How Safe Is Dishwashing for Cat Bowls & Pet Bowls?

Your cat visits its food bowl multiple times every day whether you wash it or not. If you want to protect your cat or other pet from bacteria, odor and insects, the washability of your pet's food bowl is very important.

  1. Non-Plastic Food Bowls

    • Many cat or pet food bowls are made of ceramics, metal, glass or stoneware. Most commercially available food bowls made of these materials will be dishwasher safe, so you can wash them in the dishwasher with no concerns. If you have a special or fragile food bowl, you may want to wash it by hand.

    Plastic Food Bowls

    • Most plastic food bowls are also washable in the dishwasher. Put the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher to avoid the risk of its melting.

    Washing Your Cat's Food Bowl

    • Run the cat's food bowl in the regular dishwasher load with the rest of your dishes. If you choose to wash the bowl by hand, use the hottest water possible and scrub any remnants of food out of the bowl, being careful not to scratch the bowl.