Cats need fresh water everyday to maintain good health. Water is necessary for flushing out toxins from the body and for keeping it hydrated and healthy. Dehydration in cats can lead to serious health problems if not treated, so it’s essential that your cat has a source of fresh water at their paws on a daily basis.
Water is best kept fresh using automatic pet water fountains because they use filters to make the water pure, dirt-free and better-tasting. Cats may be put off from drinking water from a bowl because the water loses its freshness and good taste after sitting around for hours. Since water fountains offer continuous stream of fresh water, they may encourage your pet to drink more water during the day and improve their drinking habits.
We looked over dozens of cat water fountains aiming to find the ones of the highest quality that are suitable for any budget. We took into account the size, the materials, Amazon ratings, price, and many other features that are considered relevant when searching for the right cat water fountain. We’ve selected 5 top-rated cat water fountains you can buy for your furry friends. If you are busy pet parents, you may also want to take a look at our list of the best automatic cat feeders so that you won’t have to worry again whether your kitty has enough food and water.
Looking for cat food bowls? Check out our at our pet bowls, feeders and waterers articles.
For both design and functionality, we identified the Catit Flower LED Light Water Fountain as a top choice. This cat water fountain has 3 water flow settings to meet the needs of any type of a drinker. It features large 3L re-circulating system, but it takes up little floor space. It’s made of BPA-free materials and it includes a dual-action water softening filter and a small energy-efficient pump.
The 5 Best Cat Water Fountains
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Catit Flower Fountain | 4.4 |
Runner Up | Cat Mate Shell Pet Fountain | 4.3 |
Best Budget Buy | Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/Microban | 4.1 |
Best Multi-Pet Cat Water Fountain | PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat and Dog Water Fountain | 4.0 |
Best Low-Noise Cat Water Fountain | Kastty Cat Water Fountain | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
1. Our Top Pick: Catit Flower LED Light Water Fountain
The Catit Flower LED Light Water Fountain pushes only running, filtered water to the surface to entice your cat to drink more water during the day. The fountain features 3 flow settings to suit the taste of even the pickiest drinkers: Gentle Waterflow, Bubbling Top, and Calm Streams. Its compact 3L water reservoir was designed to take up little floor space. The dual action filter removes magnesium and calcium from tap water, which can accumulate in your cat’s lower urinary tract and cause health issues. It also removes chlorine odors and bacteria and retains debris and hair.
Catit water fountain includes a small energy-efficient pump and is made of BPA-free materials. Other useful features it offers include its LED nightlight and water level indicator window. What’s more, this water fountain is super easy to clean using natural soap. It’s available at the price of $35.
Catit Flower LED Light Water Fountain Key Features:
- 3 flow settings
- 3L water reservoir
- LED night light
- Dual action filter
- Energy-efficient pump
- BPA-free
- Easy to wash using natural soap
2. Our Runner-Up Pick: Cat Mate Shell Pet Fountain
The Cat Mate Shell Pet Fountain provides fresh flowing water on two drinking levels: waterfall streams and a pool of water. The fountain features a 3-Stage filter cartridge that is not only designed to trap dirt and fur, but also help to prevent harmful scaling deposits. The result is clean and odor-free water for your kitty to drink any time they fancy. The Isolated Pump System (ISP) enables extremely quiet operation, which reviewers particularly emphasize as one of the strong points. The pump has a low voltage power supply for safety and a low power consumption of 2 Watts.
The bowls are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning easy. The pump should also be disassembled and cleaned every few weeks to prevent building up of limescale. Full instructions on how to do this are included with the fountain. You also get a 3-year manufacturer’s warrant. The fountain is available at the price of $24.
Cat Mate Shell Pet Fountain Key Features:
- Multiple drinking levels
- Ramp reduces water splashing
- 70-ounce water capacity
- Replaceable polymer/activated carbon filter cartridge
- ISP for quiet operation
- Bowls are dishwasher safe
- 3-year guarantee
3. Best Budget Pick: Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/Microban
The Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/Microban offers continuous flow of fresh water for your kitty at a fairly affordable price of $11. It features gravity flow technology that makes the water pure and fresh and it prolongs time between refills. The fountain also features Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection that helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odor and stains in the base. It includes one charcoal filter, while replacement filters can be purchased separately.
The cat water fountain is available in capacities ranging from 0.5 gallon to 4 gallons to accommodate pets of all sizes. It’s also offered in a variety of colors to complement any room décor. The fountain is suitable for outdoor use so you can place it in your back yard to give your dog refreshment during playtime.
Petmate Replendish Gravity Waterer w/Microban Key Features:
- Gravity flow technology
- Extended time between refills
- Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the base
- One charcoal filter
- Available in capacities ranging from 0.5 gallon to 4 gallons
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
4. Best Multi-Pet Cat Water Fountain: PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat and Dog Water Fountain
The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat and Dog Water Fountain is ideal for multi-pet households due to its large water capacity of 168 oz. It features a free-falling stream that encourages pets to drink more water. The fountain includes a replaceable carbon filter that removes the odors and gives the water a fresh, pleasant taste. To suit the needs of all types of drinkers, the pump has an adjustable flow that allows you to customize the flow for your pet. The reviewers emphasize the fountain’s durability and the appeal of a free-falling stream to their kitties.
The pet water fountain is made of BPA-free materials and it can be washed in a dishwasher. It’s suitable for indoor use only. You can get it at the price of $48.
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat and Dog Water Fountain Key Features:
- 168 oz.
- Free-falling stream
- Replaceable carbon filter
- Adjustable water flow
- BPA-free
- Top-shelf dishwasher safe
5. Best Low-Noise Cat Water Fountain: Kastty Cat Water Fountain
The Kastty Cat Water Fountain remarkably operates with a sound of less than 40 decibels, making it one of the quietest cat fountains around. But don’t mistake quiet for meaning it’s low-functioning; the Kastty Cat Water Fountain comes feature-packed. It boasts a large 3L water capacity, which will last your cat around three to four days. You won’t need to worry about it getting dirty either, thanks to its food-grade filter that’s designed to eliminate 99% of impurities.
This fountain comes with two modes: a flower waterfall and a gentle fountain. As if all of those features weren’t already enough, the fountain is trouble-free to operate and clean. It’s also BPA-free and built to last. Plus, it comes in a choice of colors, so you can ensure it matches your interiors, too! You can get it at the price of $35.
Kastty Cat Water Fountain Key Features:
- Less than 40 decibels
- 3L water capacity
- Food-grade filter
- 2 modes: flower waterfall and gentle fountain
- BPA-free
- Choice of 4 colors
Who Should Buy a Cat Water Fountain
Dehydration in cats might lead to serious health issues, including urinary tract infections and kidney failure, so it’s essential for cats to have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. Serving water in bowls can sometimes deter cats from drinking as the water becomes stale after several hours and its taste changes. Apart from this, it also attracts dirt and food debris and it can facilitate the growth of bacteria. Automatic pet water fountains provide a continuous flow of filtered fresh water that is free of dirt and odors. Fountains preserve the water’s natural taste and feature either a free-falling stream or re-circulating design that encourages your pets to drink more water. Additionally, they save you time on emptying and cleaning water bowls all the time.
Pet water fountains are easy to maintain and clean, and many of them can be washed in a dishwasher. They often feature large reservoirs that extend time between refills and they can also function as a pet toy. Also, most of these water dispensers operate quietly, so you don’t have to worry about your cat being frightened by it or about the noise disrupting your daily habits. With a water fountain your kitty will always have a source of fresh water on demand wherever you are and it will help them stay hydrated and maintain good health.
Important Features to Consider
A cat water fountain should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when deciding on the best water fountain for your purring friend:
- Size. One of the key things to pay attention to when buying a water fountain is to get the one of the right size. The amount of water your cat needs will depend on their size and the type of food they are consuming, so if you have a large cat or a multi-cat household, make sure to get a fountain with an appropriate water capacity so that you don’t have to refill it several times a day.
- Materials. Water fountains are made of various materials, including glass, plastic, stainless steel, and ceramics. If you decide for the plastic one, make sure that the plastic is durable and free of toxins that might endanger your pet’s health.
- Filters. Most water fountains contain replaceable filters that purify the water and remove dirt and hairs. They can also eliminate chemicals and eliminate odors.
- Quiet operation. Most water fountain use super silent pumps that are low-voltage and consume less energy and they enable quiet operation, so that neither you and nor your pet are disturbed by the noise.
- Color and design. Water fountains come in a variety of colors that complement any room décor. Some of the fountains feature free-falling streams of water, while others showcase recirculating design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cat water fountain and how does it work?
A cat water fountain provides a continuous flow of fresh water for your cats to drink. It dispenses filtered, clean water that’s free of dirt, hairs, food debris, and unpleasant smells. Fountains can either feature a free-falling stream or recirculating water. Indoor fountains require plugging in, whereas outdoor ones can be attached to a hose.
Are water fountains safe for cats?
Water fountains provide fresh, clean water and they are a safer and more hygienic option for your cats than water bowls, as they remove dirt and help prevent the growth of bacteria.
Do cats like running water?
Research suggests that cats dislike still water because they learned to associate it with bacteria, so cats may be more prone to drinking water that is continuously flowing and that has a fresh taste. The optimal amount of water a cat needs depends on their size and diet. For instance, dry cat food contains about 10% of water, while canned cat food contains about 78%. Therefore, a cat that’s on a dry food diet will need more drinking water than the cat that eats only canned food. Similarly, if your cat eats a mixture of dry and canned food, they will need more water than the cats that are exclusively on canned food diet. According to veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates, an adult cat of 10 pounds that eats only dry food needs about a cup of water per day, whereas an adult cat on a canned food diet needs around 2/3 of a cup per day. So, a cat water fountain can help ensure your cat is consuming enough water each day.
How do I get my cat to drink from a water fountain?
There are many tricks you can use to encourage your cat to drink from a water fountain. For example, you can put the fountain in your cat’s favorite part of the house to create a familiar and safe environment. You shouldn’t put the fountain next to the feeder because cats don’t naturally place their food next to their water. For similar reasons, you shouldn’t place the fountain next to their litter box. It’s a good idea to let your cat get used to the fountain. Fill the fountain with water, but don’t turn it on immediately. Cats are attracted to the sound of splashing so they may approach the fountain out of curiosity. Once the cat begins using the fountain, you can turn it on once or twice a week and leave it on for longer periods as the cat gets more and more accustomed to it.