The Best Cat Fountains
It's hard to keep cats adequately hydrated when they’re not interested in drinking. Cat fountains are designed to maintain a steady stream of water to make drinking more appealing to cats. But before you buy a fountain, it’s worth taking a closer look at the capabilities of various types. To give you a jumpstart in your pursuit of the perfect fountain, we’ve chosen some favorites and have presented our list below.
What to Look For
The best cat fountains should be hygienic, easy to maintain, effective at attracting your cat, and have a good design for your home. If you need an easy-to-use, cat-approved fountain with a sizable tank, Veken’s 2.5-liter flower fountain is a good pick. Or, if you’re looking for extra-sanitary materials, check out the stainless steel raindrop fountain by Pioneer Pet or Petsafe’s Drinkwell ceramic pagoda. We weighed the pros and cons of the following products to help you find an effective hydration solution for your cat. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Veken 2.5-Liter Flower-spout Automatic Cat Fountain
Showers and flowers
Veken’s cat fountain tops our list for simple function and easy maintenance. Made of resilient, BPA-free materials, it also has three flowing modes, so you can choose the one your cat likes best. The triple filtration process softens water to keep it fresh, and three replacement filters are included. Just change the water and clean the fountain each week to help keep your pet’s water clean. And the pump disassembles so you can easily clean it to lengthen the life of your fountain. Also included is a floor mat to catch drips.
Pros:
- Many cats love this fountain’s color and flower feature and respond better to it than other fountains.
- You can top up the water by pouring it into the top without needing to take the fountain apart.
- It holds plenty of water, so you can leave for a long weekend while your cat stays hydrated.
Cons:
- The flower component needs regular cleaning and doesn’t conveniently come apart like the filter pieces.
NPET Cat Water Fountain
Turn on the tap
This model keeps water flowing from the adjustable-height faucet, but you can also remove it to switch to fountain mode. The fully transparent surface makes it easy for you to monitor the water level and know when it needs cleaning. And don’t worry—you won’t need to refill too often as the tank holds about a week’s supply of water. Plus, the water tank is made of odor-free, non-toxic plastic, and the transparent plastic blends into any environment.
Pros:
- This fountain is a great solution for cats who only like drinking from the faucets in your home.
- We appreciate that the pump comes with cleaning tools.
- The drinking bowl holds 200 ml of water, so your cat will have a reserve even if the power goes out.
Cons:
- Assembling and disassembling the fountain for cleaning may take getting used to.
Petlibro Capsule Automatic Pet Water Fountain
Seen and not heard
If you don’t like hearing the sound of running water, this extra-quiet Petlibro model could solve your problem. We love that it’s really easy to assemble and refill. It’s also simple to replace the filter every couple of weeks, and the filter is bigger than those on some models. The translucent exterior helps you track the water level. The bowl on top holds about 80 ml, and it’s big enough for more than one pet to drink from.
Pros:
- It runs quietly, with only slightly increased noise that may remind you to fill it as the water depletes.
- We love that this fountain uses a five-level filtration process to keep water fresh.
- The almost five-foot cable included gives you some flexibility about where to plug it in.
Cons:
- You need to top the water regularly, as the water pressure is strongest when the tank is full. The motor can wear out if water isn’t kept above the minimum line.
Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Raindrop Cat Fountain
Sturdy, sanitary steel
If you’re looking for a fountain that’s a breeze to clean, look no further than Pioneer Pet’s raindrop stainless steel model. Not only does the steel reduce bacteria buildup, but you can wash it in your dishwasher to keep it sparkling. Of course, the steel is also sturdy and durable. Easy to put together and clean, the filter should last two to four weeks before it needs replacing. And the twelve-volt pump has a lever to adjust the water flow.
Pros:
- The 60-ounce capacity balances a convenient size with a decent supply of water.
- The unique shape is both functional and attractive in any space.
Cons:
- The pump needs cleaning monthly and regular water top-ups to keep it working as intended.
Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Cat Fountain
Lap of luxury
This ceramic Petsafe fountain may seem like a splurge, but it’s made of high-density porcelain that’s both attractive and antimicrobial. Plus, you can wash it in the dishwasher for another level of clean. We especially appreciate that the pump is easy to take apart and put back together so you can keep it working efficiently. This fountain also has dual streams, so your cat can drink from the higher or lower stream, and it works great for more than one pet to use at the same time.
Pros:
- This fountain design is free of tricky crevices for easy cleaning.
- The higher-level drinking area provides older or stiffer cats with a more comfortable drinking position.
Cons:
- Since ceramic is breakable, there’s a risk of accidents.
- Those opposed to any plastic parts may not like the plastic components in the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do cat fountains offer?
Cats tend to prefer drinking fresh flowing water over still water, so providing them with a fountain may encourage them to hydrate better. Hydration is important in order for cats to avoid UTIs and kidney infections, among other concerns. Another perk of fountains is that you have to monitor their water levels less often than a traditional water dish, so your cat has a dependable supply. Also, fountains come with filters to help keep the water fresh and hygienic.
Why can’t I get my cat to drink water?
Cats are notoriously resistant to drinking from a still water source. And it’s not just that they can be picky. Their instincts tell them that moving water is safer than still water and less prone to contaminants, which is often true in the wild. A related theory is that the sound of water is more likely to remind cats to drink than if they simply see water.
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