The Best Cat Water Fountain Filters

As cat owners, we always want to give our sweet pets the very best, which is why we love our cat water fountains. But with water fountains come filters, and finding the right filter can be a little bit confusing. However, you're in luck. We've put together a comprehensive list of the best cat water fountain filters.

What to Look For

We’ve gathered versions for all varieties of dishes. Many questions were posed to narrow down the selection, including: How many times can I rinse this out before having to replace it? Is the cost affordable enough to keep up with the long term? We were seriously impressed by PetSafe’s filter replacement pack for its long list of compatible devices and the Catit triple-action water fountain filter for its triple-layer power. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.

PetSafe DrinkWell Replacement Filters

Effective every time

The cat water fountain filter is made by a trusted brand, ensuring it will keep your water clean and drinkable.
Top Pick

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PetSafe’s replacement filters catch all hair and debris, allowing your kitten to drink fresh water no matter what falls into their bowl. It protects pumps by preventing obstruction. Plus, it lasts for an impressive 1-2 months before needing to be replaced.

Pros:

  • We like that this can be used alongside a charcoal filter, allowing your cat to drink water that’s both filtered and free from hair, dirt, and other debris.
  • We also noticed that even though these say they need to be replaced every 1-2 months, they can be washed to extend their longevity. The firm foam build makes this process easy to do. 

Cons:

  • This is only designed to be used with PetSafe filters, though, to be fair, the list of compatible devices from the brand is extensive.

Catit Triple Action Cat Water Fountain Filters

Crystal clear water

This extra-strong, three-layered filter catches much more than its competitors.
Runner Up

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This three-layered cat water fountain filter is designed to keep your kitty’s water as fresh as possible. The first layer of cotton mesh stops hair and debris in its tracks. Then the active carbon filters the water to remove odors and impurities. The ion exchange resin softens the end result. The company even states its product can reduce the risk of feline urinary tract infections.

Pros:

  • We were impressed by the length of time that these filters kept our cats’ water fountain looking clear and smelling fresh. Other filters last only days, while this should work for several weeks.
  • The filters are durable, thanks to the plastic layer that holds everything else in place.

Cons:

  • It can back up and overflow occasionally, but it only happens when the water levels aren’t correctly set. 

PETKIT Cat Water Fountain Filters

Rinse and reuse

When this filter fills up, it can be soaked, rinsed, and used again, effectively reducing the number of times you'll need to purchase additional filters.
Best Reusable Filter

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If you’re all about value and convenience, this fountain filter from PETKIT is worth checking out. It can be rinsed between uses instead of automatic replacement. Also, its smooth and flat design makes it extremely easy to wash off.  You’ll find it fits perfectly in the PETKIT fountain’s tray, so the replacement process is straightforward.

Pros:

  • We appreciate the filter’s setting options — normal mode and smart mode. Normal mode is nice for typical cleaning, while smart mode allows you to extend the life of your filter from 30 to 60 days.
  • Since it comes in a five-pack, you won’t need to reorder as often as you’d have to with other brands.

Cons:

  • This filter takes a few extra steps initially, but you’ll get the hang of it. 

Zenesty Flower Fountain Filter

A green way to clean

This filter consists of three layers, including cotton, coconut activated carbon, and ion exchange resin for a thorough and natural clean.
Most Eco-Friendly

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This filter from Zenesty uses all-natural materials, including cotton and coconut, to ensure your kitty has the freshest —and safest— water to drink. The filter use three layers to stop hair, dirt, odors, and other impurities. Plus, it can be rinsed between uses to extend its lifespan.

Pros:

  • The pack of twelve was a nice size. You won’t have to worry about purchasing additional filters for months.
  • The natural properties will have even your pickiest cats drinking water like pros.

Cons:

  • This type of filter is made only for the Zenesty Flower fountain. However, it can be tested in devices that fit the same size and shape.

Comsmart Pet Fountain Filter

Filter for good

This triple-layer filter is effective and long-lasting, partially due to the pre-filter sponge that's included.
Longest Lasting

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This cat water fountain filter is designed to last. It comes with a pre-filter responsible for blocking debris like dirt and cat hair. Then, the regular three-layer filter focuses on purifying the water your pet will eventually drink. It’s designed to be used for 2-4 weeks before replacing, but it can be rinsed as often as you see fit.

Pros:

  • We were impressed by the compatibility of this filter as it fits in multiple common devices sold on the market today.
  • The pre-filter did a good job preventing the pump from becoming clogged with hair — a common problem that can shorten your cat water fountain’s lifespan.

Cons:

  • This sometimes needs to be cleaned before the two-week suggestion, especially if your water contains a lot of impurities. However, it still cleans well as long as you keep up with general maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell which filter will fit my fountain?

You can either purchase a filter from the same manufacturer or choose a version of the same size and shape.

How often do the filters need to be changed?

This depends on the specific product you purchase but will likely be between 2 and 4 weeks. Some filters can last up to 3 months. You should also pay attention to any smells or discoloration in your cat’s water, as these are signs to switch the filter sooner.

About the Author

Jessica has two kids, but she's a parent to numerous pets, including cats, dogs, and even reptiles. Needless to say, she's an animal lover. She admits to spoiling her furry friends, and now wants to share her decades of experience in pet care with the rest of the world to help others find the best products for their four-legged families.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.