Cats can be wonderfully tidy animals, but mealtimes are rarely neat. Gravy splashes, biscuits skid and water gets flicked across the floor. A feeding mat under the bowls protects your floor, keeps the feeding area clean and gives your cat a defined place to eat.
We have compared five cat feeding mats currently available on Amazon UK, from a raised-edge silicone mat to a budget wipe-clean mat. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for, so you can pick the right one for your kitchen.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Raised-Edge Silicone Mat (Conlun) | Spill containment | £6-£8 | 4.7/5 |
Large Non-Slip Silicone Mat (Reopet) | Big, room for two bowls | £8-£10 | 4.6/5 |
Budget Wipe-Clean PVC Mat (Banbury) | The cheapest option | £2-£3 | 4.3/5 |
Compact Silicone Mat (OHMO) | Food and water pair | £6-£8 | 4.6/5 |
Slim Silicone Mat (48 x 27cm) | Low-cost silicone | £5-£6 | 4.6/5 |
The Best Cat Feeding Mats Reviewed
Raised-Edge Silicone Mat
Best for: messy drinkers and cats that flick food
Our pick here is the Conlun cat food mat, a silicone mat with a 1.2cm raised edge that holds spilled water, gravy and crumbs on the mat instead of the floor. Cats can be surprisingly messy, and a lip around the edge makes a real difference.
The silicone is soft, flexible and BPA-free, and the underside grips the floor so the mat does not slide when your cat pushes a bowl. It can be wiped clean or washed in warm soapy water.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across nearly 1,500 ratings.
What we like:
- Raised edge contains spills
- Non-slip and flexible
- Excellent average rating
Worth knowing:
- Edge can trap crumbs, so wipe the corners
- May curl slightly when new
Specifications:
- Type: raised-edge silicone mat
- Edge height: 1.2cm
- Material: BPA-free silicone
- Brand: Conlun
Large Non-Slip Silicone Mat
Best for: a big mat with a huge review record
The Reopet feeding mat is one of the most popular pet mats on Amazon UK, and it has a generous size, a waterproof surface and a non-slip base. It suits a food bowl and a water bowl side by side, or a cat that likes to move their dishes.
Silicone does not soak up smells or stains, and you can rinse the mat under the tap. The raised lip helps contain drips, and it is thin enough to roll or fold for cleaning.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 46,000 ratings, an extraordinary record for a simple product.
What we like:
- Huge number of positive reviews
- Room for two bowls
- Waterproof and non-slip
Worth knowing:
- A large mat can be too big for a small kitchen
- Silicone can attract dust and hair
Specifications:
- Type: large silicone mat
- Feature: waterproof, non-slip
- Use: cats and dogs
- Brand: Reopet
Budget Wipe-Clean PVC Mat
Best for: the cheapest way to protect the floor
The Banbury Luxury Cat Feeding Mat is a clear, wipe-clean mat that costs only a couple of pounds. It is a simple, thin mat that sits under a bowl and catches spills, and it is easy to wipe with a damp cloth.
It is not fancy, but many owners want nothing more. It works well for a single bowl, in a rented flat or as a spare, and it is cheap enough to replace when it wears out.
It costs around £2 and averages 4.3 out of 5 across more than 500 ratings.
What we like:
- Extremely cheap
- Wipes clean in seconds
- Clear design blends in
Worth knowing:
- Thin and light, so it can slide on smooth floors
- No raised edge
Specifications:
- Type: clear wipe-clean mat
- Material: plastic
- Brand: Banbury
- Best for: a single bowl
Compact Silicone Mat (OHMO)
Best for: a neat size for a cat food and water pair
The OHMO silicone mat is a compact 46 x 25cm mat, which is the right size for one food bowl and one water bowl side by side without taking over the kitchen. It comes in a choice of colours, so it can match your kitchen.
It has raised edges to catch spills, a non-slip base and a waterproof surface that wipes clean.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across almost 7,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Compact size
- Raised edges
- Very well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Too small for a big dog-sized bowl
- Silicone can pick up hair
Specifications:
- Type: silicone mat
- Size: 46 x 25cm
- Feature: non-slip, raised edges
- Brand: OHMO
Slim Silicone Mat (48 x 27cm)
Best for: a low-cost silicone mat with good reviews
This 48 x 27cm silicone mat is a good-value option for owners who want a silicone mat without paying much. It is waterproof, easy to wipe clean and has a grippy underside that keeps it in place.
It is slightly larger than the OHMO and suits two bowls comfortably. The grey colour hides stains well.
It costs around £5 and averages 4.6 out of 5, although the number of ratings is smaller.
What we like:
- Very low price
- Waterproof and non-slip
- Room for two bowls
Worth knowing:
- Fewer ratings than the best-known mats
- Unbranded
Specifications:
- Type: silicone mat
- Size: 48 x 27cm
- Colour: grey
- Use: cats and dogs
Cat Feeding Mat Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a cat feeding mat
Look for a mat that is waterproof, non-slip and easy to clean. A raised edge is very helpful for containing spills, and the mat should be flexible enough to lift and rinse. It should also be big enough to hold your cat’s bowls with a little space around them.
If your cat is fussy, choose a mat with a neutral colour and no strong smell. Some new silicone mats have a slight odour that fades after a wash.
Cat feeding mat types explained
Silicone mats are the most popular, since they are waterproof, flexible and easy to wash. Plastic or PVC mats are the cheapest and wipe clean. Absorbent microfibre mats soak up spills but need to go in the washing machine. Bamboo and cork mats look good but need more care.
For most homes, silicone is the best all-round choice.
Getting the size right
A mat about 45 x 25cm is right for one food bowl and one water bowl. If your cat is messy or you have several cats, choose a larger mat, and if you have a small space, a compact mat will do.
Place the mat away from the litter tray and in a quiet spot, so your cat feels relaxed while eating.
How much should you spend?
A basic mat costs £2 to £5. A good silicone mat costs £6 to £10. There is no need to spend more, since even the most expensive mats do the same job.
Frequently asked questions
Do cats need a feeding mat?
They do not need one, but a mat protects your floor and makes cleaning easier. It also gives your cat a consistent place to eat, which many cats like.
Is silicone safe for cats?
Food-grade silicone is safe. Look for BPA-free products, and wash a new mat before using it. If your cat chews the mat, replace it.
How do I stop a feeding mat sliding?
Choose a mat with a grippy underside, and place it on a clean, dry floor. Wipe both surfaces if the mat starts to slip.
How often should I wash a cat feeding mat?
Wipe it after every meal, and wash it with warm soapy water at least once a week. Silicone mats can usually go in the dishwasher, but check the label.
Can I use a dog feeding mat for a cat?
Yes. Many mats are sold for both, and a small dog mat will suit a cat. Just check that it is big enough for both bowls.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Reopet mat is the best choice, with a large, waterproof surface and a review record that is hard to beat. The Conlun raised-edge mat is our pick for messy drinkers, and the OHMO mat is a compact, well-reviewed option for a food and water pair.
If you want to spend as little as possible, the Banbury mat costs only a couple of pounds, and the slim silicone mat is a low-cost silicone alternative. Whichever you pick, wipe it after meals and your kitchen floor will stay much cleaner.
