Slow Feeder Cat Bowl – Ceramic
- Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl For Wet Food
- Best Plastic Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
- Best Raised Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
- Best Slow Feeder for Cats (Diggers)
- How to Choose the Best Slow Feeder for Cats
- What is the Best Elevated Slow Feeder Cat Bowl?
- About Slow Feeder Cat Bowl Inserts
- On the Jackson Galaxy Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Slow Feeders for Cats
Overall Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl – Ceramic
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Wide and shallow for cat breeds of all sizes
- Difficult to tip over.
- Thoughtful food obstacle design
The lead-free, cadmium-free, dishwasher safe, microwaveable ceramic construction of the Lorde Slow Feeder is the primary reason why its our overall best slow feeder cat bowl.
The ceramic is non-toxic, odour-free, plus resists accumulation of bacteria, so you don’t need to worry about cat acne or other oral issues.
Besides the material though, the plate itself is wide (8.7 inches in diameter) and shallow, meaning it’s as wide and whisker friendly as some of the best cat food bowls out there!
The food “obstacles” are ridges and valleys with a smooth design that prevents the cat’s tongue and mouth from being scratched.
As your cat will dragging his tongue very thoroughly on this dish, you can see why I emphasis the sanitary aspect of ceramic so much. The Lorde model really is one the best cat slow feeders you’ll find on the market.
What We Liked:
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Wide and shallow for cat breeds of all sizes
- Difficult to tip over
- Thoughtful food obstacle design
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be hard to clean manually
Runner Up Slow Feeder Cat Bowl – Ceramic
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Works extremely well for kibble
- Pseudo-automatic dispensing
The Pioneer Pet Slow Feeder is the best option for cats who wolf down dry kibble.
Why? Well first, it features lead-free and non-toxic ceramic, so there’s no chance of bacterial growth and harming your cat. Safe, easy to clean, and sturdy too. This has to be tough to take the constant batting and abuse heaped on it!
Second, it’s kind of automatic!
Because of the funnel-shape, you load the food in from the top and it automatically distributes it to Fluffy as he fishes a few bits from the bottom.
Once you train your cat to do this, they will get both physical and mental stimulation as they eat at a healthy speed. Of course in the beginning, they’ll probably hate you, but that just speaks to the efficacy of this product.
This slow feeder cat bowl is also easy to clean in the dishwasher, not so much by hand.
What We Liked:
- High quality ceramic
- Dishwasher safe
- Works extremely well for kibble
- Pseudo-automatic dispensing
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only for dry food
Best Slow Feeder Cat Bowl For Wet Food
- Very large, wide, and whisker friendly
- Accommodates multiple cats
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly material
- Able to be used with both wet and dry food
- Dishwasher safe
If you have a larger cat, larger breed, or multiple cats, then this is the slow feeder cat bowl for you. The Simply Pets Slow Feeder is much larger compared to other models, at 10.2 inches L x 12.2 inches W x 1.5 inches H.
The design with high sides means that you can fill this up with wet food as well!
The large foraging area is conducive to a cat’s natural inclination to play with its food before eating it, and people report this product slows down their cat’s eating by 4-6 times.
Plus, that wide area is super whisker-friendly, so even big Maine Coons – with the longest whiskers of all cat breeds – are welcome to use this.
The Simply Pets Slow Feeder is made of bamboo fiber and rice husk, which completely eco-friendly and non-toxic, and safe in the dishwasher.
What We Liked:
- Very large, wide, and whisker friendly
- Accommodates multiple cats
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly material
- Able to be used with both wet and dry food
- Dishwasher safe
What We Didn’t Like:
- Maybe too big for some smaller cats or kittens
Best Plastic Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
- BPA-free, phthalate-free extremely durable hard plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Effective and inexpensive
Of all the slow feeder cat bowls out there, the alien-looking Catch Interactive Feeder is one of the best made of plastic.
Its hard plastic material is so solid that a few owners even complained it’s too hard for their cats! However, there is a good reason for the rigidity – the material is phthalate-free and BPA free.
We understand BPA to be a known hormone disruptor, with effects on the endocrine system on animals.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that make plastic and vinyl more flexible. While effects are not proven, it could possibly affect the livers, kidneys, and reproductive systems of you and your cat.
All this just means this plastic used here is just a tiny step down from ceramic in terms of safety and toxicity.
Owners really liked that the weird spikes really did slow down their cat’s eating. After an adjustment period, most cats learned to work their paws and brains to fetch bits of kibble.
So in terms of efficacy, this slow feeder just works well for fat cats and barfing cats.
The Catch Interactive Feeder is easy to clean and can also be loaded in the dishwasher.
What We Liked:
- BPA-free, phthalate-free extremely durable hard plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Effective and inexpensive
What We Didn’t Like:
- Used only for kibble
- Base can be slippery
Best Raised Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
- BPA-free plastic
- Vertical design perfect for some cats
- Ease of hand cleaning
- Adjustable difficulty
- Wide, stable base
Cats are individuals, and sometimes a flat slow feeder is not to their fancy. They might not prefer it, or maybe your cat has flexibility and mobility issues interfering with the bending over part.
For those afflicted cats, or cats who like to eat from a raised food bowl, the Catit Senses Food Tree is a great vertical-oriented slow feeder cat bowl. It forces the cat to use its instincts and all senses to forage and get the food out of contraption.
Users say their cats eating is dramatically slower, with no barfing after scarfing. A few even posted before and after pictures of their cat to show off the weight they lost!
Another cool thing is you can adjust the level of difficulty of reaching food and the change the size of openings to match many cat sizes and intelligence. This makes is a valuable, engaging toy for when your cat is home alone.
We all know one cat of a supposedly “smart, trainable” breed that is a bit slow (and we love them all the same!)
As Catit is a large, customer focused company, they redesigned the base to be more stable after customers complained their cats were tipping it over to access the sweet sweet treats. There will be more revisions too, I assume.
The Catit Catit Senses Food Tree is made of BPA-free plastic, so it’s not poisoning your cat slowly. Plus it’s easy to disassemble and simple to hand wash – a daily must do.
What We Liked:
- BPA-free plastic
- Vertical design perfect for some cats
- Ease of hand cleaning
- Adjustable difficulty
- Wide, stable base
What We Didn’t Like:
- Thin plastic and construction
- For dry kibble and treats only
Best Slow Feeder for Cats (Diggers)
- BPA-free plastic
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Easy to clean
- Range of difficulties
Owners know if their cat is a natural digger – they will dip their paws into food, both wet and dry, and dig out a tiny bit onto the ground, then play with it a bit before eating and savoring.
(My Maine Coon is one of those and it’s quite messy when she does this with wet food.)
For digging-inclined cats, the Catit 2.0 Digger Interactive is a great option to slow down their eating and add some interest at mealtimes. It really is one of the best slow feeder cat bowls if they engage in that behavior.
Digging and playing with food is an innate cat behavior – you’ve seen this in the numerous bugs and lizards and rat your little killer brings home.
No doubt they they really like eating and playing this way, and the design of this slow feeder takes advantage of that for a good reason: weight loss!
You fill multiple tubes (corresponding to difficulty and size of cats paws) with kibble or treats, and your cat will do the rest.
And don’t be concerned with bigger cats that get frustrated and try to flip the whole thing over, as this slow cat feeder comes with a mat that prevents the bowl from moving.
The feeder is easy to assemble and disassemble for those daily hand washes. Like all Catit products, the plastic is BPA-free, keeping your kitty safe from toxins.
What We Liked:
- BPA-free plastic
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Easy to clean
- Range of difficulties
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only for dry food
- Not all cats will respond to this
How to Choose the Best Slow Feeder for Cats
If you are dealing with your cat vomiting often, then it’s an urgent thing and you may purchase the first one you find.
Don’t do it.
You need to remember some vital points about buying an antivomiting cat bowl.
Antivomiting Cat Bowls Are Made of Safe Material
Like with all cat bowls, the best materials used are all easy to clean and will not retain odors.
Ceramic is the most common “good” material you’ll find. They look good, are durable, and have solid heft.
Plastic
A word on plastic, since many owners will choose plastic cat slow feeders as they are inexpensive.
If you have to pick plastic bowl, ensure that it’s a high quality plastic, and BPA and lead-free in the material and in the manufacturing process.
Your cat will leave small scratches in plastic bowls while getting the food out. The scratches may eventually lead to becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. And this can lead to kitty acne or other health issues.
Dry or Wet Food?
An essential factor for you to consider is whether the cat slow feeder will be only used for dry food, or wet food as well. Due to design elements, certain brands just can’t accommodate wet food.
I feed my cat both wet and dry food, and you probably do as well, so keep in mind the type of food your Fluffy inhales and choose the cat slow feeder that support it.
Antivomiting Cat Bowls Are Easy To Cleaning
Cats are generally clean animals that love a clean environment, especially at mealtime.
With those wonderfully strong olfactory or smell receptors, cats certainly detect if you’ve cleaned the slow feed bowl with soap and water! And if not, maybe they just won’t eat.
So as you purchase a cat slow feeder, consider its ease of cleaning and if it’s something you can toss in the dishwasher or will it require your own manual dexterity in the sink.
As you see these products, it’ll be apparent some will be more challenging to clean due to the patterns and obstacles. Don’t let the cat slow feeder become a slow-cleaner for you!
Slow Feeder Cat Bowl Size vs Your Cat
Cats and breeds come in a wonderful variety sizes and shapes. Think the overall size of your cat vs the slow feeder. It’s always better to go with a bigger size. Why?
First, if your cat has large paws or a bigger face, a small slow cat feeder will be frustrating because they will have a difficult (if not impossible) time retrieving the food, as they can’t fit.
Second, your normal amount of food has to fit on it. It’s inconvenient if you are required to refill a too-small antivomiting cat bowl your cat eats.
Third is something called whisker fatigue. Some cats hate it when their whiskers repeatedly bump into the sides of a bowl when eating, like from out of a deep bowl.
Whiskers are fine instruments that detect extremely minute details, and getting them stimulated while eating is a no-go for some cats.
What is the Best Elevated Slow Feeder Cat Bowl?
I recommend the Catit Senses Food Tree as the best elevated slow feeder cat bowl. It’s sturdy and stable, and really engages cat’s senses to get food out.
Cats have eating preferences, and for those who like to eat from an elevated position slowly, this slow feed bowl is for them.
About Slow Feeder Cat Bowl Inserts
Personally I don’t like slow feeder cat bowl inserts. They seem overpriced for little plastic bits you place in a bowl that are supposed to make it harder to eat.
Also, cats like eating from a wide, flat area because it is whisker friendly. If you are using a whisker-friendly cat feeding bowl, there is no room to insert anything.
I say just spend a few more dollars and get one of the above quality, dedicated whisker friendly wide slow feeder cat bowls!
On the Jackson Galaxy Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
I like the idea and design overall of the Jackson Galaxy Slow feeder cat bowl. It offers a flat “table” eating area and a trough along the edges to catch overflow.
There are fish tails that jut out of the table that act as puzzles to the food. You can also adjust the difficulty and add or remove fish tails, a good move to fit all cats.
But this slow feeder has mixed reviews according to owners, to be honest. A few people talk about pieces of the fish tails breaking off and animals swallowing them.
Every product has negative reviews, so please do your research on this product.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Slow Feeders for Cats
Are slow feeders or suitable for cats?
Yes, slow feeders are suitable for cats. Cats in the wild and throughout history did not eat 2 or 3 scheduled meals daily, heaped in a bowl They had to hunt, forage, use their wits and strength to acquire food. Slow feeders take advantage of this innate behavior to fix problems of the modern world – too much food at once, and being overweight.
Plus, using a slow feeder also stimulates your cat cat both physically and mentally as they figure out how to get its food.
How can I slow down my cat’s eating?
You can slow down your cats feeding by using a slow feeder, also known as a puzzle feeder. These dishes, bowls, and toys requires your cat to use its brain a bit, plus some old fashion work to solve puzzles and get the prize: their food. For cats, it also satisfies that hunting urge.
Are puzzle feeders suitable for cats?
Yes, puzzle feeders are great for cats! Puzzle feeders engage the cat both physically and mentally on how to get their food.
The main things puzzles feeder do for cats is encourage a healthy rate of eating, so they do not inhale all their food quickly, then get sick or experience indigestion. And because eating takes longer, cats are able to lose weight and be healthier overall.
Do slow feeders work for cats?
Yes, they work for overweight cats and greedy cats who get sick after mealtime. The best cat slow feeders do a great job of slowing down eating by making them work through little puzzles to get their foods. Because cats like playing with their food, it’s a natural fit to their behavior and lifestyle.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
