Are you tired of constantly having to refill your cat’s water dish? Does your cat turn its nose up at stale water? The best cat water fountain is the best solution. These fountains provide fresh, clean water for your pet, offering water that constantly flows, which works to entice your pet to drink more.
But finding a fountain that won’t fail after a few months, or a model that’s low maintenance, isn’t exactly easy. That’s where I come in. I’ve tested out several top-selling fountains, narrowing it down to six that are dominating the market and have what it takes to last year after year. I’ve also created a buyer’s guide that will go over must-have features that will ensure you get the right type of fountain for your pets, whether you have one cat or a multi-cat household. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the models that made it onto my list, their leading features, and how they rated.
Table of Contents
Cat Water Fountain Comparison Chart
| Product | Water Tank Size | Flow Modes | Filter Design | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Veken Pet Fountain  Shop On Amazon! | 2.5L | 3 | Triple | |
Mospro Pet Fountain  Shop On Amazon! | 2 L | 3 | Double | |
| PETKIT CYBERTAIL Water Fountain   Shop On Amazon! | 1.85 L | 1 | Triple | |
| PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Water Fountain   Shop On Amazon! | 2.9L | 1 | Single | |
| PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Water Fountain   Shop On Amazon! | 3.7 L | 1 | Single | |
URPOWER Pet Fountain  Shop On Amazon! | 1.5L | 1 | Single |
Veken Pet Fountain
Our Rating:
This model comes equipped with an ultra-quiet pump with a DB rating of forty. The size of the fountain is perfect for small to medium-sized pets. The bowl and water reservoir is made out of BPA-free PP resin and is durable and easy to clean. Each mode also comes with a silicone pad that’s designed to catch any spills, so your floor will stay nice and dry. The fountain has three flow modes, including gentle, flower bubble, and waterfall. The triple filtration system consists of an ion exchange resin, activated carbon, and a layer of cotton.
Pros
- Triple filtration system
- BPA-free materials
- Larger water capacity
- Ultra-quiet
Cons
- Filters sold separately
Conclusion
This model offers three flow design options, a triple filtration system, and features a large water reservoir that means fewer fill ups. This model is perfect for small to medium-sized pets and comes with a silicone pad designed to cut down on spills. This system is a great buy if you’re looking for an easy to use, low maintenance fountain that’s durable and highly adjustable.
Mospro Pet Fountain
Our Rating:
This popular model by Mospro features a two-liter capacity and a design that’s made out of environmentally-friendly materials. Offering low power consumption and quiet pump action, you’ll barely hear the sound of water flowing. The fountain gives you three water flow settings to choose from including fountain, bubble flow, and waterfall. The water circulation system and recessed design increase the contact area of the water. Included in this package are a couple of replaceable filters that can be used repeatedly after they’ve had time to dry out.
Pros
- Includes two reusable filters
- Thirty-day money-back guarantee
- Three flow settings
- Two-liter capacity
Cons
- Pump may break after a few months of use
Conclusion
This low-priced, versatile, highly adjustable fountain is simple to use and maintain and comes with two filters that are reusable, so you won’t have to worry about ongoing costs. The two-liter capacity is decent and prevents owners from having to constantly refill the water tank. This model is a great buy for one to three cat households.
PETKIT CYBERTAIL Cat Water Fountain
Our Rating:
This model features an ultra-quiet pump, has a 1.85L capacity, and is designed with a transparent material that will allow you to closely monitor your pet’s water intake. The forty DB pump also has a low energy consumption and is replaceable and easy to maintain and clean. The built-in LED light will remind pet owners when the tank should be filled and when the filter needs to be replaced.
Pros
- Low water level indicator light
- Filter change light
- Quiet pump
- Replaceable pump
Cons
- Small water tank
- One offers one flow option
Conclusion
This model comes with a high-performance purifying filtration system that’s three layers, for powerful purification. The built-in LED low water level indicator and filter change reminder will help you stay on top of water fountain maintenance. This model is a great buy for one to two cat households, but considering the smaller water reservoir, you may find yourself refilling the tank often.
PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Cat Water Fountain
Our Rating:
This fountain features a large water capacity of 2.9 Liters. This high-water capacity makes this model a great buy for multi-pet households. The free-falling water flow design will encourage your pets to drink more water. The fountain has a unique design, with two bowl levels. The innovative level design provides two separate drinking areas for your pets. The upper-level bowl is perfect for older pets who have a hard time stooping over to drink. The pump features an energy-saving, ultra-quiet design, which will be a big plus for any buyer. The fountain is made out of BPA-free materials and is dishwasher safe when placed on the top rack.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Two separate drinking areas
- Low voltage
- Ultra-quiet pump
- Large water capacity
Cons
- Only offers one flow option
Conclusion
The two-drinking area design makes this model a good choice in multi-pet households, especially if you have two cats that fight often and aren’t the best at sharing. The ultra-quiet pump features an energy-saving design and is submersible. The pump may not be the fanciest on the market since it lacks any flow mode options, but it’s a good choice if you need a higher capacity fountain that offers more than one drinking area for your multi-cat home.
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Cat and Dog Water Fountain
Our Rating:
This model offers a 3.7-liter water reservoir, which makes it great for multi-pet households and pets of all sizes. The five falling streams will encourage your pet to drink more water. On the bottom of the fountain, you’ll find rubber feet that will prevent the fountain from sliding during use. This model comes with a replaceable carbon filter, which helps to remove toxins while improving the flavor of the water. The adjustable flow control cap will allow you to choose how fast the water flows. The unique three hundred and sixty-degree design makes this model a smart buy in multi-cat homes.
Pros
- Large water capacity
- Adjustable stream
- Easy to clean
- Carbon filters
Cons
- Only offers a single flow style
- Single filter design
Conclusion
This model’s customizable stream flow and unique three hundred and sixty-degree design, in addition to the higher water capacity, make this fountain a good choice for multi-pet homes and will work for pets of all sizes. The fountain is made out of BPA-free materials, is dishwasher safe, and simple to maintain. If you need a durable fountain that can handle larger pets, then your search stops here.
URPOWER Pet Fountain
Our Rating:
This new model by Urpower offers a one-and-a-half-liter capacity and a stylish modern design that will blend well with the décor in your home. This fountain is designed for smaller pets and can accommodate a one to two pet household. The adjustable stream allows you to control the flow of the water but does not give you options in terms of flow modes. The fountain is made out of BPA-free materials and an ultra-quiet pump, so you won’t hear this pump running at night.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Modern design
- Made out of BPA-free materials
- Free-falling stream is designed to encourage your pets to drink more water
Cons
- Single filter design
- No flow mode options
- Low water capacity
Conclusion
This model is low maintenance and designed with smaller pets in mind. The low water capacity can be a deal-breaker for some buyers since this means you’ll need to refill the tank often. The adjustable water flow will allow users to customize how fast or slow the stream trickles out, and is designed to attract your cats, encouraging them to drink more. If you need a durable, smaller fountain for your one to two cat household then this model is a great buy.
Cat Water Fountain Buyer’s Guide
If you’re concerned about your cat’s daily water intake, or you’re worried about the freshness and cleanliness of the water in your cat’s water dish then switching to a cat water fountain can be a great addition to your home. These fountains are specifically designed to provide a continuous flow of crisp clean water so your pet will remain healthy and happy, while you can ensure that the water their drinking remains clean. These fountains are also a great way to entice your cat to consume more water a day since cats have a notoriously low thirst drive so you’re not able to always tell when they drink or how much.
However, there are so many popular models of these fountains on the market these days that choosing the right one can be difficult. You need to find a model that will provide your cat with the cleanest water possible, a variety of settings that will allow you to control water flow, and a durable fountain that’s designed to last. In this buyer’s guide, I’ll go over what to look for to ensure you end up with a model that you and your pet will love.
So, what are the most important features to look for in a cat water fountain?
- Water tank size
- Tiers
- Depth
- Spouts
- Materials
- Modes
- Filters
Below, I’ll go over the many benefits these fountains have to offer you and your pet.
Cat Water Fountain Benefits
While a cat’s ancestors had to be creative when it came to finding water sources, evolution has somehow impacted the cat’s thirst drive, which can make it difficult for pet owners to ensure that their cats remain hydrated. These days, cats often get their moisture from their food, which will allow them to remain healthy as it quenches their thirst. However, if your pet is primarily eating dry food then you may be concerned that they’re not drinking enough water, which is why a cat water fountain is a great solution.
These fountains offer a wide range of benefits including the following:
- A fountain comes with a built-in filtration system that’s designed to remove impurities from the water including hair, dirt, and debris. The removal of these particles can make your pet’s water safer to drink while improving the taste.
- These fountains work by releasing air into the water, creating tiny bubbles. Many harmful types of bacteria and microorganisms are unable to survive in the presence of air. These water bottles work to effectively help keep your pet’s water clean and fresh while getting rid of anything that can harm your pet.
- A cat has a predatory nature, which is probably why they love playing with water. These fountains work to create moving water, which a cat may mistake for moving prey. A cat may think that ripples in the water are an indicator that fish are present. This will awaken a cat’s predatory instincts, causing excitement whenever they are near the water.
- When water moves, it helps to keep the water cooler, while improving the taste, compared to stagnant water that has been in a bowl for a couple of days. The added oxygen in the water can also keep the water colder which is sure to entice your cat to drink.
- As I mentioned earlier, a fountain can ensure that your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. This alone can significantly reduce the risk of certain health issues such as urinary tract infections and dehydration. Additionally, any microorganisms or bacteria that can be found living in the fountain will quickly be killed as they move through the filtration system.
- Most of these models are very easy to clean and low maintenance. All you have to do is rinse out the bowl and reservoir once a week. Some models are even dishwasher-safe which will be a huge plus for any pet owner.
Other Important Features to Look for
Getting cats to drink water can be difficult, especially as they grow older. Because of this, many pet owners worry about their cats not consuming enough water a day. Even if you’ve tried a variety of different styles of water dishes, getting your cat to drink can be a challenge. However, cats are enticed by running water which is why a cat water fountain is such a great idea and can help to keep your cat hydrated.
Below, you’ll find many of the important features to look for, before you hit that buy now button.
Water Tank Size
The larger the water tank size, the less time you have to spend refilling it. A larger tank size also means less chance of it running dry. However, these advantages should be weighed against the length of time that the water will remain in the tank. Many models will circulate the water in order to prevent it from becoming stagnant. However, despite the circulation the longer the water remains in the tank the more likely the chance of bacterial growth.
Tiers and Depth
The size and depth of the bowl in the fountain are very important especially if you have an old cat or a young one. If you have an older cat, then their joints will be very stiff which means they will have a harder time stooping down to drink out of a water dish. Because of this, the bowl needs to be higher for them. Additionally, if you have a kitten or young teen then they may not be able to reach the water if the bowl is too high. Both of these issues are something to consider before you buy.
If you have a multi-pet household, then models that feature tiers will allow more pets to drink at the same time.
Spouts
If you have a multi-pet household then you need a fountain that features a multi-spout design. This will allow more than one cat in the home to drink at the same time and can prevent spills and fights. However, if you only have one pet then a multi-spout fountain may be overkill.
Material
Many water fountains these days are made out of materials that are BPA-free. This means that they are made out of material that’s safe for your pets and non-toxic. However, there are some different materials to choose from such as ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic. Each type of material comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic models tend to be more durable and lighter and can be easier to move. However, this material can scratch quite easily and may be difficult to clean.
Fountains that are made out of ceramic are often dishwasher safe and very easy to clean and maintain. But considering the heaviness and breakability of this material, should it get knocked over, it’s prone to chips and cracks. A fountain that’s made out of stainless steel is naturally rust-resistant, easy to clean, durable, and light, yet it can have a negative impact on the flavor of the water even if it comes equipped with filters.
Modes
Some models come with a few flow modes to choose from which will allow buyers to customize how the water flows. As an example, there are models on the market that you’ll come across that will feature a few settings for waterfalls which will boost the amount of water that circulates at one time, stream, and bubbles. Other models may only have a single streamflow.
Filters
These fountains usually come equipped with a filtration system. The system works by reducing impurities and toxins in the water and ensuring that the water tastes and smells good. Many fountains will feature a two-stage filtration system that works to remove impurities such as dirt and hair. However, you’ll also come across triple-stage filtration systems that are designed to remove dirt, hair, bacteria, and harmful toxins from your pet’s drinking water. Keep in mind, many of these filtration systems feature discs or pads that must be tossed and replaced in order to continue to keep the water clean and pure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Clean Cat Water Fountain?
Some of the filters you’ll find on one of these water fountains will not purify the water. Because of this, it’s important that you change the water in the tank once a week, depending on how many pets you have in your home and how many use the fountain.
Can You Leave a Cat Water Fountain on all the Time?
Yes. As long as the pump is kept submerged you can run the fountain around the clock without the fear of it overheating. However, you’ll need to ensure that the water tank reservoir is always full, otherwise, you’ll put the fountain at risk of overheating should the tank run dry.
How Much Electricity Does a Cat Water Fountain Use?
On average, the power consumption of one of these fountains is extremely low and around two-and-a-half watts per hour. If the fountain is left on for 24 hours a day it will use around the same amount of power that a 60-watt light bulb will use in one hour.
Final Thoughts
The best cat water fountain should come equipped with a powerful pump that will keep water constantly flowing in order to prevent stagnant water. It should also feature a reservoir that’s large enough to meet the needs of all the cats in your household. A durable design and one that’s low maintenance will also be a huge plus for any pet owner. The products I’ve included in my guide each have what it takes to meet the needs of single and multi-cat households. Additionally, the guide that I have put together will ensure that you choose a model that will work for you, your budget, and the needs of your pets.
