We take reviews seriously. This article has product links we may be compensated for as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you.
For preventing water messes from cats that splash or spill their water, I recommend the Neater Feeder Deluxe for Cats as the best spill proof cat water bowl.
- High splashguard keeps water contained and off floors
- Stainless steel bowls
- Nonslip rubber feet
- Every component dishwasher-safe
- Reasonable price
I know how frustrating it is to constantly clean up water on your floors from your cat’s bowl or dish. My cat loves to play in her water, splashing it out and creating a slippery mess.
After addressing this behavior and researching solutions, I learned a lot about what makes a good spill proof water bowl. The Neater Feeder Deluxe has been the best option for my cat’s splashing habit.
However, the best bowl for my cat may not suit yours if they like to knock over or swat their bowl around. That’s why I’ve included other great spill proof bowls in different categories. If your cat can’t keep water in her bowl, this will be helpful!
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
HeavyBowl Stainless Steel Cat Bowl
- Whisker-friendly Type
- Weighted Bottom Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel Construction
URPOWER Stainless Steel Bowls with Silicon Mat
- Non-slip Silicone Mat Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel, Silicone Construction
- Fountain Type
- No Standing Water Anti-Spill Feature
- Plastic/Stainless Steel Construction
Indipets Stainless Steel Spill Proof Splash Free Bowl
- Top Anti-splash Ring, Bottom Anti-skid Base Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel Construction
BAANIN Feeder and Automatic Water Dispenser Set
- Gravity Dispenser Type
- Limited Standing Water Anti-Spill Feature
- Plastic Construction
- Overall Best Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Best Heavyweight Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Best Non Slip Untippable Cat Water Bowl
- Best Spill Proof Cat Water Fountain
- Best Stainless Steel No Spill Cat Water Bowl
- Also Great Spill Proof Cat Water Dish
- Best Whisker Friendly Splash Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Elevated for Senior Cats
- Budget Pick Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Best Gravity Water Bowl
- How to Choose a Spill Proof Water Bowl
- Types of Spill Proof Water Bowls
- Why Do Cats Spill Water Out of Bowls?
- DIY Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overall Best Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- High splashguard keeps water contained and off floors
- Stainless steel bowls
- Nonslip rubber feet
- Every component dishwasher-safe
- Reasonable price
The Neater Feeder my pick for the best spill proof cat water bowl if you’re ready to try anything to stop messy bowl habits – the essential option if your cat’s splashing habits make your floors a mess on the daily!
All spills and messes are completely contained within this feeding system without ever finding their way to your floors.
First, you’re getting an elevated bowl holder that keeps your food and water dishes nicely locked in. The higher drinking and eating position is actually more comfortable for many cats.
Second, any spilled food is actually separated and contained at the top of the Neater Feeder Deluxe.
Any spilled water drains into the stand’s special catch basin. It all leads to a completely uncontaminated feeding area that stays neat and clean.
You might be wondering what’s stopping your cat from just pushing the stand around to cause chaos. The stand is pretty bulky and has non-skid rubber feet that help prevent sliding or movement.
Reviewers say this spill proof cat water bowl system is definitely worth the money. It’s effective at stopping messes and is easy to clean.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.25/10
What We Liked:
- Price is very reasonable
- Great for keeping messes off floors and walls
- Safeguards against leaks and messes
- Every part can go in the dishwasher
What We Didn’t Like:
- Whole new system
- May be light enough for larger cats to move
Best Spill Proof Heavy Cat Water Bowl
- Whisker-friendly Type
- Weighted Bottom Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel Construction
With a name like the Heavybowl Stainless Steel Bowl, you already know the benefits of this 2.5 pound utensil for a cat that bats around other water or food bowls, making a mess.
Thick stainless steel construction is further stabilized by a 3/8 inch thick steel plate welded to the bowl’s base. A non-slip silicone rubber base adds even more grip if your bodybuilder cat can somehow bench press 2.5 pounds.
The large 60 oz capacity mean this weighted spill proof cat water bowl works well with water or food. While this is a top pick because of how its simple and effective nature, I also love that the HeavyBowl is hygienic stainless steel.
I always advise to avoid potentially toxic plastics, and use easy to clean, non-porous, non-leeching stainless steel whenever possible. Basically, materials like stainless steel won’t smell bad, so there’s no chance of your cat scratching and expressing discontent about the condition of her water bowl.
Stainless also won’t shatter like ceramic or glass, two other good options for dishes. This rugged, one piece heavy cat water bowl is totally fine for the dishwasher, too.
Purchasers commonly express how happy they are with the HeavyBowl’s construction, splash-reducing ability, and weight. If it were any heavier, it might be too much for everybody to hold, definitely one of the best spill proof cat water bowls.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 10/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.5/10
What We Liked:
- 2.5 pounds
- Solid, heavy construction
- Non-slip rubber base
- Stainless steel
- Dishwasher friendly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Maybe a little big for some cats
Best Non Slip Untippable Cat Water Bowl
- Non-slip Silicone Mat Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel, Silicone Construction
You’ll love this untippable cat water bowl if your cat is feisty and treating bowls like hockey pucks. A non-skidding, non-flipping silicone mat puts a hard stop on that behavior.
This useful mat keeps the bowls secure and can take some spills and food particles without getting ruined. The design’s large base and slightly upturned edges help to catch any spills before they hit your floor.
While the rubber mat is cool, the bowls that come with the URPOWER Stainless Steel Bowls with Silicon Mat are also nice.
Bowls are made with a stainless steel that looks great. You know my stance on stainless steel – it’s always cleaner, safer, and more durable vs plastic.
The bowls are easy to clean. In fact, the silicone mat and bowls can all go in the dishwasher.
Overall, the set creates a neat, clean look with water and/or water contained in one area. Keep in mind some cats do not like food and water to in close proximity. That’s the case, this set is not for them.
Purchasers overwhelmingly recommend this set, and say that the rubber mat and bowls are high quality. They like that clean up is a snap and the whole thing stays attached to the floor.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 8/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 8.25/10
What We Liked:
- Large non-slip silicone mat catches messes
- Stainless steel bowls
- Really easy to clean every part of this set
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not as nonslip on carpet
Best Spill Proof Cat Water Fountain
- Fountain Type
- No Standing Water Anti-Spill Feature
- Plastic/Stainless Steel Construction
I’m excited about sharing this one because I’m a fan of fountains for cats. My Maine Coon really loves this style because she’s entranced by moving water.
So if your cat bats and treats water like toy, the Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain is for you. Now, you might be saying there are lots of cat water fountains out there, why this one?
- Also available with a stainless steel top
The answer is because on this spill proof cat water fountain, the water flow is quite thin, and there is minimal pooling of water before recirculating! Thus more water for drinking and less for making a mess.
There are three different flow variations (flow, gurgle, stream, all of them thin and with minimal pools) to use to entice your cat to drink more.
Like all recirculating fountains, moving water creates creates tastier water via oxygenation. A 3 step filter with carbon, physical mesh, and a water softener keep everything fresh and clean.
The fountain runs with a small, quiet pump. That does mean you have to keep this untippable cat water fountain plugged in all the time, though.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 7/10
- Ease of Cleaning 6/10
- Build Quality 8/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 7/10
What We Liked:
- Circulating water without large pools of water
- Triple action filter
- Great price
What We Didn’t Like:
- Needs to be plugged in
- Filter will need to be replaced
Best Stainless Steel No Spill Cat Water Bowl
- Top Anti-splash Ring, Bottom Anti-skid Base Anti-Spill Feature
- Stainless Steel Construction
If you simply want a stainless steel no spill cat water bowl without extra bells and whistles, and you have a smaller cat, this is for you.
The Indipets Stainless Steel Spill Proof Splash Free Bowl comes with a splash-guard lid to keep messes contained. This cover snaps off for easy cleaning. Plus, it’s the right material!
A rubber gasket on the bottom help prevents movement and sliding. So while it will stop a messy cat from creating a lake in your kitchen chaos, it won’t deter a bigger cat determined to move a bowl around.
The design is too lightweight for this, which is why this is recommended for smaller cats. Purchasers did say this spill proof cat water bowl was effective for reducing splashes and product is good quality.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 8/10
- Build Quality 6/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 7.75/10
What We Liked:
- Simple, effective design
- Top snaps off for easy cleaning
- Value
What We Didn’t Like:
- Too lightweight to stop a strong cat
- The permanent rubber gasket on the bottom can be difficult to clean
Also Great No Spill Cat Water Bowl
- No exposed water
- Very spill proof
- Filters hair and debris
- Great for travel
- Slows down drinking pace for excited drinkers
Any list like this has to include this LumoLeaf no spill cat water bowl and its unique design and splash proof mechanism. You fill the bowl with water and place the “floating disk” cover on top.
The disk is almost completely closed except for a small indented area. When your cat licks the floating disk, a portioned amount of water comes out from the hole. Just like that, no splashing,
Another perk of the design is that dust and pet hair are actually prevented from falling into the water bowl. It always grossed me out to find cat hair floating in her water bowl or fountain sometimes.
The LumoLeaf Pet Water Bowl also has an anti-slip base that keeps it in the same spot on your floor.
This untippable cat water bowl isn’t just great for messy cats. It also slows down your cat’s water consumption. If you have a cat with a habit of gulping too fast, you know it can cause gas and vomiting.
This doubles as my pick for the best travel water dish. The anti-spill enclosed design keeps water contained to prevent spills caused by bumps and jolts while driving.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 7/10
- Ease of Cleaning 6/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 7.25/10
What We Liked:
- No exposed water
- Very spill proof
- Filters hair and debris
- Great for travel
- Slows down drinking pace for excited drinkers
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic
- Requires regular cleaning of moving parts
- Some cats may become frustrated by the limited water output
- May need to train cat to use bowl
Best Whisker Friendly No Spill Cat Water Bowl
- Hygienic stainless steel
- Truly whisker friendly
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Included non-slip silicone mat
For a cat with whisker fatigue, a normal water bowl is uncomfortable to use. That may be why your cat is messing with the water and doing everything except drinking from it.
The Dr. Catsby Whisker Friendly Water Bowl is the ultimate choice for tired whiskers, as this wide dish with shallow design creates a stress-free drinking experience for your cat.
This is made from a nontoxic, non-allergenic version of kitchen-grade stainless steel that is far more hygienic than plastic.
I’m always a fan of stainless steel because it doesn’t absorb bacteria and doesn’t hold on to odors. This particular stainless-steel no spill water bowl for cats can go in the dishwasher, too.
This clever design comes with a food-grade silicone non-slip mat to stop the dish from sliding on the floor. The “low and flat” design is what prevents your cat from flipping and tipping!
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 10/10
- Build Quality 10/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.75/10
What We Liked:
- Hygienic stainless steel
- Truly whisker friendly
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Included non-slip silicone mat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bowl doesn’t really prevent splashing
Elevated for Senior Cats
- Perfect for senior or inflexible cats
- Allows for a more comfortable drinking position for many cats
- High build quality
- Porcelain material
- Good looking and affordable
- Easy to clean
Do you have an older cat or one with flexibility/joint issues? Then this no spill water bowl for cats is a real treat!
Slightly elevated and designed to meet your cat at mouth level for easier drinking, this bowl means your cat doesn’t have to tilt her neck down so much to drink.
I like that it’s made from non-absorbent porcelain that can be used in both the dishwasher and microwave. Porcelain, like stainless steel is hygienic and non-porous, non toxic and doesn’t absorb odors. Way better than plastic!
Next, the untippable cat water bowl has an inner lip that can catch splashing messes. Overall, I like that the Necoichi Raised Stress Free Cat Water Bowl manages to be a very cute, stylish bowl with a specific purpose, that includes a clever spill-proof design.
Reviewers generally say these are high quality bowls that reduce splashing, and really help some cats drink more water!
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 10/10
- Build Quality 10/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 9.25/10
What We Liked:
- Perfect for senior or inflexible cats
- Allows for a more comfortable drinking position for many cats
- High build quality
- Porcelain material
- Good looking and affordable
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Feisty cats may be able to tip over bowl
Budget Best Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
- Top Anti-splash Ring Anti-Spill Feature
- Plastic Construction
The Petmate No Spill Bowl is a cheap, easy pick that’s perfect if you want a no-nonsense solution for boisterous bowl behavior.
This no spill water bowl for cats has a sturdy plastic design. The wide rim on top makes it difficult for your cat to spill water. While the bowl looks lightweight in pictures, it actually has a heavy base that stops a cat from knocking it around.
My recommendation for making the most of this simple design is actually to use it on top of a rubber mat for even more protection.
Many purchasers say this spill proof water bowl for cats keeps water contained well and it very good value for the money. Some people also recommend this bowl highly for traveling.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 6/10
- Ease of Cleaning 10/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 8.25/10
What We Liked:
- Simple, effective design
- Affordable
- Great for travel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic
- Definitely not whisker friendly
Best Gravity Water Bowl
- Gravity Dispenser Type
- Limited Standing Water Anti-Spill Feature
- Plastic Construction
This gravity-fed water bowl set up here is really one of the most splash proof because the water is not even in the bowl – it’s contained in a bottle offsite.
It relies on something called the “siphon principle” to slowly control the release of water into an elevated cat bowl. It’s similar to the “floating disk” type of bowl, but with even more water containment.
Water capacity can last up to four days for a single cat with the BAANIN Feeder and Automatic Water Dispenser Set. The bottle itself has a large capacity and is transparent to ensure that you can always monitor water levels.
I personally like that there’s a water tank filter that keeps the water fresh, clean and free of debris. The filter also has a food-grade activated carbon filter.
This spill proof water bowl for cats system is made using food-grade, nontoxic materials that resist odor absorption. In addition, the glass bowl sits on an ABS resin base. A skid-free base that prevents the unit from moving around on the floor.
Overall, this set earns points by providing secure spots for both water and food. Purchasers are mostly very satisfied, saying its the best gravity water bowl system and it prevents messes.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance 6/10
- Ease of Cleaning 7/10
- Build Quality 7/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 7/10
What We Liked:
- Water is secured in a reserved tank to prevent spills
- Fresh water at consistent intervals
- Built-in filtration system
- Decent price for the sophistication level
- Simple to use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Takes up a lot of space
How to Choose a Spill Proof Water Bowl
Many cats, including mine, find water enjoyable, and not just to drink. My cat is a Maine Coon and her breed is well known for a penchant for water. She will bat and paw in the any water vessel to entertain herself.
While she does not (yet) attempt to knock her over bowls of water, I know other cats do. We’re here to help with that! Here are the key things to have in mind as you explore the different spill proof water bowls.
Materials
Choose a material that is hygienic. Stainless steel is often preferred for no tip cat water bowls because it doesn’t hold on to odors. However, the most important thing is that you’re choosing a food-grade bowl.
Size or Capacity
A water bowl should have enough water for at least 24 hours. According to Cornell University, cats need to consume about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight daily.
A normal 10-pound cat should drink about one cup of water every day. Do the math on the total water-to-weight equation for all cats in your household to determine the minimum size needed.
Shape and Type
You have to take your cat’s personality into consideration. Does your cat love running water? Consider a fountain. Is your cat known to be sensitive about dunking her whiskers?
Consider low, shallow bowls. You’ll even find ergonomic models that reach “chin height” to help older cats avoid the need to “stoop” with their necks.
Easy to Clean
Stainless steel is often the winner for easy cleaning. However, you want to make sure that any option you choose is free from excessive nooks that can trap bacteria. A quality bowl will be safe for the dishwasher.
Heavy Base
A heavy base is often all that’s needed to stop water-dish mayhem! Look for a base that makes it harder for your cat to shift and tip a bowl.
My reviews for helping you find a cat water bowl that won’t tip over actually feature several models with bowls that lock into firm bases.
Non-Slip Features
Rubber gaskets and legs are great for preventing slippage on spill proof cat bowls. The smooth bottoms of most water dishes make it easy for cats to slide dishes around using paws or chins. Make sure there’s some resistance there!
Types of Spill Proof Water Bowls
I want to briefly go over the types of bowls you’re able to find out there when shopping for the best spill proof cat water bowl! Just how do you stop your cat from spilling water bowl? Put the following on your radar:
Normal Bowl With Inner Lip
I recommend this style of non spill water bowl for cats highly for cats that like still water.
Fountains
Cat water fountains ended up being my personal choice for my kitty! It’s a winner if your cat loves moving water sources. Consider this if you catch your cat going after water from sink faucets and toilets.
Weighted, Heavy Cat Water Bowls
Is your cat a flipper? Avoid the constant spill disasters with a splash proof cat water bowl that’s too heavy for cat paws to flip.
Non-Slip Bowls
Does your cat treat her bowl like a hockey puck? A splash proof cat water bowl is the answer!
Gravity Water Bowls/Slow-Drink Bowls
These are great because they stop excessive splashing that can leave constant water trails around your bowl. They are also great for busy cat owners because they keep water fresh for days.
Silicone Mats
This is for both intentional splashers and messy cats. Mats save your floors!
Whisker-Friendly Bowls
A cat’s whiskers are so sensitive. Bad bowl behavior sometimes simply comes down to whisker fatigue from “dunking.” Work it out with a bowl built to give whiskers a rest.
Why Do Cats Spill Water Out of Bowls?
If only we could ask them! It’s easy to think that a cat is just being sassy when making a wet mess. The truth is that cats have many reasons for “bad bowl behavior.” Your cat may even be trying to tell you something!
Here’s why cats splash their bowls!
Playfulness
Your cat may just be a motion junkie! Even humans love to play in the water. Cats are no different. It’s very possible that your cat just finds the movement of water exciting.
Boredom
Cats sometimes entertain themselves with their water bowls when they’re bored. Consider adding some new toys or forms of stimulation if you suspect boredom is behind bad bowl behavior.
Moving Water Preference
Some cats just love moving water. Maybe your cat’s ancestors lived beside a waterfall! I know that my cat falls into this category. Cats that love moving water can benefit from fountain water drinkers.
Displeasure
Your cat may be telling you that the setup for the water bowl is all wrong. Your cat may hate the smell or texture of the bowl. What’s more, the water you are giving may not be tasty.
Consider switching to bottled water for a bit to see if the displeasure subsides. Some cats actually protest when you place their water bowls too close to their food.
They Want Your Attention
Does the water bowl get turned over when you’re gone for the day? Your cat may be experiencing separation anxiety while you’re gone. Messing with the water dish could be an attempt to get your attention!
DIY Spill Proof Cat Water Bowl
Want to DIY a spill proof cat water bowl? While I recommend simply buying one of the above as they are so affordable, you can actually build a super rugged and heavy bowl.
For you folks out there in the country or on a farm, with some parts lying around, you can try recycling a used tired (cleaned, of course) combine with a bucket for guaranteed unmovable water bowl! Check it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my cat to stop spilling the water bowl?
First, confirm that your cat isn’t alerting you to a problem. A water dish with a lingering smell can make a cat upset. Some cats also dislike water dishes placed too close to food dishes.
Finally, your cat may be acting up due to separation anxiety. It may be time to upgrade to one of the best spill proof cat water bowls above if your cat simply enjoys making a mess.
What kind of water bowls do cats like?
This varies by cat! Some cats like fountain water bowls because they enjoy moving water. A telltale sign that your cat wants moving water is a habit of drinking from sinks and toilets.
Most cats simply like clean water bowls that they can easily access without dunking their whiskers.
How big should a cat water bowl be?
A cat’s water bowl should be changed every day unless you’re using a gravity-fed system with a filtered tank. Bowls should be large enough to hold enough water for at least 24 hours.
Keep in mind that cats need to consume about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight per day. A 10-pound cat will drink at least one cup of water daily.
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.
