1. Reopet Silicone Cat Bowl Mat
Key Features
Made from premium grade silicone
Naturally waterproof and non-slip
Raised outer border contain spills dishwasher safe
Available in a choice of 11 colors
Made from premium grade pet safe silicone, this straightforward cat food mat ticks all the boxes. It’s waterproof and foldable so a good choice if you like to travel with your pet. It’s also durable enough for everyday use. And the silicone material means it has natural sticky properties to make it non-slip.
There’s a raised outer border, which while not huge does go some way to keep any spilt water or food contained. It is easy to keep clean too, as it’s dishwasher safe or can be simply wiped down with a wet cloth if you don’t have much time.
Available in 11 colors, you should be able to match this silicone cat feeding mat to your home. And with three sizes, this durable mat is suitable for dogs as well as cats. For less than $10, we think this is a best cat food mat top buy.
2. Gorilla Grip Pet Feeding Mat
Key Features
Waterproof, non-slip silicone
Raised edge to prevent spills
Anti-slip raised dots on top surface
Dishwasher safe
If you like silicone material but prefer a more substantial mat, then this thick slip-resistant cat food mat is a contender. You get a choice of six cat feeding mat sizes, all are made from 100% waterproof and pet-safe silicone that grips the floor securely for minimal movement.
There’s also a raised outer lip around the perimeter to counter messy eaters, although users report the edge is on the smaller side. However, the topside also has raised dots which secure their bowls and further reduces food scatter for a neat and tidy mealtime station for your cat or cats.
With over 18 color choices, you can match this durable silicone cat food mat to your décor or opt for darker shades to reduce the look of any mess. And when it comes to clean up, it couldn’t be easier as the whole mat is machine washable.
3. CatGuru Cat Food Mat
Key Features
BPA and PVC free food grade silicone
Extra high lip to contain food spills
Can hold up to five cups of water
Shaped edges for a comfortable eating experience
This mat from CatGuru has an impressive claim – it can hold up to five cups of spilled food and water thanks to its hardworking raised edges. And that means this silicone mat is a good choice for super-messy eaters or multiple cats.
The silicone material is food grade, non-allergic and is naturally waterproof. And it has been shaped to dip in slightly on two sides to give your cat a comfortable approach towards their dinner bowl. It is anti-slide too and will stay securely in place, with enough top space for a couple of pet bowls.
As it’s BPA and PVC free, there’s no nasty chemical smell. And any spills are easily mopped up – simply wipe with a wet rag and rinse, or pop into the dishwasher. Available in three sizes, the choice of four ice-cream colors is cute too and bring a touch of freshness to your kit’s s feeding station.
4. Senmipy Silicone Pet Food Mat
Key Features
Flexible, non toxic silicone
100% waterproof with raised edges
Raised surface dots secure their bowls
Five sizes and color choices
While not the thickest mat in our best cat food mat review, there’s no denying the durability of the waterproof and hypoallergenic silicone. And if safety is a concern, then the FDA grade silicone used in this mat is also non-toxic and BPA free.
With a choice of five sizes and colorways, there’s a Senmipy cat food mat for every feline-owning family. And it’s flexible, so can be easily rolled for transport or storage.
The raised edges keep their pet food contained and as it is dishwasher safe, it can be quickly cleaned for a hygienic home. We also like the dotted texture on the upper side to stop meal bowls being pushed around and to create a more stable platform from which your kit can happily eat.
5. Hoki Found Waterproof Pet Feeding Mats
Key Features
Extra high edges to contain spills
Heat resistant silicone
Non toxic and waterproof mat
Available in five sizes
If your kit is a particularly messy eater, then a cat food mat with a higher raised outer lip can help to keep all that spilled water or food contained.
This premium silicone cat food mat from Hoki features an extra high raised edge to provide additional protection but won’t interfere with your pets’ ability to eat. The silicone is also a durable material that can withstand both high and low temperatures, as well as being waterproof and anti-slip. It can also be rolled so a good option when traveling with your feline friend.
The design is simple yet smart and as you have a choice of five sizes and 16 colors, would look good as a feeding station in any home. And the whole mat can either be wiped down with a wet cloth or popped into the dishwasher for extra, deep cleaning.
6. PetFusion Cat Food Mat
Key Features
FDA approved silicone
Anti-microbial, stain resistant
Raised lip and anti-slip upper
Machine washable
Made from premium FDA approved silicone, this cat food mat is a tough cookie, and offers extra protection against allergic reactions, spills, and stains. While silicone has its natural non-slip properties, you also get anti-slip bumps on the surface to keep their bowls safe and secure. The outer edge features a raised lip, and curves in to make feeding easier for your cat.
Available in three decent sizes, the whole mat is also anti-microbial as well as waterproof to keep your kit’s feeding station neat. And it can be washed in several ways, including rinsing, wiping or in the dishwasher without losing its shape. Add in a 12-month warranty and we think this cat food mat is a good buy.
7. Cosyearn Pet Feeding Mat
Key Features
Made from non-toxic rubber
Waterproof and hypoallergenic
Grooved pattern to capture spilled food
Anti skid backing
Funk up their feeding station with this smart-looking flat cat mat featuring a lovely floral or geometric design.
Made from waterproof rubber that is made from food grade materials, this soft mat comes in two sizes. The surface includes a grooved pattern which catches spilt food and keeps it away from your floor. Underneath you also get a non-slip backing to keep the mat in one place, creating a secure space for your cat to enjoy their mealtime.
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic, this cat food mat can also be used for dogs and when it gets too messy can be quickly rinsed under the tap. However, machine washing is not advised.
8. Pinctrot Pet Feeding Mat
Key Features
BPA-free, food grade silicone
Cute kitty shape with raised outer lip
Waterproof and non-slip
Dishwasher safe and rollable
We seriously up the cute factor with this gorgeous kit-shaped food mat from Pinctrot. Designed to take the dull out of their dinner time, your cat will love to eat from this feline molded mat.
Made from non toxic silicone that’s waterproof and BPA free, the mat is also soft and flexible and has sufficient space for both a small water and food bowl. There’s a raised outer lip too, to keep any water or food spillage contained and the head space could even be used for treats!
As well as the kitty shape, you can also choose from four colors and the size should work with most pets, including dogs and rabbits as well as cats. Clean by rinsing, it’s also dishwasher safe and can be rolled up for safe storage.
9. Bella Fish-Shaped Mat for Cats
Key Features
Sized to hold three bowls
BPA free, durable plastic
Slip-resistant surface and raised lip
Includes anti-skid feet
Loving Pets have come up with the ultimate fish platter for your cat, thanks to this fish-shaped food mat made from durable BPA free plastic. Sized to hold up to three bowls, this is a good option for the multi-cat home too and can withstand both indoor and outdoor use.
As well as a raised outer lip, the fish scales act as an anti-skid surface to keep bowls securely in place and contain spills and food scattered by your hungry kit. Underneath you also have anti-skid feet to keep the mat still and protect your floor.
This is a cute mat that is also practical, hardwearing, and easy to clean – a simple daily rinse under the tap is all you need to keep your kit happy at every mealtime.
10. Cavalier Pets Mat
Key Features
Made from anti-slip silicone and vinyl
Woven surface captures water and food
Protects your floor from water spills and seepage
Easy to clean and store
Simple yet effective, Cavalier Pets’ food mat has been designed to last. This is a large cat food mat made from high quality silicone and vinyl to create a tough woven mat with a non slip backing that resembles a door mat.
The woven design captures excess water and food spills without any seepage while the flexible mat stays secure. The neutral color works with most home decors and hides any marks or dirt well. Cleaning is quick too, wash with soap and then rinse under the tap and allow to dry.
As well as a food mat, you can also use this mat for a play area or as a sitting space, especially if your cat is prone to dirty paws.
11. PetRageous Tapestry Placemat for Cats
Key Features
65% cotton and 35% polyester
Non-skid rubber backing
Absorbs and holds moisture
Easy care – machine washable
Moving on to a fabric cat food mat, this ‘One Spoiled Cat’ tapestry design looks great and works as decent base for your kit’s food bowls.
Made from cotton and polyester, this fabric cat food mat is not as durable or waterproof as silicone or rubber but can hold its own against everyday use and messy spills from food and water. It also has a non-skid rubber backing to hold everything in place and protect your carpet or hard floor.
At 13-inch x 19-inch, the mat size is good too, and should work well with most domestic spaces. Users do report that this pet food mat could be a little thicker, and the rubber backing can wear down eventually. But the whole mat is machine washable and quick drying so if fabric is your thing, then this cat food mat is worth a try.
12. Van Ness Small Dinner Mat
Key Features
Small cat food mat made from rubber
Raised outer to contain food
Patterned surface
Anti-slip and easy to rinse clean
Compact and bijou, this small pet food mat is for cats as well as small dogs and at less than $8, won’t break the bank. Made from a rough rubber, this is a raised small cat food mat, with an upper lip to contain any spills and the rounded shape is welcoming to your pet. The upper also features a kitten design which helps to capture and contain any food and water mess your pet likes to create.
The whole cat food mat is also anti-skid and grips nicely to a hard floor while helping to protect the surface from any scrapes. In short, this is one of those no-frills small cat food mats that does what it says on the tin. And we can’t say fairer that that!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Why a Cat Food Mat is Necessary
Although cats are fastidious when it comes to their own cleanliness, they are not always the tidiest of eaters. And if you have more than one kit, it can look more like a food fight come dinner time! If this sounds familiar, then a cat food mat is a very good idea.
Cat food mats are necessary for many cat parents to help protect their floor against water and food spills. And as cats are messy eaters, a raised edge mat can help to stop food bits from spreading too far. The best cat food mats are non-slip which can also help to reduce your pet playing with their food, especially if they are still kittens, as their bowls won’t be a distraction by moving around.
Another good reason to buy a cat food mat is to create a defined space that your cat will come to recognize as their feeding space. And they help to keep their food and water bowl in place and looking neat.
Finally, using a cat food mat makes clean-up so much easier, and as most are washable, you can ensure your cat’s feeding area is hygienically clean.
The Best Cat Food Mat - Important Features to Consider
Depending on your cat, or cats, and the space you have for their food station, there are a few important features to consider when buying a new cat feeding mat. Here are the main things to look for in a good cat food mat:
Material
Choosing the right high quality materials for your cat food mat can make all the difference. There are several main types of material used – silicone, rubber, plastic, and microfiber.
Silicone is the most popular as it's waterproof, durable, non-slip and easy to clean. But they can be on the more expensive side. Rubber is cheaper, non-slip and easy to care for but doesn’t always look so neat. Plastic pet feeding mats are another option, although more fragile and need to have an anti-slip coating added to the bottom.
Finally, a microfiber or woven fabric cat food mat is good at absorbing spills. But fabric mats won’t last as long as other types of cat mat materials.
Pet-safe
As your cat will be eating and drinking near to or from its surface, then the material used for a cat food mat should be non toxic. Always check the packaging – if made from silicone it should be food-grade, or for any other material, it should have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pet safety.
Size
When it comes to choosing a cat food mat, it isn’t always the case of one size fits all.
The size of mat you choose will be influenced by not just your cat’s size but also their age and breed. For example, although kittens are smaller, they tend to be messier eaters, so a large cat food mat to contain all that spilled food would be a good idea.
Your cat feeding mats should also be big enough to accommodate both a food and water bowl. And if you have more than one cat, then it needs to be large enough to cope with multiple cats feeding all at once.
Non-slip
Cats are active animals, even during their feeding time and many also like to play with their food. So, their food mat needs to stay in place to avoid accidents, mess, and spills.
Rubber and silicone mats are naturally non-slip and seal well with a tiled, wooden, or hard floor. Alternatively, look for cat feeding mats that have an anti-slip coating on the bottom, a non-skid rubber backing or grips to keep the mat, especially with fabric mats – and so their food and water bowls – secure.
Raised edges
Particularly if your cat is a messy eater, you may want to consider cat food mats that have high or raised edges. These edges will keep any spills contained and away from your carpet or hard floor while also helping to keep the mat stable. This raised lip should run around the edge and not be so high that it interferes with your pet’s normal feeding and drinking.
Easy to clean
It's inevitable that any cat food mat will get mucky and so you need a mat that's super-easy to keep clean. Ideally, the material should be dishwasher safe so it can be popped into the dishwasher or washing machine for total convenience. If not, choose a cat mat that can be safely cleaned with dish soap and a wet cloth and rinsed in the sink, before being quick to air or wipe dry.
General design
While the other features listed are practical and should be a priority, your new cat feeding mat will also be out on display in your home. So, you need to like the design and style before you buy!
