Our Top Choices for the 4 Best Cat Water Fountains

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: November 15, 2022
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Drinking water can be a bit of a challenge for cats. Cats are notorious for being picky when it comes to drinking water. Having their water bowl right next to their food bowl, for instance, can completely turn them off from drinking. The reason for this is that they don’t like to smell their food near their water. As cats prefer running water rather than still water, the temperature of the water may also be a problem.

Cats who don’t drink enough water have a higher risk of kidney disease and urinary tract infections. This is why keeping them hydrated is essential. Your cat needs a consistent flow of fresh water, which is why you need a cat water drinking fountain. A small carbon filter is also included in cat water fountains to remove the impurities and debris present in tap water. As a result, your cat drinks more water because the water is clean and tasty.

  1. Catit Flower Plastic Fountain

    •Aesthetic and durable cat water fountain

    •3 liter water capacity

    •Easy to clean and refill

    •Triple action water filter

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  2. Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Fountain Raindrop

    •Highly durable stainless steel circulating fountain

    •Easy to clean

    •Sturdy against being knocked over

    •Quiet water circulation

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  3. Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain

    •Easy access for multiple cats at once

    •Faucet-style fountain

    •Holds 3.8 liters of water

    •Pricier than other options

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  4. PETKIT Eversweet Smart Pet Gen 2 Fountain

    •Alerts if low water with LED lights

    •Automatic shut off if low on water

    •Smart mode - pumps water in intervals

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Top Picks: The Best Cat Water Fountains Today

#1 Best Overall: Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain

Our overall top choice for cat water fountains is the Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain thanks to the triple action filter and three different flow settings. 

A Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain is a beautiful automatic water fountain with a water capacity of 100 FL Oz. The fountain will provide a fresh source of circulating water so that your cat can stay hydrated. It comes with three different settings for water flow, depending on how your cat likes it. There is no fiddling required to assemble the fountain, and the pieces fit together perfectly. This fountain’s filter is located underneath the plastic top, which keeps it looking neat and tidy. With the Triple Action Filter, you can filter out debris with cotton mesh, remove impurities and odors with active carbon, and soften your water with ion exchange resin. 

There is a smooth surface to the fountain that makes cleaning relatively easy. Generally speaking, there aren’t many tight corners to worry about. While it may not be dishwasher-safe, it can be cleaned with soap and a sponge pretty easily.  In terms of price, the Catit water fountain is not the most expensive or the cheapest on the market. In addition, it does not run on batteries. It might be more convenient for pet parents traveling with their cats to have something portable to take with them. 

Pros and Cons of the Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain

ProsCons
There are three different flow settings to please even the pickiest cat.Low water levels can cause the motor to become loud.
Easily disassembled and cleaned.As it is not battery-operated, it is not the most portable option.
Small homes or apartments can use it because it takes up less space.
With its ergonomic design, it is suitable for adult cats as well as kittens.
Best Overall
Catit Flower Plastic Fountain

•Aesthetic and durable cat water fountain

•3 liter water capacity

•Easy to clean and refill

•Triple action water filter

Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Stainless Steel: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain

The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain takes the top spot in our list of the best cat water fountains made from stainless steel. There is a 60 Oz capacity for water to flow through this cat water fountain. Additionally, it has two drinking areas. At the top, you have an area where the water pours out, and at the bottom, you have another area where it drips. A slide in the water fountain prevents water splashing while also providing your cat with a movable source of water. 

The stainless steel construction makes it easier to clean and less likely to become contaminated by bacteria and mold. When you need to wash it, simply pop it into the dishwasher. Your cats will have constant access to water because a quiet pump circulates water constantly. As well as keeping the water clean from debris and impurities, the charcoal filter can be replaced. 

Pros and Cons of the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain

ProsCons
The stainless steel design prevents bacteria from building up and helps to keep the water cooler.The water capacity is only 60 ounces, which is on the low side.
Water can be cleaned and purified with a charcoal filter that can easily be replaced.Purchasing this would be considered a splurge because of its price tag.
A unique design prevents the water from splashing around.
The water fountain is dishwasher safe.
Best Stainless Steel
Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Raindrop Fountain

•Stainless steel dog water fountain

•Allergy safe and durable

•Dishwasher safe

•Easy assembly

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3. Best for Multiple Cats: PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless 360

Several cats might share one water fountain if you have more than one at home. With the PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless 360, multiple cats will be able to drink from the same fountain. With a capacity of 128 ounces (3.78 liters), it can hold a large amount of water. If your pets know how to share, there’s no need to buy separate water fountains for each one. A pre-filter protects the pump, while a charcoal filter reduces unpleasant tastes and impurities that might be in the water. In addition to the charcoal filter, the water fountain comes with a foam filter as well.

Cat siblings can share the fountain with each other easily. There are many angles from which they can access the water. If you need a drink, you don’t need to bump anyone aside. Keeping the fountain clean is also relatively straightforward. Due to its stainless steel construction, the bowl is easy to clean. The pump, however, presents a different problem. When you have more than one cat, there are tiny crevices that need to be cleaned frequently. Otherwise, it may become clogged. An additional benefit of stainless steel fountains is that they prevent bacterial growth. The most important feature of this product is its durability.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless 360

ProsCons
This water fountain holds one gallon of water.There are two types of filters you need to buy to keep the water fountain clean.
Households with more than one pet will appreciate this water fountain.Maintaining it requires changing the filter quite often.
Cats can drink from multiple water streams simultaneously thanks to customizable water streams.
The water fountain cannot be turned over by accident.
Best for Multiple Cats
Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain

•Easy access for multiple cats at once

•Faucet-style fountain

•Holds 3.8 liters of water

•Pricier than other options

Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Smart Water Fountain: Petkit Eversweet 2

Petkit Eversweet 2 is our top smart fountain because it’s convenient and easy to use. Using a triple filtering system, this cat water fountain gives your cat clean, fresh water every time they need it. The rush of daily life makes it easy to forget that the fountain needs to be refilled or the filter needs to be changed. As a result, the fountain will alert you if either of these conditions occurs. You’ll be notified if there’s a water shortage in the bowl or if the filter needs to be replaced by the smart LED indicator light. Additionally, when the bowl is dry, the pump automatically turns off to prevent motor burnout. Additionally, there’s a water window to show how much water remains. 

The water fountain features innovative 2-mode technology, either Smart Mode or Normal Mode. Water is continuously pumped in the normal mode. Also available is a smart mode that saves energy by pumping intermittently – three minutes on, three minutes off. Besides saving energy, this also reduces wear and tear on the pump, extending its life. There is also very little noise from the fountain. One disadvantage is the cost of replacing filters and the need to change them frequently. With the cost of the filters added to the cost of the unit, this is a more expensive option. The tank can also hold significantly less water than our best overall choice (exactly 1 liter less).  

Pros and Cons of the Petkit Eversweet 2

ProsCons
The unit’s smart mode saves energy.Smart mode filters should be replaced every three months, while normal mode filters should be replaced every month.
There is a very quiet pump in the water fountain.
It is easy to clean and the inner tank is dishwasher-safe.
LED lights alert you when the water reservoir is low.
Best Smart Water Fountain
PETKIT Eversweet Smart Pet Gen 2 Fountain

•Alerts if low water with LED lights

•Automatic shut off if low on water

•Smart mode - pumps water in intervals

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How to Choose the Best Cat Water Fountain

It is beneficial for both you and your cat to have a cat water fountain. In comparison to bowl-fed water, running water is considered to be fresher by cats. Most likely this goes back to when cats had to fend for themselves back in the days of being wild. There is a higher chance that running water is going to be cleaner and fresher than standing water in terms of its quality and freshness. It is a good idea to provide running water for your cat in order to encourage him to drink. It is vital for cats, especially those that eat dry food, to drink plenty of water to stay healthy and free from urinary tract infections and kidney disease.

A fountain may be the solution if your cat isn’t drinking enough. When choosing a cat water fountain, what should you look for? Are you seeking a small, easy-to-use, and simple water fountain? Would you prefer a fountain with many settings and controls? Different fountains have different features, designs, and price ranges. 

There are a couple of main factors when considering the right water fountain for your cat:

  • Quiet operation 
  • Sufficient reservoir 
  • Filtration system 
  • Power source 

These are all factors to consider, so let’s review them in more detail:

Quiet Operation

Quietness is one of the most essential characteristics of a great cat water fountain. It is useless to give your cat a fountain with a noisy pump or loud noise when delivering water since this will put your cat off drinking from it. There is no question that cats will get used to the sound of a pump, but finding a model that is quieter stands a better chance of instant acceptance. A simple, but reliable pump mechanism will be used in most cat water fountains. A good way to decide whether or not to purchase a pump is to listen to it before you buy it.

Sufficient Reservoir 

When choosing a cat water fountain, it is also essential to consider the size. Choose one that can hold enough water for your cat or cats to drink for 24 hours without needing to refill it. Ensure the fountain has enough capacity to feed your cat and other pets if you share the fountain. Particularly if you leave the animals unattended while you are at work. 

Filtration System

The type of filtration in your new fountain is important to note. Do you plan to use tap water, for example? It was necessary to replace filters frequently when using tap water due to the iron and minerals present. It’s important to note how often you’ll have to change the filter of the unit you purchase and how much these replacement filters cost. Especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly cat water fountain. 

Power Source 

A cat water fountain’s power source must be considered. A pump requires power, so how it gets it is also a concern. Battery-powered fountains and mains-powered fountains are available. Even if the source of the fountain’s power isn’t essential to you, it may affect where you set the fountain. In addition, batteries will need to be replaced regularly in fountains powered by batteries. Not so much with a fountain powered by a mains outlet. It is important to consider where you’ll place it before choosing the power source. It should be kept away from water damage-prone areas, but reachable to your pet.

Up Next…

About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

Our Top Choices for the 4 Best Cat Water Fountains FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best water fountain for cats?

The best overall water fountain for cats, in our humble opinion, is the Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain. It has all of the features and fits all the requirements that we believe to be essential in choosing the best for your pet.

Ease of Use

As we’ve already mentioned, as long as the fountain is able to produce fresh, clean water, it’s more than likely that your cat will become motivated to drink more. But what about the pet owner? In order to ensure that your cat gets hydrated, you’ll need a fountain that’s easy to disassemble, clean, and put back together again. It should be a chore that you won’t hesitate to do every week or a couple of weeks. A simple design and construction, a few small parts, and something dishwasher-safe should fit the bill.

Water-Filtering Capability

Any pet parent will want to make sure that their cat gets clean water. So, a filter is essential. But how does the filter work? How often do you need to replace it? How much do the filters cost? Those are considerations that you need to take when making your final choice.

Noise

No one wants a cat water fountain that noticeably gurgles or produces a lot of motor noise. Some cats aren’t all that brave. In addition, not everyone loves the sound of trickling water. And you should also find out if the motor makes a loud noise whenever the water’s running low.

Durability

Like with everything else you buy, you’ll want a cat water fountain that’s going to last a good long while. Especially if you’re going to splurge and get your kitty an expensive one. Obviously, the most durable material is stainless steel. But that doesn’t mean a fountain made out of plastic is going to break down after a couple of months. And here’s another thing we needed to consider, if it did break down, would having it repaired be possible? If so, how long?

Aesthetics

Obviously, you wouldn’t want a cat water fountain that doesn’t look good. While it won’t really make a difference to your cat, it will be visible in your house to you, your family, and your guests. So, choosing one that doesn’t look off-putting is still a factor that needs to be considered. And while we do love how some of the ceramic ones look, the cuteness factor of the Catit Senses 2.0 Flower Fountain cannot be refuted.

Power Source

As you may have noticed, all of our picks were electric fountains. This is because we have yet to come across a battery-operated cat fountain that fits all of our requirements. Maybe we’ll find one in the future, maybe not. But as for now, we’re sticking with the plugged kind.

Do cats prefer water fountains?

Cats used to be desert animals who got most of their water when they ate their prey which have high-moisture containing meat. Because of this, they had a low thirst drive. That is still true today. They aren’t highly motivated to drink. 

Another thing you should know is that stagnant water and cats don’t mix. They prefer running water. This may be due to instinct, another one passed down by their ancestors, telling them that stagnant waters can make them sick. This is why your cat may not like drinking from a regular bowl. 

Last, but definitely not least, cats can be extremely fastidious. They like their water to be odorless and fresh. All of these reasons are why your cat will be more likely to drink water from a fountain than a regular bowl. So, yes. Cats do prefer water fountains.

What is the safest cat water fountain?

The safest cat water fountain we found was the PetKit Eversweet 2. It’s a smart fountain that features a pump that automatically turns off when the bowl is empty. This prevents the motor from burning out. It has an LED light that turns on to remind you whenever the water’s low or if the filter needs replacing. Speaking of filters, this fountain also comes with a three-level filtration system to ensure your cat gets fresh, clean water all the time. 

The PetKit Eversweet 2 also comes with two modes – Smart and Normal. The normal mode continuously lets the water flow. The smart mode, on the other hand, pumps water for 3 minutes and then rests for another 3 before pumping again. 

In an ideal world, a cordless cat water fountain would be a safer option. A battery-operated device would have no cables for your cat to paw and chew on. A cord would also be a potential trip hazard for both of you. However, based on our testing, the best fountains in the market are still the electric ones. So, if safety is a major concern, we recommend the PetKit Eversweet 2 because of the features we mentioned above.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.