The best cat water fountains are easy to clean, feature innovative filtration systems, and don’t have a lot of complicated parts. Additionally, they provide clean, flowing water for a week or longer.
How We Tested
- We bought eight of the top cat water fountains currently available.
- We tested the cat water fountains on numerous cats for a few weeks.
- We evaluated a number of aspects, including filtration and ease of assembly.
- These items were not given to us in exchange for a positive review. We paid for them out of our own pockets.
After extensive testing and hours of study, we’ve determined that the Petkit Eversweet 2 is the greatest cat water fountain available. The Petkit Eversweet 2 is a clever, effective fountain with useful warning lights, a dishwasher-safe design, silent operation, and a three-level filtration system. But not everyone will find it to be the ideal choice. Eight water fountains were purchased, tested, and their strengths and limitations determined. There is something for everyone here, whether you are on a tight budget, require a stainless-steel fountain to treat acne, or have both cats and dogs at home.
Why Buy A Cat Water Fountain?
Keeping cats hydrated can be challenging because of their dry diets and low thirst drives, which make them underhydrated and more susceptible to urinary tract stones and other consequences of insufficient water consumption. Chronic dehydration is all but unavoidable when you consider that many cats perceive their water bowls as filthy, stagnant puddles. Water fountains are a powerful remedy for the issue of feline dehydration.
They oxygenate the water, which makes it taste more fresh than water in a dish and entices your cat to drink more of it. Second, they make your life simpler. You’ll only need to restock your cat’s water fountain once per week or two rather than having to replenish the dish once a day. What a wonderful little device, yes? A water fountain reduces the time you need to spend washing and re-filling your cat’s water bowl, keeps the water cleaner, and encourages him to drink more. Pet water fountains won’t, however, be effective for all cats.
Drinking from the bathroom or toilet faucet and engaging in water play are indications that your cat might benefit from a pet water fountain. Also keep in mind that cats who eat dry food benefit the most from pet water fountains. Cats consuming only canned food or other foods high in moisture may obtain all or nearly all of the fresh water they require from their diet. But it’s never a bad idea to drink more water!
Best Cat Water Fountains of 2023
After reviewing the testing procedure, let’s talk about the advantages of each water fountain separately.
#1 Overall Best: Petkit Eversweet 2
The Petkit Eversweet 2 is more expensive than other tiny water fountains, but because to its clever features, it should end up being a long-term investment that is cost-effective. When in Smart Mode, the device makes this determination using a light sensor. The Eversweet adjusts the water frequency when it determines that it is nighttime. The Petkit Eversweet 2 reduces energy use, pump wear, and filter usage by slowing down during periods of low demand during the day.
This energy management technology, combined with the three-level filtering mechanism of the Petkit Eversweet 2, enables the filters to last longer than those found in most water fountains. You must replace the carbon filter every three months if Smart Mode is being used. Filter change is typically advised every two to four weeks for water fountains. This 68-ounce water fountain is boxy and has a lot of functions for its size. It ought to be big enough to keep your animal family hydrated for a week or more between refills, assuming you don’t have multiple cats or dogs gobbling water.
This handy little gadget makes managing water fountains simple with indication lights that show you when the water level is low and when the filter needs to be changed. It is simple to separate the nested components of the Petkit Eversweet 2 and place the plastic pieces in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Pros:
- for superior longevity and water freshness, has three filters.
- simple to disassemble and clean in the dishwasher or sink. When the water level is low and it’s time to change the filter, indicator lights let you know.
- The attractive, boxy design fits into a modern decor scheme.
- large capacity reservoir
Cons:
- it does not have variable flow functionality nor a movable flow control.
- For every residence, a small capacity might not be sufficient.
#2 Runner-Up: Catit Flower Fountain
The Catit Flower Fountain is a perennial favorite among cat caretakers thanks to its simple construction, humorous design, and affordable price. The water fountain is simple to construct and has a generous 100-ounce water capacity. After adding water to the bottom bucket, attach the waterfall and filter disks, and then turn the machine on. The fountain may produce tranquil streams, soothing bubbles, or free-falling streams depending on how the center flower is moved.
The Catit Flower Fountain is a quiet device, despite not being completely silent. The motor emits a light hum that is virtually imperceptible. The fountain is less hygienic than a ceramic or stainless steel device because to its plastic construction. The fountain is simple to disassemble and clean by hand, however Catit denies that it is dishwasher-safe. However, a lot of consumers claim they’ve washed it in a dishwasher effectively.
The filter, according to several user testimonials, has a propensity to become dirty quickly. The carbon filter lies directly beneath the waterfall’s top, making it susceptible to any dirt or hair that falls in. Everything goes directly to the activated carbon filter because there is no prefilter to catch big particles. The Catit fountain was the only one to trap hair on the carbon filter during our hair test. Despite being the least expensive fountain on the list, its exposed carbon filter requires frequent replacement, costing at least $30 annually.
The water fountain isn’t the most durable on the market, making it a poor choice for houses with a lot of chaos. There is nothing holding the fountain’s top in place as it rests on top of the water reservoir. This implies that if you have energetic dogs or cats, they could easily knock the top off the fountain during a playful session.
Pros:
- A huge water capacity makes frequent refilling unnecessary.
- You can give your cat a variety of drinking sensations thanks to the adjustable flow cap.
- It’s a wonderful addition to your home because to the adorable, vibrant design.
- At just over $26, this fountain is a good value for the money.
- Popular and well-loved by cat guardians
Cons:
- This water fountain is not the most durable one available.
- because it’s composed of plastic, doesn’t have the best filtration system.
- not ceramic or stainless steel.
#3 Best Battery-Operated: Petlibro Dockstream Battery-Operated Water Fountain
The best approach to increase your cat’s hydration is with a cat water fountain, but they don’t always fit where you want them to. Since most cat water fountains require electricity, you’ll need to locate a spare outlet in an area where your cat frequently hangs out. An easier option is the Petlibro Dockstream cat water fountain. Since it runs on batteries, there are no cables to trip over. The 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery just needs to be charged once to provide power for up to 30 days. The device has a high-level waterproof charging port that guarantees dependable and durable performance.
This fountain has a sizable 2.5-liter (84-ounce) capacity with a water tank that can be removed for simple cleaning and refilling. It has a vertical filtering system that uses a cordless water pump to pull water from the tank’s bottom and dispense it onto a stainless steel water tray. Before being pumped back into the reservoir, the water first goes through a 4-layer filter to get rid of pet hair, heavy metals, smells, and other impurities.
The Dockstream from Petlibro provides a number of useful features that simplify maintenance and operation. When the water or battery levels are low, intelligent indicators on the unit’s base let you know. When a metal object (such as a collar) hits the charging base, the Foreign Object Detection (FOD) system immediately turns off the power.
Two options are available with this water fountain. While radar induction mode only activates the flow when your cat is identified within 80 cm of the radar, continuous flow mode creates a constant supply of fresh water (31.5 inches). Flow is also activated in radar induction mode once every hour for 20 seconds. The Petlibro Dockstream fountain costs money even though it has many useful features and was created with both cats and cat owners in mind. At $70, the fountain is more expensive than the alternatives. Additionally, because it is a recent release, there aren’t many internet reviews. Nevertheless, the vast majority of customer evaluations that have been made public so far are favorable.
Pros:
- The spacious 2.5-liter water tank is easily refillable and detachable.
- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery for cordless use
- Dual water modes: continuous or motion-activated
- Plastic water trays are less hygienic than ones made of stainless steel.
- Vertical filtration system with a 4-layer filter
- Intelligent sensors indicate low battery and water levels.
Cons:
- They cost more than the alternatives.
- relatively recent and scant online consumer testimonials
#4 Quietest Fountain: Petlibro Capsule Automatic Pet Fountain
Although many cats like drinking fresh water, a pet fountain’s sound can be unsettling. Among the versions we’ve examined, the Petlibro Capsule Automatic Pet Water Fountain is one of the quietest. In reality, the Petlibro has a unique, patented valve that reduces the noise of the fountain right away. To further reduce noise, it incorporates noise-insulated tubing. The Petlibro provides robust filtration to keep the water taste and smelling fresh in addition to operating quietly. Pet hair and other debris are held in the filter tray before the water is cycled back through the reservoir because of the stacking design of the fountain, which causes water to pass through the filter after being pushed into the drinking basin.
The Petlibro is really simple to set up and maintain. Due to its distinctive form, it may be easily filled without needing to be totally disassembled. You simply transfer the appliance to the sink to refill after removing the filter and water trays. The cost of maintenance is the Petlibro’s biggest drawback. Petlibro advises changing the filter every two weeks, while a single-cat home might be able to get away with three or four weeks. If you stick to the recommended two-week replacement schedule, replacement filters can be purchased in 4-packs for about $16, which brings your annual maintenance expenditures close to $100.
Despite being one of the more expensive choices we’ve researched, we really like how simple it is to set up and manage the Petlibro. We like how the clear tank makes it simple to see the water level and how quietly it operates.
Pros:
- It is simple to keep an eye on the water level in a clear tank.
- Noise-insulating tubes built into the system lessen operating noise.
- There are two ways to drink: through bubbles or a stream.
- easy to clean; rounded corners don’t accumulate bacteria.
Cons:
- It can be costly to change filters every two weeks.
- may not be ideally sized for multi-pet households.
#5 Best Stainless-Steel Fountain: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Pet Drinking Fountain
This type of stainless steel water fountain is the finest choice if cleanliness is a top priority. Stainless steel is less prone to harbor bacteria and other pollutants than plastic. The fountain is simple to disassemble and safe to throw into the dishwasher, making cleaning for cat owners nearly painless. The Pioneer Pet Raindrop tends to show dirt easier than the white or gray plastic of the other fountains on our list. I saw streaks and smudges on the high-gloss surface after only a few hours of use.
A newly aerated pool and a bubbling river are the two drinking areas of this attractive, low-slung water feature. With a capacity of 60 ounces, it is one of the smaller fountains on the list. This fountain is sufficient for one cat, but if you’d prefer a bigger one, think about the 96-ounce raindrop fountain from Pioneer Pet. The Pioneer Pet Raindrop is one of the most streamlined and simple to put up fountains on this list. On the fountain’s floor is a small, integrated unit that houses both the carbon filter and the pump. The unit is secured to the ground by suction cups, which also guarantee that the pump aligns with the top of the fountain.
One simple, uncomplicated choice is the Pioneer Raindrop Fountain. But it makes up for its lack of elegance with ease of use and cleanliness. Because it is composed of hygienic materials, it is the kind of water fountain that is simple to clean and keeps cleaner longer than other fountains.
Pros:
- To keep the water tasting and smelling good, it has a carbon filter.
- made from sanitary, easily-cleanable stainless steel
- Elegant ceramic design
Cons:
- Lacks adjustable flow control
- shows dirt quickly.
- does not have an isolated pump system
#6 Best for Multi-Pet Homes: PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum
It has over 8,500 reviews on Amazon and is routinely rated as one of the top water fountains available, making it a classic. You may use the water fountain for extended periods of time without having to replace it because to its enormous 168-ounce capacity. It’s a wonderful choice for houses with many cats where different animals share a single water fountain.
It excels thanks to its programmable flow control and the allure of water in motion. While some cats will prefer to drink from the lower basin, those that enjoy drinking from a running faucet will enjoy the free-falling stream. A prefilter and a carbon filter are included in the water fountain to filter out unpleasant tastes and odors from the water, respectively. This water fountain’s BPA-free plastic construction makes it less hygienic than similar models made of stainless steel or ceramic. It is secure to wash it on the top level of the dishwasher. Although the unit’s huge, unusually shaped sections are a little difficult to pull apart and may not fit well in your dishwasher, its dishwasher-safe construction makes it easy to clean in principle.
This water fountain’s design and construction are further drawbacks. As soon as you take it out of the box, you can immediately feel how cheap it is because of the numerous loosely fastened parts. We would want stronger plastic, better building, and a more appealing design for a water fountain that costs close to $50. One of the loudest fountains we’ve examined is this PetSafe model. In addition to the motor’s audible hum, the splashing of water into the bowl was audible.
Despite being one of the most expensive alternatives we’ve tested, the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum may end up being more cost-effective than other fountains in the long run. I was able to get a 12-pack of new filters for only $9.33; ideally, that works out to less than $10 in maintenance.
Pros:
- attractive water stream that is dropping
- Large water capacity (168 ounces)
- Dual filtration system to keep the pump functioning properly and the water fresh
- Adjustable flow control
Cons:
- The plastic build has a cheap feel to it.
- The pieces’ form makes handling, filling, and cleaning a little difficult.
- does not include a carbon filter that may be changed.
#7 Most Versatile Fountain: NPET 101-Ounce Automatic Pet Fountain
The Petkit Eversweet 2 and the Petlibro Capsule fountain perform similarly to this automatic pet fountain from NPET. It has a square design, a 101-ounce reservoir, and all the components are piled into a small package. Transparent, BPA-free plastic is used to create the NPET fountain. Since it is transparent, you can readily verify the water’s quality and monitor the water’s level. There are no indicator lights with this somewhat low-tech alternative, but you don’t really need them.
Although the design of this pet fountain is rather straightforward, it does have one special feature that makes it stand out from the other options on this list: three flow modes. You can pick between a typical waterfall, a bubbling fountain, or a three-way leaf design that creates distinct streams. You can adjust the NPET fountain to your cat’s liking using all of these features.
The NPET fountain required a bit more time to assemble in terms of setup and maintenance, but only because the manual’s illustrations were so small and challenging to read. In just over three minutes, the unit was ready to use, and once it was, refilling it couldn’t have been simpler—simply snap the top piece off and fill it up in the sink.
The filter is one feature of this fountain worth highlighting. Activated carbon and ion exchange resin are used to make it. High-density cotton serves as a pre-filter in conjunction with the carbon filter. The NPET filters water after it goes past the drinking dish, just like the Petlibro. The NPET fountain is an all-around adaptable, sized solution that performs dependably and is incredibly simple to clean. Additionally, the filters are affordable and only need to be changed every two months.
Pros:
- Three flow modes are available.
- a generous reservoir of 101 ounces
- translucent, making it simple to check the water level.
- straightforward to disassemble and clean
- The carbon filtration system lasts for two months.
Cons:
- For homes with multiple pets, this might not be optimal.
- Stainless steel is more hygienic and durable than plastic materials.
#8 Budget Option: Cat Mate Pet Fountain
One of the least expensive options on this list and a generally wise choice for pet owners on a tight budget is this ultra-quiet water fountain. It is the only water feature on this list with a warranty of three years, offering you assurance in case something goes wrong in the future. Despite being composed of BPA-free plastic, it lacks the sturdy feel of the Catit Flower Fountain or the Eversweet 2. The plastic is light and very slightly bendable instead.
With multiple distinct floors and drinking stations, it has a small square design. From the top bowl, water pours into a second level before tumbling down a slope and into the bottom basin. Water noise and splashing are lessened by the ramp. This water fountain is among the quietest ones we’ve tried, speaking of noise. The water scarcely makes a sound, while the motor emits a weak, almost undetectable hum.
The Cat Mate fountain contains a prefilter that catches bigger trash and a carbon filter that reduces odors. The Cat Mate’s prefilter performed incredibly well in our hair test, capturing cat hair before it could enter the carbon filter and pump inside.
The Cat Mate is the simplest to set up and take apart of all the water fountains on this list. In our experiments, setting up and running Cat Mate just took 1 minute and 30 seconds. This water fountain is simple to disassemble and clean because there are just two plastic parts. It is dishwasher-safe, and the square pieces are a good size to fit in the machine.
This fountain is on the smaller size with a 70-ounce water capacity, yet it is sufficient for the majority of cat-only families.
Pros:
- Bad tastes and odors are eliminated by carbon filtration.
- Adjustable water flow
- Several places to drink for a variety of experiences
- extremely simple to assemble, take apart, and clean.
- safe to clean in the dishwasher.
- has a longer warranty than the other products on this list.
Cons:
- It may not have a large enough water capacity for every home.
Here’s How We Chose The Top Eight Cat Water Fountains On The Market
We spent hours learning about cat water fountains, including what they do, why you may want one, and what distinguishes bad fountains from excellent, before putting our eight suggestions to the test. In the end, we identified a number of characteristics that are fundamental to the top cat fountains now available.
- They’re sturdy and long-lasting. It shouldn’t be possible for your cat to tip the fountain over and dump water all over the floor. The fountain shouldn’t be constructed out of fragile components that fall apart after a few months either. We looked for water fountains that were well-designed, constructed of durable materials, and could endure some knocks without tipping over while maintaining a constant water level.
- They’re easy to disassemble for cleaning. Every few weeks, you should cleanse the water bowl for your cat. The finest ones make this task as simple as they can. We sought for fountains with relatively straightforward designs, few parts that could collect dirt, and ease of disassembly for cleaning. They should ideally be dishwasher-safe so you can put them in there and be sure they’re well cleaned.
- They’re made from hygienic materials. The cleanest materials for water fountains are stainless steel and ceramic since they are non-porous and less likely to collect bacteria. Other materials, like plastic, might harbor bacteria, exacerbate chin acne, and necessitate more regular cleaning.
- They have a good carbon filter and prefilter. All premium water fountains have a carbon filter that removes smells and tiny debris. The majority also include a submersible pump and a prefilter, which catch bigger material before it enters the carbon foam filter. Prefilters assist your water dispenser last longer without the need for new filters by safeguarding the filter and pump.
- They’re quiet and unobtrusive. We looked for water fountains with a good water supply and a reputation for peaceful operation without a lot of engine noise.
We reduced our alternatives to eight water fountains based on these standards because they frequently received positive consumer feedback, were competitively priced, and had solid, trustworthy designs. Without any help from the businesses who sell them, we chose the fountains on our own.
