The Best Cat Water Fountain: TOP Picks & Reviews

You need high-quality food and an excellent drink for your pet’s health. Pet owners are often baffled by the search for the right for their four-legged friends. But did you know that most domestic cats are chronically short of water? Lack of water in the diet can lead to various health problems.

There are many types of fountains for watering cats, and not all are universally applicable. This diversity of the most suitable cat drinking fountain is explained by the pet size, their behavioral characteristics, and the way they are kept. All cat fountains can be divided into three types:

• Waterers. Universal devices for cats and kittens of any age and size. Water flows down the gutter or wall in a small trickle and falls into the bowl. Thanks to the predominantly light construction, these are easy to move or overturn.
• Double-automatic fountains. The water is pushed out using a small pump and flows down the dome into the reservoir. This provides multiple drinking points at once.
• Dome drinking fountains. Using a small pump, the water is pushed out and flows down the dome into the reservoir. This provides multiple drinking points at once.

Automatic fountains are much more convenient and practical than conventional bowls. A considerable advantage is that most cats prefer to drink running water that pours or flows. Besides, water does not stagnate or deteriorate over time thanks to constant circulation. In more expensive models, special cleaning and antibacterial filters can reduce the risk of poisoning your pet.

Most models of dispensers are equipped with unique multi-level systems for filtration. They clean the liquid from small pieces of feed, dust, and harmful bacteria. Filters will have to be changed sooner or later, so choosing fountains with available cartridges is better. They must be sold in your city and have an acceptable price. Also, make sure that you can replace the cartridge without assistance. If you have more than one cat, you must provide enough resources for each ‘social’ group of cats. ^[2]

Our TOP-3 Choices of Water Fountains for Cats

In this chart, we gathered TOP-3 options:

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best Cat Drinking Fountains we Reviewed

1. PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Dog and Cat Fountain

The Drinkwell 360 from PetSafe is a drinking fountain with everything your kitties need. From the name, you can understand that it is most suitable for dogs. It holds 128 ounces of water and multiple streams, making it more appealing to your pet. It also allows various cats to drink at the same time. It includes a replaceable carbon water filter that keeps the water fresh and a regulator that allows you to adjust the flow rate. This cat fountain is easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher.

The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 is incredibly easy to set up, runs quietly, and has a 360-degree, multi-threaded design, making it an excellent choice for multiple-pet owners. You can choose the number of threads (from one to five). This type is perfect for cats who are reluctant to drink standing water. ^[1]

2. Cat Mate Pet Fountain

The Cat Mate Pet Fountain will provide your cat with fresh drinking water, a fountain, or a reservoir. It includes fencing to reduce splashes. The fountain has a replaceable filter element made of polymer and activated carbon, which keeps the water clean and odorless. The isolated pumping system (ESP) ensures very quiet operation. The pump has a low power supply for the safety of your kitties and a low power consumption of 2 W.

The fountain bowls can be washed in the dishwasher, which makes them easier to clean. The pump should also be disassembled and cleaned every few weeks to prevent scale formation. Complete instructions on how to do this are attached to the fountain. The guarantee for this fountain is 3 years.

3. Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/ Microban 

Petmate replacement Waters with Microban provide a continuous supply of filtered water, so busy pet owners have more free time, and pets are left without thirst due to cool, clean water at any time, twenty-four hours a day. Ideal for short-term trips away from home.

The base has Microban antibacterial protection, which helps prevent the appearance of dirt and odor-causing bacteria. This technology provides an additional level of protection against harmful microbes.

4. Pecute Cat Water Fountain

This fountain is suitable for both dogs and cats. It works very quietly, and it has three-level filtration, made of polypropylene, activated carbon, and cotton.

Free-flowing water from the fountain continuously adds oxygen, increasing the oxygen and making drinking water for your cats more sweet and delicious. Allow pets to drink “live,” healthy water.

Key features:

• Saturates oxygen.
• The high degree of filtration.
• Convenient drink day tank.

5. Catit Flower Pet Fountain

This technologically-sophisticated fountain with a unique design will appeal to your furry friend. The water in it remains clean and odorless for a long time.

With three flow settings, you can switch between smooth water flow, bubble jet, or powerful jets. You can be sure that your pet will get enough water. The triple-action filter removes magnesium, calcium, odors, and dirt. This fountain does not have a mud bowl, and your pet will always drink clean and fresh water.

Key features:

• The fountain is simple to assemble and disassemble for cleaning.
• 3 different settings to entice selective drinkers.
• Made of BPA-free materials to be extra-safe and non-toxic.

6. Pioneer Pet Plastic Drinking Fountain

Drinking fountains help your animals drink more because they are attracted to moving water. The Pioneer Pet drinking fountain is very easy to fill and clean. It can be washed in the dishwasher. With plastic design elements, it looks very stylish.

When using electrical appliances, you must always observe basic safety precautions, including reading the instructions carefully before using the device. To reduce the risk of injury, make sure that the appliance is not used near children. Use only components that are recommended or sold by the manufacturer. Only for home use.

Key features:

• Recycled drinking water is naturally attractive to your pet.
• Replaceable carbon filter for clean and healthy water.
• Pioneer replacement filters for plastic fountains-sold separately.

7. PetSafe Drinkwell Zen Pet Fountain

The Drinkwell Zen Pet fountain contains a gallon of water that continually circulates, filters, and oxygenates. The circulating stream keeps the water fresh, encouraging pets to drink more. The Zen Pet fountain is dishwasher safe and features a stainless steel shelf.

Key features:

• 1 gallon (128 oz) capacity.
• All parts are BPA free and UL-listed.
• Dishwasher safe (excluding pump).

8. PetSafe Drinkwell Red Avalon Fountain

PetSafe Drinkwell 1/2 Gallon Pet Fountain is designed specifically for your pet. This automatic fountain is equipped with a flow regulator. Several operating modes, including silent circulation and high-speed circulation. The flow controller allows you to adapt the water flow to your pet’s needs.

Adjustable water flow allows you to adjust the flow for you and your pet, or turn it off for the quieter operation.

Promotes drinking — a free-falling stream of water encourages animals to drink more, which helps prevent diseases of the urinary system and kidneys in animals, due to increased hydration.

Key features:

• The foam filter catches hair and dirt before they reach the pump.
• Constant circulation in the bowl helps prevent bacteria growth.
• BPA-free plastic design comes apart for easy cleaning and is designed with less hard-to-clean corners and crevices.

9. PetSafe Drinkwell Pet Fountain

The Drinkwell ceramic fountain continuously circulates and filters water for your pet, making it cleaner and fresher than in a regular bowl. The fountain provides your fuzzy friend with 70 ounces of fresh, filtered water, and the ceramic design is easy to clean and looks great in your home. Double free-falling streams saturate the water with freshness and encourage pets to drink more water.

Key features:

• Dual free-falling water streams entice pets to drink more.
• Activated carbon filter removes bad tastes & odors, and foam filter catches hair & debris.
• Upper & lower dishes offer 2 drinking areas.

10. Harmony Premium Ceramic Cat Fountain

This model provides your precious kittens with running, filtered water that maintains their water balance. It is equipped with a replaceable carbon filter that removes unpleasant tastes and odors from drinking water, ensuring that your cats will drink clean, fresh water every time. This innovative model has a non-porous ceramic design that prevents bacteria growth, which contributes to the health of your furry friend.

Key features:

• Helps keep water fresh.
• Low voltage UL listed pump and transformer included.
• 107 oz capacity, suitable for multi-pet households.

Buying Guide

There are many models of cat fountains on the modern pet supplies market. To choose a high-quality and durable device, you need to focus not only on the cost, but also on the size, materials of the case, the availability of replaceable cartridges, and the volume of operation. When buying, pay attention to the following things:

• Dimensions of the fountain. The larger the volume of the device, the more water it will fit. An average tank or bowl will be enough for one or two pets. If there are three or four cats in the house, you should consider purchasing a multi-level fountain system.
• Body material. It is better to choose stable cat fountains made of heavy materials, such as ceramics, porcelain, metal, etc. They are more difficult to move or overturn. But plastic devices are not so practical and often scratch.
• The noise made. Too noisy devices can scare away Pets and discourage them from approaching the drinking bowl. Also, the owner may be uncomfortable with extraneous sounds. Therefore, it is better to choose a device with a volume of no more to 40 dB.
• Cost of replacement cartridges. Water filters need to be changed 1-2 times a month, so they should be affordable. Buy cat fountains from well-known manufacturers so that you don’t have to search for cartridges in different pet stores later.

READ MORE: Dehydration in Cats

The Material of the Device

Most often, plastic, light metals, porcelain, glass, or ceramics are used in the manufacture. Depending on the material, devices differ in strength n, weight, and usability. Types are:

Plastic. Water fountains made of plastic are much cheaper than metal and ceramic, but they are inferior in design and practicality. Scratches can form on the surface of the plastic, in which pathogenic bacteria and fungi will multiply with insufficient care. It is better to choose a large kitty drinking fountain with rubber feet to avoid tipping over.

Metal. Due to the heavy body, drinking water fountains made of metal are much more stable and stronger than plastic ones. They are less susceptible to germs and better retain the freshness of water. However, if there is corrosion, metal devices become dangerous for pets. A good choice is a stainless steel drinking bowl with an additional antibacterial coating.

Porcelain, glass, or ceramic. These drinking fountains are resistant to overturning, have a stylish design and a strong body. However, because of the rough surface, porcelain and ceramic devices are at risk of mold. Therefore, it is better to choose a fountain with a special enamel. Do not use dishes that have cracks or chips.

With proper care, any material will last a long time and will not harm your pet. The main rule is not to use raw tap water and to change it often. Veterinarians know the importance of hydration to maintain healthy kidney and urinary tract functioning. Pets who are prone to urinary infections, crystals, or obstructions need to drink lots of water to prevent health problems. ^[3]

If you don’t know where to start your search, let us take some pressure off. We reviewed dozens of top-rated products to identify the right one. We looked at all types of filters, variable speeds of water, and gravity dispensers to find something that will fit your needs.

READ MORE: Cats Nutrition Guide

Benefits of Water Fountains

Automatic cat fountains are sold in almost every pet store. They are easy to use, and do not require constant water changes.

READ MORE: How long can a Cat go without Water?

Conclusion

Fresh water should be available at all times. Healthy cats that eat canned food often drink very little because the food contains a high proportion of water.^[4] Thanks to constant circulation, automatic fountains are much better at keeping water fresh. They are convenient to use and allow you to save time. For cats, you need to choose stable models with rubberized legs. Additional filtration will help protect your pet from gastrointestinal diseases. Despite the apparent simplicity of the device, it is necessary to observe the operating rules and change the water in the tank in time. This way, the cat waterer will last a long time and remain effective.

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Choosing a Water Bowl for Your Cat.” Purina, purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/daily-feeding-guide/cat-water-bowls.
2. “How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink” International Cat Care. 2 Dec. 2019, icatcare.org/advice/how-to-encourage-your-cat-to-drink/.
3. “Thirsty Cat — Is It Just Hot or Is Something Up?” Vetwest Animal Hospitals, 25 Mar. 2020, vetwest.com.au/pet-library/thirsty-cat-is-it-just-hot-or-is-something-up.
4. Hunter, Tammy. “Caring for Your Sick Cat.” VCA Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/managing-the-sick-cat.