Best Water Fountain For Cats
Runner-Up: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Drinking Fountain
Though pricier, the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Drinking Fountain is a good choice if the Catit Flower Fountain is unavailable, if your pet suffers from chin acne, or if you are willing to spend more for a heavier, more aesthetically pleasing material. The fountain was quieter, easier to maintain and less likely to collect grime or floating gunk than the Catit. However, it is more difficult to assemble.
The Raindrop’s higher price comes from its stainless steel body, which gives it a sturdy heft to prevent pets (or people) from knocking it over when it’s low on water. Nonplastic fountains are stable and can reduce the appearance of chin pimples if you have a cat with it. However, the slick steel did make it more difficult to properly align the suction cups attached to the the pump while reassembling the fountain after cleaning.
Conclusion
A fountain is a great option for kittens. An auto-refilling bowl like the Torus Filtered Dog & Cat Water Bowl will fill the space and provide water. Hepper Stainless steel cat fountain is the best. It is functional and modern. The Frisco Square dog & cat fountain is also affordable. These reviews will help you choose the right product for your cat.
- A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks (2022)
- 1. Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain – Best Overall
- 2. Frisco Square Dog & Cat Water Fountain – Best Value
- 3. Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain – Premium Choice
- 4. Torus Filtered Dog & Cat Water Bowl Fountain – Best for Kittens
- 5. Catit Flower Plastic Cat Water Fountain
- 6. Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain
- 7. Pioneer Pet Swan Cat Drinking Fountain
- 8. Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Water Fountain
- 9. Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
- 10. PetSafe Sedona Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain
- 11. Petlibro Automatic Dog & Cat Water fountain
- Choosing the Right Fountain for Your Cat
- How to choose the right fountain for your cat
- Conclusion
Petkit Eversweet 2 review is the #1 overall best
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Although the Petkit Eversweet 2 costs more than other small fountains, its smart features make it an affordable long-term purchase. Smart Mode uses the light sensor of the device to detect whether it is daytime or night. When the Eversweet decides that it’s nighttime, it reduces the water frequency. Petkit Eversweet 2 reduces energy usage, pump wear and filter use by slowing down in low-demand periods of the day.
In conjunction with the Petkit Eversweet 2’s three-level filtration system, this energy management system allows the filters to last longer than those in most water fountains. Smart Mode will require that the carbon filter be replaced every three months. Water fountains generally recommend that you replace the filter every 2 to 4 weeks.
This boxy 68-ounce water fountain packs a lot of features into a small body and, provided that you don’t have several cats or dogs guzzling water, it should be large enough to keep your fur family hydrated for a week or more between refills.
With indicator lights letting you know when the water is low and when it’s time to change the filter, this is a helpful little device that makes water fountain management easy. When it’s time to wash the Petkit Eversweet 2, it’s easy to pull apart the nested components and pop the plastic parts into the dishwasher.
Best Plastic Fountain
- Water capacity: 100oz
- Material
- Dimensions: 9in x 9in x 8.3in
- Color: Green & white combo
- Power source: Electric corded
Catit’s flower water fountain is a great remedy for those who are picky about their drinks. Some fountains can also be adjusted in flow speed. This fountain has it all: a steady stream, bubbling top or calm faucet-like flow. It’s nearly silent in any event.
The bubbling top can be turned on so that the flow is adjusted. You can take the bloom out and put it back. The water cannot pool inside the bowl, so it may not be possible to use the power. This makes it harder for dirt and other particles to get in. The water also remains clean because of a filter eliminating unwanted particles.
The product is made of plastic, but it’s polypropylene — a soft, flexible type considered safer than other plastics. Plus, this cat and dog water fountain has the biggest capacity out of all the options we have for you. Therefore, you don’t need to be concerned if you have to leave your pet(s) alone for a somewhat longer period.
The assembly should be easy and the cleaning process shouldn’t take too much time. It takes about ten minutes to do this, which should be enough for once per week. The filter requires replacement every 3-4 weeks. It may happen more frequently with multiple pets. Most users consider these filters inexpensive, which we think should be the case with the best cat fountains.
As for downsides, some people say the cord is shorter than they expected, but you can always use an extension cord. The fountain can be tipped over by larger animals, as it is quite lightweight at low water levels. Many users wish they could purchase the pump individually as it is impossible to exchange the warranty.
What We Tested and Picked
To find the best water fountains, we considered ease of cleaning and assembly, water-filter capabilities and the cost to replace a filter, capacity, noise levels, material, longevity, shape and size, and aesthetics. We selected 9 models to examine more carefully based on this criteria: 4 standard plastic models suitable for pets of all sizes, 3 made from higher quality materials and 2 for large animals.
After unboxing each fountain, we assembled it according to the instructions. We soaked or rinsed components or filters as required, then set them out across the house for pets to use. We left the fountains running over the course of about two weeks, and for fountains that had multiple water flow or energy-use options, we split the testing period between them.
We measured the ease of refilling a fountain when it ran out and how quiet the fountain needed to function. We tracked noise levels with the fountains full and running, low on water, and empty. We took apart the fountains to clean them, and then we made careful notes on how simple it was to do so. Also, we tested the filtering ability by adding increasing quantities of dirt and fur to the water. Then we waited to see if each filter captured the mess.
#11 Most Versatile Fountain: The Npet 101-Ounce Automatic Pet Fountain Review
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This automatic pet fountain from NPET is remarkably similar to the Petkit Eversweet 2 in form and the Petlibro Capsule fountain in function. It features a square shape with a 101-ounce reservoir and all the parts are stacked together into a compact unit.
The NPET fountain is made from transparent, BPA-free plastic. It is transparent, so you can see the water level as well as check its quality. This is a fairly low-tech option that doesn’t come with any indicator lights, but you don’t really need them.
While this pet fountain is fairly simple in design, it does offer one unique feature which sets it apart from the others on this list – it comes with three different flow modes. You can choose from either a regular waterfall or bubbling fountain. Or, you could go with a 3-way leaf design which produces different streams. With all of these options, you can customize the NPET fountain according to your cat’s preferences.
The NPET fountain was a bit more difficult to set up and maintain due to the small pictures and hard to read manual. The unit was up and running in a little over 3 minutes and, once it was, it was incredibly easy to refill – you just pop the to piece off and refill it in the sink.
The filter is an important feature of this fountain. It is made from ion exchange resin and activated carbon. The carbon filter is paired with high-density cotton which performs the function of a pre-filter. Like the Petlibro, the NPET filters water after it passes through the drinking bowl.
The NPET fountain works well, is versatile and moderately large, is easy to maintain, and it is reliable. Plus, you only need to replace the filters every two months and they are fairly inexpensive.
Petkit Eversweet G2 Smart Drinking Fountain
Best: Energy efficient fountain
- Capacity: 2l
- Filter (charcoal).
- Dishwasher safe: No
The PetKit eversweet is the most energy-efficient fountain we tried, so if you’re conscious of the impact having a fountain might have on your water bill, this is the one for you.
This fountain is a high-tech method of making sure your pet has fresh water all day. It comes in two modes: normal and smart. Normal mode sees the fountain fill up and offer fresh water to your pet cat. Smart mode activates the fountain on a 5-minute cycle. The fountain will then refill every three minutes, before taking a 2-minute break.
Unlike some other fountains, this only has one water setting, which makes the water bubble gently on top – our feline tester enjoyed peering over the top of the fountain to get their fill, but the lack of options might be something to consider if your cat is particularly fussy.
Another feature that really earns this fountain some brownie points is its alert system – a light appears when the filter needs changing and an alarm also sounds when the water needs topping up, taking all the hassle out of upkeep. The pump also features a carbon filter that helps to remove impurities from the water. We found it to be extremely quiet. With its nearly silent design and different settings to suit both you and your pets needs, this is one gadget you both won’t want to be without and, while it does come at a slightly higher price, we think it’s worth the splurge, should your budget allow.
You can buy replacement filters in five packs (PS18, Johnlewis.com). The replacement period for fountains in smart mode is 12 weeks, so it is recommended that you change your filter every month.
Why Do I Recommend The Pioneer Pet Fountain?
From my research, the model that best meets the criteria I have set out above is the ‘Raindrop,’ as shown in the video above. I like it best because:
- This Pioneer Pet Drinking Fountain is available in either heavy-duty ceramic or stainless steel.
- The flowing water encourages your cat to drink and avoids problems that can be caused by dehydration.
- Because of the ceramic or stainless steel, the cat fountain is really hygienic and easy to clean so your cat will not get feline acne from unseen bacteria.
- It has a large capacity, so if you have more than one cat, there will still be adequate drinking water even if you are away from home all day.
- The whole unit is very easy to clean once you have removed the pump unit, which just sits on the base under the top section by means of suction cups. The ceramic parts (or the stainless steel if you have chosen this option) can easily be washed by hand and can be popped into the dishwasher if required.
Watch the video below to see the cat fountain in action and how easy it is to take apart to change the filter and clean it.
How Do Cat Water Fountains Work?
A cat water fountain consists of a water reservoir, a pump and a filter system. The reservoir holds water that is circulated through filters. It then flows into the fountain, where your cat can enjoy it. Any water not drunk is recirculated through the system. The power source for a cat water system is usually mains electricity. You can choose to have the filter in either a chemical or mechanical form. A mechanical filter system is usually made up of a sponge through which water passes, trapping dirt and hair.
Most chemical filter systems use activated carbon, which is able to absorb toxins. It makes water taste and smell better and reduces any risk from harmful bacteria and impurities.
Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Pet Drinking Fountain
It’s hard to believe that this fountain costs so little because of its elegant and luxurious design. But, you won’t be sacrificing quality for a low price. Made from stainless steel, the Pioneer Raindrop fountain hold 60 oz of water that’s constantly purified by premium filters. Each month, the 3-layer charcoal filters will need to be changed. They cost $13. The ultra-quiet pump moves the water around the fountain gently, so there are no puddles in your kitchen. Easily cleaned and maintained, this fountain disassembles in just a few moves. This cat water fountain measures 4.5 inches in height, but is large enough for both adult and kitten cats. This fountain runs on electric power and the low voltage makes it energy-efficient.
- Affordable
- Stainless steel, elegant design makes it great for cats with allergies or feline acne
- Amazingly silent
Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Automatic Ceramic Drinking Fountain For Cats
Drinkwell Pagoda’s cat fountain is entirely made from ceramic. It is simple to clean and maintain. Meant to hold 70 ounces of water, this product constantly circulates the contents to prevent bacteria from breeding and keep the pet drinking.
The submersible pump keeps the functioning silent and the replaceable carbon filter helps keep the water fresh. Dual streams mean two pets can drink at the same time and the elevated drinking bowl is great for elderly cats.
Customers love the all-ceramic Drinkwell Pagoda, which is also available in white, red and taupe. The Drinkwell Pagoda is easy to put together and will encourage your cat to drink water throughout the day.
Key Features & Specifications
- Capacity: 70 oz
- Size: 10.5 in. Dimensions: L x 8.875 inches. W x 5.75 in. H (bowl height 3.75 in.
- The Chord length is approximately 5.5 feet
- Filter Type: Dual filtration
Noteworthy Mentions
There are many styles and types of cat fountains, so there is no one fountain that will work for all situations. With that in mind, we couldn’t ignore these other fountains!
The Best Water Fountain For Multiple Pets
Drinkwell 360 Multipet Stainless Steel Cat and Dog Fountain
The PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain provides convenience for you while giving your pet plenty of water to stay hydrated – an entire gallon of water, to be exact. The free-falling stream keeps water moving, and an activated-carbon filter removes bad tastes and odors giving your pet the best way to stay hydrated and healthy.
A budget-friendly fountain for more than one cat
PetSafe Drinkwell 1-Gallon Pet Fountain
PetSafe Drinkwell 1-gallon Pet Fountain has a huge 1-gallon container that can hold a lot of cats. They also have a half-gallon or a 2-gallon size! The fountain has an adjustable flow control, which allows you to adjust the water stream from a quiet stream at the lowest level to one with a calm stream at the highest. The flow control allows you to tailor the water flow to your pet’s needs. When it’s time to refill, simply use a pitcher to fill the bowl to the desired level. This fountain was specifically designed with no hard-to-reach crevices to clean, making it a breeze to maintain. One carbon filter included.
*As part of our review process, The Catington Post may have received sample products to test. Our opinions and recommendations are unbiased and remain our own.
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Veken Automatic Pet Fountain
Many cat fountains come with filtration systems. However, Veken’s Automatic Pet Fountain is more advanced. The fountain features triple filtration, with layers of activated carbon, cotton and ion exchange resin. This ensures that the water stays pure for longer periods.
It is also possible to customize the water’s flow between bubble, waterfall, and stream modes. Choose the one that sparks your cat’s curiosity.
The Veken Automatic Cat Fountain holds 84 ounces of water and operates silently. Users will love the design inspired by a flower and appeal to cats. Cat parents won’t have to worry anymore about their pet’s water quality when they are away.
What are the Key Features and Specifications?
- Capacity: 84 oz
- Dimensions: 7.5×7.5×5.9inches
- The chord length is approximately 6 feet.
- Filter type: Triple filtration
Furrybaby Cat Drinking water Fountain – Best Cat Drinking fountain
Although there aren’t as many setting options, the furrybaby Cat Drinking Water Fountain is a decent BPA-free selection. This all-white product is a very sleek, modern-looking fountain that bubbles the water for continual movement and filtering.
There are no fancy bells or whistles here–as this product chooses function over fancy attachments. The front has a fill gauge that is illuminated by an LED to let you know when water needs replenishing. The product can be disassembled using a quick release portion.
One really cool feature about this fountain is that it has pump protection. It provides anti-drying protection for the pump to stop it from working too hard when the water level drops below the set point. It comes with three layers of filters to filter the water.
This design can hold two liters and is ideal for one cat or several cats. We liked it because it is simple, easy to clean, and has pump protection.
Npet Wf050 Cat Water Fountain – Best Value
If you’re looking to save a few dollars, you can check out the NPET WF050 Cat Water Fountain. It’s the best cat foundation for the money. The fountain’s appearance is sleek and clear. Your feline will love the faucet-like experience of water flowing into this pool.
This design acts as an attractant to encourage your kitty to drink more. The fountain’s front has lines that indicate the maximum and minimum flow rates to ensure the fountain flows properly.
The pump can be damaged or spilled if it is overfilled. A silicone tube is used to complete the design. This particular design does not come with a wall plug, so that is something that you will need to get after the purchase.
To operate the device, the company suggests a 5V adapter. This particular design has a large capacity, holding up to 1.5 liters of water.
It contains a three-layer filter that will eliminate debris, bacteria, and odor for all ultimate freshness. There is a quick-release feature on this item, so you can take it apart easily for routine cleaning. It’s a great value, however, it doesn’t have as many options as other items.
#8: Best Deluxe: Milk Ceramic Cat Water fountain
If you’re looking for ways to spoil your cat, this Milk ceramic water fountain will be an excellent surprise for your kitty.
It’s easy to clean
If you want your cat or dog water bowl fountain to serve you for years and work smoothly, cleaning it regularly is a must. Although it is not an easy task, this is the best way to ensure that the product doesn’t go off the rails.
This is an often-disciplined task so we chose fountains that will not give you headaches. That means they’re relatively easy to take apart and put back together. You can wash all the pieces in a dishwasher. It’s just the pump that needs to be cleaned separately with brushes.
The Top 8 Best Cat Water Fountains: We Reviewed Our Top 8 Choices
Now that we’ve gone over the testing process, let’s discuss the merits of each water fountain individually.
Type of filter
Activated carbon filters are used in the majority of dog and cat water fountains. Carbon filters help keep your pet’s water smelling and tasting fresh but won’t eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, or heavy metals. However, the constant moving helps keep biofilm from building up in your pet’s water bowl, so using a fountain will still allow you to clean it less often.
Cooler Water
Water that is moved can keep it cooler and tastes better than water left in a stagnant bowl. Your cat will be more likely to drink water if there is oxygen added to the water.
Pioneer Pet Swan Cat Drinking Fountain
- Looks like modern home decor
- Budget-friendly
- Reduces the odors and filters water
- Sturdy, BPA-free plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Two plug-in options
- Noisier than many other options
- Pump requires at least weekly cleaning
- “Faucet” requires frequent cleaning
#6 Best Stylish: Nautypaws Ceramic Cat Water Fountain
NautryPaws has one of the best ceramic water fountains with a stylish design to match any interior.
It’s easy to clean
After running them for a couple of days, I broke down each of the water fountains and, if possible, put them into the dishwasher. It was easy to disassemble each fountain, and it fit in the dishwasher well. Any parts not dishwasher safe, I noted how simple it was to clean and handle them.
Petlibro Automatic Dog & Cat Water Fountain
- Circulating water decreases bacterial growth
- Reduces the odors and filters water
- It is easy to assemble or disassemble
- Auto shutoff feature when water level gets low
- Built-in light turns on when it gets dark
- Filters are only replaceable through the manufacturer
- Pump requires at least weekly cleaning
- Pets are not allowed to tip you over
Do You Need a Water Fountain for Your Cat?
A cat does not enjoy drinking water from a stagnant bowl as much as she would enjoy drinking from a tap. The reason is simple: tap water is running water and kitties by instinct feel that cat water is much safer and therefore more attractive to drink. Tap water can contain toxic chemicals. The cat water fountain will remove toxic chemicals from your tap water, and circulate the water to attract your feline friend.
- How often do you change the water in a cat fountain?
- How often do you change the water in a cat fountain?