Here’s a question that’s probably crossed your mind while loading the dishwasher: should those cat bowls go in with your dinner plates? It’s one of those everyday pet owner dilemmas that seems simple on the surface, but actually has a few layers to consider.
Why Washing Together Usually Works Just Fine
Most of the time, tossing your cat’s bowls in with your dishes is totally fine. Your dishwasher is basically a sanitizing powerhouse – it’s hitting those dishes with 140-160°F water, strong detergent, and a thorough rinse cycle. That’s hot enough to kill pretty much any nasties that might be hanging out on Fluffy’s food bowl.
Many veterinarians consider this practice acceptable, particularly if you’re using a high-quality dishwasher detergent and running a full hot cycle. The sanitation standards achieved in a properly functioning dishwasher often exceed what you’d accomplish with hand washing, regardless of whether the cat’s dishes are included.
But Hold On – There Are Some Things to Think About
Cats can carry certain parasites and bacteria that might not bother most healthy adults, but could be concerning if you have someone immunocompromised in your household, or if you’re pregnant, or have little kids running around. There’s also that parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that cat owners should generally be aware of.
Plus, some people just feel icky about it, and that’s completely valid, too. If washing pet dishes separately gives you peace of mind, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.
If You’re Going to Use the Dishwasher, Here’s How to Do It Right
Here are some tips to make sure you’re doing it as safely as possible. Give those pet bowls a good scrape and rinse before they go in – just like you would with any dish that’s seen some serious food action.
Put them on the bottom rack where they’ll get hit with the most intense spray and heat. Use good dishwasher detergent (not the cheap stuff), and run a full hot cycle – not the quick wash! Oh, and make sure your dishwasher is actually clean and well-maintained. Clogged filters and gunky spray arms aren’t doing anyone any favors.
When You Might Want to Keep Things Separate
There are definitely times when separate washing makes more sense. If someone in your house has health issues that compromise their immune system, if your cat is currently sick, or if your kitty is an outdoor adventurer who brings home “presents” from hunting expeditions, you might want to err on the side of caution.
Good old-fashioned hand washing with hot, soapy water works great, too, if that’s your preference. Just use a separate sponge or brush for the cat’s things, and wash them after you’ve done your own to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
Bowl Material Matters More Than You Think
Not all cat bowls are created equal when it comes to hygiene. Stainless steel is your best bet – it’s non-porous, doesn’t harbor bacteria, and goes through the dishwasher like a champ. Ceramic bowls are pretty good, too, as long as they don’t have any cracks where bacteria can hide.
Plastic bowls? Well, they’re budget-friendly, but they can develop tiny scratches over time that become perfect little bacteria hotels. Plus, some cats develop chin acne from plastic bowls. If you’re using plastic, replace them more frequently and watch for any scratches or cloudiness.
Multi-Pet Households: Things Get Complicated
Got cats and dogs sharing your home? The dishwasher question gets a bit trickier. If your dog eats raw food, you’ll definitely want to keep those bowls separate from everything else – raw meat brings a whole different level of bacterial concerns. Same goes if your pets have different dietary restrictions or medications.
On the flip side, if everyone’s eating standard kibble or canned food, the same rules generally apply. Just make sure you’re cleaning bowls according to the messiest eater’s schedule – if the dog gets wet food twice a day, those bowls need washing after each meal, even if the cat only gets dry food.
The Water Bowl Situation Deserves Special Attention
Here’s something many cat owners don’t realize: that water bowl should actually be cleaned at least daily with fresh water added. Cats are incredibly sensitive to water quality, and they’ll often drink less if their water tastes or smells off to them. That slimy biofilm that develops? It’s not just gross – it can actually make your cat sick.
Watch for signs your water bowl needs attention sooner: any visible film, floating particles, or if your cat suddenly starts drinking less. Some cats are so picky they’ll refuse to drink from a bowl that’s been sitting out for just a few hours.
Keep in mind that cats are instinctively drawn to running water because, in the wild, moving water is less likely to be contaminated than stagnant water. Pet fountains or running water bowls encourage cats to drink more and can help reduce the buildup of biofilm compared to still water.
The constant circulation of water adds oxygen, slows bacterial growth, and helps keep the bowl cleaner for longer. However, the fountain itself still needs regular cleaning, as biofilm can develop in the pump and reservoir if not maintained.
No Dishwasher? No Problem
Not everyone has a dishwasher, and that’s totally fine. Hand washing with hot, soapy water works great – just make sure the water is actually hot (as hot as your hands can comfortably handle – I wear rubber gloves) and use a good degreasing dish soap. For extra sanitization, you can rinse with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water), but make sure to rinse that thoroughly afterward.
Some people swear by UV sanitizers for pet bowls, though these are definitely not necessary for most households. If your dishwasher doesn’t get hot enough (older models sometimes run cooler), you might want to hand-wash instead or consider upgrading.
When Your Cat’s Health Depends on Clean Bowls
Dirty bowls aren’t just gross – they can actually make your cat sick. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to digestive issues, and that slimy water bowl biofilm has been linked to urinary tract problems in some cats. If your cat suddenly becomes a picky eater or starts drinking significantly more or less water, dirty bowls could be part of the problem.
Watch for warning signs like food bowls that smell sour or rancid, water that looks cloudy, or any visible mold (especially in humid climates). These are red flags that your cleaning routine needs to step up.
The Practical Side: Cost and Convenience
Washing pet dishes separately does use more water and energy, and it takes more time. For most households, the convenience of washing everything together outweighs the minimal risks, especially if you’re following good hygiene practices.
If you’re already running the dishwasher once a day, tossing in the pet bowls is convenient and efficient. But if your cat’s water bowl needs cleaning a few times daily (which is common), it’s not really practical to run a whole cycle for just one bowl. In those cases, a quick hand wash in hot, soapy water is the better option.
The real cost consideration is replacing bowls more frequently if you choose plastic, or investing in higher-quality stainless steel or ceramic bowls upfront.
Seasonal Considerations for Indoor/Outdoor Cats
If your cat spends time outdoors, your cleaning routine might need to change with the seasons. Spring and summer mean more hunting, more exposure to parasites, and generally more opportunities for your cat to get into things they shouldn’t. During these seasons, you might want to be extra cautious about bowl hygiene.
Winter indoor cats are generally lower risk, but heated homes can actually promote bacterial growth if bowls aren’t cleaned regularly. Plus, winter often means less water intake for cats, so keeping that water bowl extra clean and appealing becomes even more important.
The most important factor isn’t necessarily where you wash the dishes, but that you wash them regularly and thoroughly. If your cat eats only dry food, cleaning the bowl daily is usually sufficient. But if your kitty enjoys wet food, you’ll want to wash that bowl after every meal – wet food can spoil quickly and create a bacterial playground that’s definitely not appealing to you or your cat. Water bowls should be cleaned daily with fresh water added to keep your cat healthy and hydrated.
So What’s the Verdict?
For most households with healthy indoor cats, washing everything together is totally practical and hygienic. Your dishwasher’s doing the heavy lifting when it comes to sanitization. But if you have health concerns or just prefer keeping things separate, that’s perfectly fine, too – you do you!
