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Best Bowls for Whisker Fatigue in Cats 2024
Written by Adam Lee-Smith
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 09/25/2024, edited: 09/25/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Whisker fatigue is a phrase you’ve probably come across recently if you’re a feline pet parent — but what is whisker fatigue?
Whisker fatigue, or whisker stress, is when cats eat or drink, their sensitive whiskers rub against the sides of their bowls, causing discomfort and even pain. This stress could even cause your cat's whiskers to fall out. If your feline friend seems stressed when eating or won't finish all their food, they might suffer from whisker fatigue.
So, what can you do to help? The easiest solution to whisker fatigue is to get your purring pal whisker-friendly food and water bowls. Shallow bowls wide enough that your cat's whiskers don't touch the sides can make all the difference at dinnertime.
We've rounded up the best food and water bowls for whisker fatigue on the market, which will put the magic back into your feline friend's mealtimes!
Overview
CatGuru Food Bowls
Best all-round bowl for whisker fatigue
CatGuru Food Bowls are tried-and-tested cat bowls for whisker fatigue. They're super shallow at just 1.2 inches deep and have a ripple design to keep food in place while your purring pal chows down.
These cat bowls are made from melamine, so they don't absorb odor and can be cleaned in your dishwasher. They're pricier than some alternatives but are easily one of the best cat bowls for whisker stress on the market.
CatGuru Food Bowls
Why Wag! loves CatGuru Food Bowls
- Made from BPA-free melamine
- Just 1.2 inches deep
- Ripple design prevents food from moving during mealtime
- Dishwasher safer
Considerations & concerns
- On the pricey side
- Holds up to 5 oz. of food
What pet parents say about CatGuru Food Bowls
"I’m a new cat mom and I didn’t know about cat fatigue until I noticed my cat eating less but still noticed that he was hungry. However, these bowls have saved meal time and now my cat is licking the bowl clean! They’re lightweight and easy to clean."
"I didn't realize that the reason my cat was taking her food out of her old bowl and eating it on the floor is because her old bowls were irritating her sensitive whiskers. Compare it to us biting into something too cold for our teeth. These dishes have reduced the mess on the floor!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright CatGuru.
Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish
Best for eco-conscious pet parents
Care for your kitty's whiskers and the environment with the Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish. It's made with 47% eco-friendly and BPA-free plastic — perfect for eco-conscious pet parents.
Over 5 inches wide and just over an inch deep, the Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish is a superb choice if you're searching for a traditional cat bowl that prevents whisker fatigue.
Van Ness Ecoware Cat Dish
Why Wag! loves the Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish
- Made from 47% eco-friendly bamboo
- Only 1.25 inches deep to reduce whisker stress
- Non-skid bottom prevents bowl from moving around on
- Suitable for water and food
- Inexpensive
Considerations & concerns
- It may not be wide enough for some cats
- Not dishwasher safe
What pet parents say about the Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish
"These bowls are great, easy to clean, and the right width and depth for cats to easily eat and not have whisker's touching the sides. I've used these a long time; I have quite a few of these bowls and use them for dry and wet food. Love them and my cats seem to like them as well. Highly recommend."
"My cats seem to have an easier time eating out of these than the smaller bowls. Hopefully it helps their whiskers. They're easy to wash even though they have to be hand washed."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Van Ness Plastic Molding Co.
Disney Mickey Mouse Cat Bowl
Best for cats with digestive issues
Disney fanatics and their Simba sidekick will love this official Disney-themed food bowl. Decorated with silhouettes of your favorite cartoon characters, it's a stylish addition to your Disney collection.
The Disney Mickey Mouse Cat Bowl is on a pedestal, helping prevent your cat from getting sick after scarfing down their favorite food. It can hold up to 8 oz. of food despite being almost flat.
Disney Mickey Mouse Cat Bowl
Why Wag! loves the Disney Mickey Mouse Elevated Cat Bowl
- Adorable Disney-themed food bowl
- Elevated to help prevent vomiting after eating
- 0.5 inches deep and 6 inches wide to reduce whisker fatigue
- Dishwasher safe
Considerations & concerns
- So flat that cat food may fall on the floor
- Holes in the bottom of dish means water can get trapped after cleaning
What pet parents say about the Disney Mickey Mouse Elevated Cat Bowl
"I love that the cats aren't having to eat down to the floor. They seam to eat their food better with their food raised up. Will eat it all. I'm sure it's better for their Digestive system."
"Both of my cats had no issue switching from their flat stainless steel dishes to this ceramic dish. I have notified a significant decrease in vomiting since using these. One of my cats would eat and then immediately turn and throw it up. As for the holes in the bottom that some have commented on, they’re no issue. I hand wash and stand them up to dry. Definitely recommend and the price is great too."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Disney.
Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl
Best for multi-cat household
The Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl is the widest bowl on our list and perfect for multi-cat households. Nearly 16 inches wide and able to hold up to 20 cups of food and water, it allows several cats to chown down simultaneously without you having to worry about whisker fatigue.
Another plus of the Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl is it's raised slightly off the ground, helping cats with arthritis and digestive issues. Rubber feet mean this bowl won't slide around while being used by multiple felines.
Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl
Why Wag! loves the Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl
- Nearly 16 inches wide, allowing several cats to eat or drink without whiskers touching the sides.
- Can hold 20 cups of food or water
- Dishwasher safe
Considerations & concerns
- Deeper than other bowls designed for whisker stress
- Better suited to large cat breeds like Maine Coons
What pet parents say about the Neater Pets Non-Skid Big Bowl
"This bowl works great for my 4 cats. It’s sturdy and gives them plenty of water for the day. Plus some left over for the raccoons that visit at night ! Now I only refill once every morning instead of 2-3 times a day with the small bowl. And it never gets tipped over when they hit it while wrestling!! Very nice!"
"I love this bowl great for water and food. I have 7 cats and with this bowl they don't fight for food or water."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Neater Pets.
Bueteka Spaceship Cat Water Fountain
Best cat water fountain for whisker fatigue
The best way to prevent whisker fatigue when your cat drinks is not to have a bowl at all! We highly recommend the Bueteka Spaceship Cat Water Fountain for several reasons.
It's specially designed to be super quiet, so you won't have to worry about the sound of the fountain's pump getting on your nerves. It's also the first cat water fountain to feature a catnip ball dispenser to make your feline excited about drinking. Plus, there are two flow modes and an adjustable pipe in case your feline is fussy about drinking from a fountain.
Bueteka Spaceship Cat Water Fountain
Why Wag! loves the Bueteka Spaceship Cat Water Fountain
- Cat water fountains are perfect for reducing whisker stress
- Super quiet water pump
- Catnip ball dispenser to encourage drinking
- Three-layer filter removes hair and pollutants
Considerations & concerns
- On the pricey side
- Chance of it breaking compared to a traditional water bowl
What pet parents say about the Bueteka Spaceship Cat Water Fountain
"It’s very sleek. When my cat goes near it, it then will start the water stream. So it’s quite most of the time! And my cat loves the falling water stream, and used it the moment I out it together for him. Haha he hates sharing his bowl with dogs. We love this"
"This water fountain is fantastic! My cat likes to drinking from the running water, now he drinks more than ever before. I pire it with an automatic feeder with a built in camera, so I can easily monitor his daily eating and drinking habits. I love those new techniques! Highly recommended!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Shenzhen Wellturn Electronic Information Technology Co. LTD.
PetRageous Designs Oval Cat Dish
Best oval-shaped bowl for whisker fatigue
Oval-shaped bowls are "purrfect" for preventing whisker fatigue, and the PetRageous Designs Oval Cat Dish is our top pick. One of the reasons we love this bowl so much is its adorable design, with its molded cat ears and cutesy feline face.
Only 1.5 inches deep and 5.5 inches wide, it's designed specifically for whisker stress. Plus, it's microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and meets the FDA regulations for human consumption.
- Available colors: black, white
PetRageous Designs Oval Cat Dish
Why Wag! loves the PetRageous Designs Oval Cat Dish
- Oval-shaped to prevent whisker fatigue
- Kawaii cat-themed design
- Meets FDA regulations for human consumption
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe
Considerations & concerns
- Deeper than some other bowls for whisker stress
- On the small side at only 5.5 inches wide
What pet parents say about the PetRageous Designs Oval Cat Dish
"I have a black and a white cat so I got one of each color. I like the shape because it seems to help fits whisker fatigue. I would like there to be a little more depth to the bowl since I add water to the wet food."
"Bought a couple of these years ago, and they’re still like brand new. Ordered 2 more because their so cute and just the right size for his morning pate’."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Petrageous Designs.
FAQ
Is whisker fatigue a real thing?
How do I tell if my cat has whisker fatigue?
What bowl is best for whisker fatigue?