Mar. 24, 2025
Many fountains are marketed for cats, rather than dogs, because felines can be notoriously picky and are often dehydrated. You may have also heard that cats generally prefer flowing to still water'but this isn't true.
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Martha Cline, a veterinary nutritionist on staff at Purina PetCare, co-authored a study that looked at cats' water-bowl preferences. The study found 'no difference in water intake or urinary parameters in cats drinking from still, circulating, or free-falling water bowls,' Cline told us.
Some individual cats did, however, favor a specific water-bowl type. These preferences might depend on how they were raised. Lisa Weeth, a veterinary nutritionist, gave an example: If your cat grew up with only still water in a bowl, and then you introduce a fountain at age 5, 'they may look at it like, 'Well, what do I do with this?'' she said.
Or they may be excited to finally have a stream of their own. 'If your cat isn't drinking enough water in their current bowl, it's always worth trying something different to see if they're one of those cats that does have a preference,' said Amy Nichelason, a veterinarian and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dogs, on the other hand, are typically less discriminating. 'They will drink if they're desperate. They'll drink out of a puddle outside. But that doesn't mean they're drinking enough water,' said Leticia Fanucchi, a veterinarian and professor at Oklahoma State University. So your pup may also appreciate a fountain.
Even if your pet likes fountains, Fanucchi suggests that you also keep out a regular bowl that's filled with fresh water. This can be a backup in case the fountain breaks or there's a power outage'especially for periods when you might be away from home.
And one thing to know in the context of all of this: Wet food or water-soaked kibble (we call it 'kibble soup' in our house) can do a lot of the heavy lifting on hydration.
Also, before you buy anything, check with your vet to make sure it's right for your pet.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAfter considering 24 models for the update of this guide, we chose a dozen to test, using the following criteria:
Capacity: If a fountain is too small, it might not have enough water to satisfy multiple thirsty pets. If it's too big, you might clean it less frequently. We focused on fountains that are between 2 and 4 liters'though we did test one 6-liter option to see if it offered any advantages for multi-pet homes or big dogs.
Shape and size: We looked for wide and shallow fountains that won't put pressure on cats' sensitive whiskers. When an item touches a cat's whiskers, it can create what vets call 'whisker stress' or 'whisker fatigue.' This doesn't affect all cats, and it isn't as much of an issue for dogs. Even so, we looked for bowls that could accommodate all kinds of whiskers.
Material: We tested fountains made of plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic. Plastic is generally cheaper, but if it gets scratched, it can harbor bacteria that might exacerbate feline chin acne (if your cat is predisposed to it). Or your cat might simply have a contact allergy. Switching the bowl material can help, but that doesn't always work (PDF). 'I've had cats with feline acne that did not have a plastic bowl,' said Amy Nichelason. 'They had a ceramic bowl. And then I still switch it, just in case it is some kind of contact reaction,' she explained. Ceramic is harder to scratch and is dishwasher-safe, but it's expensive, heavier than plastic, and easier to break. Stainless steel is also dishwasher-safe, but it's not immune to scratching. And both will still contain some plastic no matter what.
Features: We leaned toward fountains that had a low-water indicator, whether through a window, a light, or an app alert. We also considered different spout modes: Flower waterfall fountains feature a central post from which water falls in multiple streams; faucet waterfalls use a single spigot that imitates a sink; and bubblers push water through a central hole, where the water gurgles up as if it's coming from an underground spring. We also looked at a few fountains with tech-forward features, such as wireless pumps and companion apps.
Longevity: Water and electrical components are not an intuitive pair, and all fountain pump motors will fail eventually. We dismissed fountains with an outsize number of reports of the motor breaking down soon after purchase. These motors should last at least a year, so we preferred companies that had a guarantee covering their repair or replacement.
A great fountain needs to balance what an animal will enjoy and what we can reasonably ask a human to disassemble, clean, and reassemble on a weekly basis. Our testing centered on the ease of upkeep, but we also considered several other factors, including noise, material quality, ease of topping up, and overall cost.
Ease of cleaning: We ran all of the fountains for two weeks, topping them off with fresh water and cleaning them thoroughly after the first and second weeks. As we put each one together and took it apart again, we noted any pain points in that process. We favored fountains that had a simple construction and fewer nooks and crannies for dirt and scum to hide.
Quality of motor and materials: We gauged how easily each fountain might break, and where. Was the plastic flimsy? Were there any sharp edges? Did all of the pieces fit together well? We also ran each motor under high and low water conditions, to make sure they held up under duress. We'll be long-term testing each of our picks to see how their motors fare over the long term.
Noise: Using a decibel meter, we measured the sound output of each fountain. Although these results were helpful, they don't paint a complete picture because they obscure the tones and pitches of the motor sounds, which some people might be sensitive to (we were). So we also listened to each fountain in a quiet room, and we noted the volume and texture of the sounds each model made.
Ease of refills, risk of spills: Even though you should ideally be refreshing the water daily, we know that's not always realistic. We gauged how easy it was to fill each tank using a pitcher or a glass of water, without making a mess.
What filters really do (and cost): Filters are great for catching fur and large debris, and they may help improve the taste of the water. So we considered the cost of regularly replacing them, according to each manufacturer's recommended timing. But we don't recommend buying a fountain for its filter. While each company touts its filter's various capabilities, they don't share exactly what and how much stuff is actually being filtered out. We reached out to several companies about the effectiveness of their filters, and though a few responded with additional information, no one provided laboratory analysis showing the objective performance of their filter.
If you're concerned about contaminants in your water, your best bet is to use an under-sink or faucet-mounted filter, or a filtering pitcher for both you and your pet. 'Tap water that is safe for human consumption is generally also safe for pets to drink,' veterinary nutritionist Martha Cline said.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThis fountain is nearly silent and easy to clean, and it has thoughtful design features. But to power it, you might need to grab an old adapter.
The Petkit EverSweet Solo 2 is a newer model from the maker of the EverSweet 2 (a former pick that's been discontinued). This bubbler-style fountain features a wireless pump, an uncomplicated design, and a basic app (which can help you keep track of your cleaning schedule).
It's one of the easiest fountains to clean. The EverSweet Solo 2's tank sits on a magnetic induction charging base that plugs into the wall, so whenever you need to clean the fountain, you just lift the tank and take it to the sink. No more fussing with dangly wires and wet plug prongs. It took us less time to take apart and reassemble the Petkit fountain than it took with any other model we tested, and the whole process quickly became intuitive after our first time setting it up.
The fountain's capacity is great for cats and small dogs. At 2 liters (68 ounces), the EverSweet Solo 2 is one of the smallest fountains we tested. With our former pick, we had considered the small capacity to be a flaw, since it needed more-frequent refills. But after discussing the best cleaning routines with multiple vets, we no longer think this is a negative: It's better for your pet if you refresh the water and clean the tank often. And the process was easier with the EverSweet Solo 2 than it was with most of the fountains we tested.
It's nearly silent. The EverSweet Solo 2 was one of the quietest fountains we tested'tied with our upgrade pick, the Petlibro. Both at full and low capacity, it made virtually no noise at all.
It has other nice design touches. When the water got too low, the fountain's auto-shut-off feature kicked in, and the pump stopped operating altogether. If you look at your fountain and wonder why it's no longer running, a low-water indicator light on the base will give you a clue. The shape of the upper dish is open and shallow, so it shouldn't put any stress on your cat's whiskers, and the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic is smooth, sturdy, and BPA-free.
It doesn't come with a USB wall adapter. The Petkit EverSweet Solo 2 was the only model we tested that didn't come with its own 5v 1A USB wall adapter. We used an old iPhone adapter we had hanging around. Petkit's website (at the bottom of the fifth gallery image) and the Amazon listing warn about the absence of the adapter. If you have wall outlets with USB charging ports, this wouldn't be an issue.
The app is helpful only to a degree. When the water level is low or something else is amiss, the app doesn't push alerts on its own. But you can schedule notifications, at whatever time and interval you prefer, that will tell you to add water, clean the tank, or swap out the filter'all helpful reminders for the forgetful or busy (I'm guilty of being both). You can also 'pause' the fountain or switch it to 'smart mode,' where it runs intermittently every three minutes (another interval you can change). The app is fairly easy to set up, but the main page is bloated with ads for Petkit's other devices, which you can 'interconnect' to one another. And it collects more data (such as IP addresses and device information) than we think is necessary.
If your pet prefers falling water, this isn't the fountain for them. The water in the Petkit fountain bubbles up from the center hole, imitating a natural spring. This is the fountain's only flow mode, so this model might not work for animals who prefer their water to fall from a spout. And some larger dogs may want to take bigger slurps than a bubbler can handle.
Customer service can be spotty. Two Wirecutter staffers had to reach out to Petkit's customer service when the pump failed on our former Petkit pick. Both times, the company replaced either the pump or the entire fountain, but in one of these cases, the experience was drawn out and extraordinarily frustrating (the other case was much more straightforward). So we know that the company stands by its warranty, but it may or may not make the replacement process a chore.
This large, stainless steel bubbler fountain minimizes plastic, and most of its parts are dishwasher-safe. We've seen reports of pump failures, but we haven't experienced them in testing.
The Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain is a bigger version of the Raindrop Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain, a former pick. The Raindrop is still an excellent option, but the 3.78-liter (128-ounce) stainless steel reservoir of the Big Max is better suited for large dogs and multi-pet homes.
This stainless steel fountain is mostly dishwasher-safe. The Big Max fountain has more stainless steel in its construction than any other model we tested, so the bowl's two main sections are dishwasher-safe. There are still a few plastic bits that need to be washed by hand, including the pump and pump housing. But running the stainless steel parts through the dishwasher can help kill more bacteria than hand-washing, according to Nichelason.
Because of the open bowl, topping off water between cleanings is easy. Pouring water into this open fountain was simpler than it was with any of the closed fountains. It was basically a matter of filling up a Mason jar or a pitcher and dumping the water in. The open tank can also be attractive to dogs who might take bigger gulps than a flower spout or bubbler can provide.
A long power cord gives you more freedom to put this fountain where you want it. At just over 6 feet long, this fountain's power cord was the second longest of those on the models we tested (most cords were a little less than 5 feet long). The plug end can easily reach a countertop outlet with the tank on the floor, without putting stress on the wire or needing an extension cord.
It's hard to open and close the motor and filter housing. The Big Max fountain's plastic pump housing can be difficult to pry open and snap shut. You also need to situate the power cord through a rear slot just so, but it doesn't like to stay in place, so you may need to mess with it a bit. And though there's a raised outline that indicates where to set the pump housing, you might need to fiddle with it to get the proper alignment.
The pump may be an issue for some. Though we've had success with the pump during weeks of testing, some users on Chewy report pump failures. (As a retailer, Chewy has a good reputation for returns and replacement parts in these instances.) This is an issue we'll monitor in long-term testing, and, to be fair, reports of pump failures are common across the pet fountain category.
Frequent cleaning may be necessary for some pets and homes. After the first week of testing, we noticed several chalky white horizontal lines that followed the decreasing water level around the inner circumference of the tank. These lines didn't come off in the dishwasher or when washed by hand, but a rag soaked with some diluted vinegar finally did the trick, suggesting hard water may cause staining issues. In another home doing long-term testing, we noticed household dust and debris getting sucked into the filter, impeding its flow, as well as a frothy shoal of bubbles on the water's surface developing between weekly cleanings. (This may be related to the slobbery dogs testing it, but it was, in the words of the tester, unsavory.)
When this fountain is full, it can be difficult to carry without spilling. Because this model is large (hence the name) and open, it's not as simple to carry to the sink when full as the closed and smaller fountains we tested. There were a few occasions when water slopped out onto the floor'and my feet. We fixed this by bringing an empty bucket to the fountain and dumping it out before carrying it to the sink.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThis fountain's faucet-like curved metal spout disassembles easily for cleaning, and it works quietly. This model is one of several apparent clones of its design, and its dark interior can make grime hard to spot.
(deal on black)
If your pet loves drinking from the sink, the Giotohun Cat Water Fountain might be just the thing to satisfy their falling-water needs. Its curved spout imitates a faucet, and its nearly silent operation won't disturb you or your animals.
An uncomplicated and intuitive design. This fountain's curved metal spout looks enough like a bathroom or kitchen faucet that it might entice your sink-obsessed pet to drink from it. Similar to the Petkit fountain, this model is made of just a handful of parts, so it's among the simplest ones to take apart and clean. Of those on the wired models we tested, this fountain's motor was one of the quietest (only the wireless pumps of the Petkit and Petlibro fountains were quieter). And the pump features a dim blue LED light, so you and your pets can see where the fountain is when the room is dark.
It comes in two sizes. We tested the larger, 3.2-liter (108-ounce) size, but if that's too much fountain for you, you could get the otherwise-identical 2-liter (68-ounce) version, which is also available in pink. Even though the product name-checks cats, this fountain'especially the larger size'may also appeal to dogs.
It has inexpensive filters and a two-year warranty. Filters can extend the life of a pump by helping to keep dirt and gunk out of it'and out of your pet's water. The Giotohun fountain's filters are among the least expensive, second only to those of the Wonder Creature (our budget pick) and the PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Fountain. If you change the Giotohun fountain's filters at the recommended frequency of four weeks, you'll pay an average of about $33 a year. The company also offers a two-year warranty on the pump.
The Giotohun fountain has lots of clones (and it may be a clone itself). The Giotohun Cat Water Fountain has several duplicates on Amazon, and there are even more with slight variations in the design. We reached out to the company to get more information on the product's background, but we didn't receive a response. And on Instagram, we spotted a fountain with a similar-looking pump and parts, from a company called KittySpout; it features a stainless steel tank (and it's more expensive). We haven't yet tested any of these other models.
The black color can hide dirt and scum. This was the only dark-colored tank we tested, and we can see why most fountains are made with white plastic. It's tough to spot dirt or staining on the inside of the Giotohun fountain's tank. We inspected it closely under bright lights and still didn't notice anything gross. But when you're cleaning this model, it's a good idea to put in some extra effort, just to be safe.
This slightly louder-than-average fountain disassembles easily, and it offers decent quality for the price and varying flow options. It also has a dishwasher-safe steel dish.
The Wonder Creature Cat Water Fountain has three flow modes, a convenient LED light, and a stainless steel top surface that's dishwasher-safe. This is not the quietest fountain we tested, but it makes less noise than other models in its price range.
This fountain is accessible and easy on the whiskers. The open, shallow dish should accommodate a cat's sensitive whiskers, and the flower-waterfall spout can accommodate multiple drinkers at the same time. This model looks eerily similar to the stainless version of our former pick, the Catit Flower Fountain. Yet in our testing, the Wonder Creature fountain was actually quieter than the Catit model'and it's less expensive, too. The Wonder Creature fountain's 2.4-liter (81-ounce) capacity is less than the Catit fountain's 3-liter (100-ounce) capacity, but it should be enough for smaller pets, as long as you stay on top of refreshing and cleaning it.
It offers great construction for the price. The Wonder Creature fountain's BPA-free plastic tank is sturdy and thick. The stainless steel dish showed no signs of wear or scratching, and it came out of the dishwasher shining. The pump has a blue LED light, so you can easily see the water level through the tank's front window. The fountain is simple to take apart and to reassemble: The flower stamen, filter holder, and inner water channel screw together. And if you want to change the water flow, the yellow part of the flower screws off easily (unlike the Catit fountain's flower cap, which needs to be pried off with a tool).
It has three water-flow modes, to suit your picky fur buddy's preference. Water can flow from the Wonder Creature fountain in three different ways (this is also true of the Catit fountain). With the flower and yellow cap on, it produces a standard flower waterfall. If you remove the entire flower, stamen and all, it turns into a bubbler. The third option is a mix of waterfall and bubbler'unscrew the yellow cap, and water will bubble up the center of the flower before falling down into the dish.
From time to time, this fountain can be noisy. The Wonder Creature fountain was quieter than other fountains in its price range, but the motor occasionally made a muted buzzing. This fountain was never as loud as the noisier models we dismissed, and once it settled down, it was nearly as quiet as our other picks. Also, when the water level got too low, there was a noticeable dripping noise, since the water was falling a greater distance, but this was easily mitigated when we added fresh water.
The instructions leave out some important details. We had to figure out ourselves that the pieces can all be unscrewed to take the tank apart. That was annoying, but once we got the hang of it, we never forgot it. And we appreciated the general simplicity of this fountain's construction.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThis fountain pings your with detailed information on your pet's drinking habits. But it's expensive, and the filter replacements add up.
If you're ready to splurge on a water fountain with bells and whistles, the Petlibro Dockstream App Monitoring Water Fountain is the one to get. It has a silent wireless pump and an attractive, stainless steel'topped tank. It also has a Wi-Fi'enabled app, which sends useful alerts to help you stay on top of upkeep.
If you want to monitor your pet's water intake, there's an app for that. The Petlibro fountain's app alerts you whenever your pet uses the fountain, and it will also tell you how much they drank. It automatically pushes notifications to your when the water level is low, a filter needs replacing, and the tank is due for a cleaning'unlike the Petkit's app. But if all of that is too much information, you can deselect any and all notifications.
It looks nice, and it's easy to move around. The Petlibro fountain's 2.5-liter (84-ounce) tank resembles one of those fancy bathroom vessel sinks that sit above the countertop. This fountain is made of smooth, sturdy ABS plastic and is BPA-free. The two Petlibro models we tested were the only ones that allow you to lock the lid into place; this prevents spills when you're carrying it to the sink or if a rambunctious pet bumps into it. The Petlibro fountain uses a similar wireless pump as the Petkit, and it is just as quiet.
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It has two water-flow modes, and it's easy to clean. The Petlibro fountain has two water-flow modes: fountain and bubbler. Its wide, shallow stainless steel dish leaves enough room for whiskers, and it cleans up nicely in the dishwasher. The rest of the parts need to be hand-washed. But they are easy to take apart and reassemble, and there aren't many nooks and crannies where gunk can build up.
This thing is expensive. The Petlibro fountain costs more than our other picks. It becomes even more expensive when you factor in filter costs over time (if you replace them every two to four weeks, as the manufacturer recommends).
The app is great, but it can be annoying to set up initially. Putting the fountain together was a quick process, but then we had to install the app, create an account, add optional information about the pet, and connect the fountain to our Wi-Fi. Fortunately, you have to go through this process only once.
The Catit Flower Fountain was a pick for several years, and I've personally owned this one. Although this fountain is attractive, has great capacity, and is easy to take apart and clean, it was also one of the loudest models we tested. The pump motor never stopped making a low, aggravating hum, which we could hear even from the next room over. While it didn't register very high on our decibel meter, it was at a pitch that we found bothersome, especially when the room was quiet. Several online reviews also mention this buzzing, but it might not bother everyone. And it wasn't something I noticed when I owned this fountain and didn't have 11 others to compare it to. The fountain got high scores in all of our other tests, so it's certainly still worth trying out, if you aren't bothered by some noise.
If you prefer ceramic and are willing to pay for it, the PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Pet Water Fountain is a great, albeit heavy, option. The square ceramic tank and bulbous centerpiece are dishwasher-safe, but this model also has more small plastic pieces than our picks, and you still need to wash them by hand. Of the models we tested, the PetSafe fountain has the longest power cord'6.25 feet (75 inches), according to our tape measure'so you'll have more flexibility when choosing a spot to put it. And its motor was as quiet as those on the rest of our wired picks. But this fountain was also the heaviest one we tested, so it was a pain to carry to and from the sink.
The Catit Stainless Steel Flower Fountain was loud, though not as loud as its plastic counterpart. It has a stainless steel dish and a blue LED light on the pump, similar to our budget pick, but this fountain is nearly twice as expensive. The stainless dish never nested properly in the tank, so it spun around easily, and that could startle some pets.
The previous version of the Zeus Cascade Drinking Fountain, the Zeus H2EAU, used to be a pick, but it's being discontinued. During our most recent testing, the Cascade fountain wasn't in stock yet, so we used the H2EAU, which is nearly identical (it's only missing the new water-level window on the front). The Cascade fountain is made by the same parent company as the Catit fountains, and its motor also emitted a constant low rumble. And though we used to like this fountain for its size, we now think it's too large. Some users might neglect refreshing and cleaning it as often as is recommended, and besides, at its full 6 liters, it's heavy. So this model might not be manageable for people with limited strength to move around.
The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain used to be a pick, and it's still a great fountain. But we preferred its larger sibling, the Big Max, to appeal to a wider size range of animals. This model uses the same pump and housing as the Big Max, so it's still an excellent choice if you want a lower-capacity stainless steel fountain.
The Petlibro Dockstream Battery Operated Cat Water Fountain is similar to our Petlibro upgrade pick, with two key differences: This one can operate on a battery, so you don't need to keep it near an outlet, and it doesn't have an app. This fountain would be a winner except that when it's in battery mode, it runs for just 42 seconds, after being triggered by a motion sensor. And in our testing, the sensor always took several seconds to kick in. So if an animal got near the fountain, they might walk away before it kicked on. The water also stops running unless the animal moves again. When it's plugged into an outlet, this fountain works like the Petlibro model we recommend. Since it's lacking the ability to run continuously on battery power, this one isn't worth the cost.
The Veken Pet Fountain's pump alternated between loud and quiet with unpredictable frequency. After the first week, there was visible dirt staining the inside of the tank where a water line had been. This refused to budge when we washed it with a soft sponge (we avoided using abrasives, so as to not scratch the plastic). The plastic top also doesn't sit securely, so it can get knocked off easily.
The PetNF Transparent Cat Water Drinking Fountain's clear plastic tank makes it easy to see when water is low or dirty. But unlike every other fountain we tested, this one lacks a clearly delineated slot or frame for the pump to sit in. That made it difficult to line up the pump with the upper spout tube when we cleaned or refilled the tank. The PetNF fountain's pump also has a tiny lever that tends to fall off during cleaning and can easily get lost.
The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain may look nice in your kitchen, but it has many small parts, so it's a pain to assemble and clean. It's also noisy'both when it's running normally (the water splashes) and when it's low on water.
The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Fountain was a nightmare to assemble, and the plastic clasps that held the centerpiece of the fountain in place were not secure enough to keep the fountain together during assembly or use. The extra rings to change the flow from the top of the fountain provided little practical benefit.
The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is made up of many small parts and has lots of nooks and crannies. So it's difficult to keep clean and free of hard-water buildup or slime.
For a low-cost fountain, the Cat Mate Pet Fountain is decent. However, it's cheaply constructed, and it has a tendency to quickly accumulate dirt in all three chambers.
The ceramic version of the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Drinking Fountain, our former pick, is cheaper than its stainless steel sibling, so it may be enticing for pet owners on a budget. But it's twice as heavy, and like the Catit Flower Fountain, it's one of the loudest fountains we tested. Its ceramic design is thicker than that of the stainless steel version, so it has a narrower and shallower slope in the top bowl; that makes it easier for water to splash out if the pump is set on high or if the fountain is sitting on a surface that isn't level.
The Catit LED Flower Water Fountain is an upgraded version of the Catit Flower Fountain. It has a blue LED light, which illuminates the fountain at night. And the mini water reservoirs trap water as it falls from the flower petal, so small pets can drink from the standing water, if they choose to. Like that of its predecessor, this fountain's flower petal is removable, so you can control the flow of water. But in testing we had a harder time disconnecting the petal, and that could be a problem for people with limited hand strength. And when the flower petal was connected, it never consistently pooled water into the mini reservoirs.
The PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog and Cat Fountain's waterfall feature can get noisy, especially when it's low on water. And setting up this fountain was unintuitive.
This article was edited by Joshua Lyon and Harry Sawyers. A previous version of this guide was written by Rebekah Valentine, with additional reporting by Kaitlyn Wells.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTIf you have a cat, chances are you've struggled at one point or another to get them to drink enough water (that is, water that doesn't come directly from the sink faucet). For those with H2O-averse pets, the best cat water fountains can help make hydrating more enticing, providing fresh, flowing water around the clock to support their overall health. After rigorously testing 16 popular models'with crucial help from 15 willing felines'we've determined the top option for most cat owners is the Petlibro Dockstream Cordless Fountain. It's a whisper-quiet pick with a wireless pump and built-in rechargeable battery, so you can place it anywhere in your home.
Here are all the models that earned top marks based on our testing:
If you've ever wondered why cats are notoriously bad at drinking water, 'blame their wild ancestors,' says Dr. Lisa Lippman, DVM, director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet. 'Cats evolved as desert dwellers, relying on the moisture in their prey for hydration.' Their bodies are built to conserve water'hence, the low thirst drive. Even so, they tend to be drawn to moving water, which is why fountains are so effective: They're 'VIP hydration stations,' Lippman adds. And because dehydration can cause digestive, kidney and urinary tract issues, a reliable water fountain is also an investment in your pet's long-term health. From basic stainless steel models to high-tech options that monitor how much your cat is drinking, here are the very best cat water fountains that we've tested.
We've tried out a lot of top-rated cat fountains over the last year or so, and none has impressed us as much as the Petlibro Dockstream Cordless Fountain. Featuring a 2.5-liter capacity, this best-selling model has a removable spout that empties into a water basin made from stainless steel, a durable material that's recommended by vets for its allergy-friendly and antibacterial properties. During testing, we also appreciated its ultra-quiet operation, wireless pump and how easy it is to take apart.
The main appeal of this fountain, arguably, is its wireless design. Equipped with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 30 days, the device doesn't have to be next to an electrical outlet, allowing you to place it wherever you want. (The battery-powered design also means that if the power goes out, the model will continue to run.) When running on battery power, the model enters radar induction mode: To conserve energy, water doesn't flow until it senses your pet up to 31.5 inches away, prompting it to power on and dispense water for 42 seconds; just note that the back of the fountain can't detect pets, so consider placing that side against a wall. If you keep the fountain plugged in, water flows continuously from the spout into the basin, which locks in place for extra security.
We also really appreciate this model's wireless pump, which means the water reservoir and the base are separate pieces. 'This makes it a bit easier to clean, but more importantly, the power source goes into the base and isn't submerged in the water like with some other water fountains,' says executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who tested this model with her three cats. 'With water fountains that have power sources in the reservoir, I always get overly concerned that something is going to go wrong and the cats are going to get electrocuted.' Giving you further peace of mind, the device automatically shuts off when water levels are low, preventing the pump from burning out.
Based on testing, this model has only a few downsides. First, the power button and charging port are located on the underside of the fountain, 'which looks nice aesthetically, but you have to pick the whole thing up to access it,' notes Boyers. Additionally, the brand recommends replacing the four-layer activated carbon filter every two weeks, which is relatively frequent'though you can probably get away with going three or four weeks if you run the device on battery mode. But ultimately, we think this is an all-around great model that checks all the most important boxes.
If you just want something simple, this inexpensive fountain from Giotohun is a reliable, no-frills option that gets the job done. With a dark, translucent plastic body and a faucet-like metal spout, this model dispenses water just like a sink, emptying fresh H2O into a 2-liter tank below. Thanks to an unfussy design that's made of just a handful of removable parts, it's a breeze to disassemble, clean and put back together. (Just make sure you have a straw cleaner'a brush isn't included.) Equally as important, our tester reports it's cat-approved: 'This is definitely Sandy's new favorite method of water intake,' says SEO content strategist Dawlat Chebly.
Beyond that, this fountain is pretty basic'which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It has a relatively standard multi-part filtration system, which includes an activated carbon filter, a high-density cotton layer and a sponge filter. To ensure your pet's water stays clean, the brand recommends changing the carbon filter every two to four weeks. That said, it does have one non-essential feature: There's a built-in LED light to help you see when water levels are running low and to help your pet drink in the dark. Even with the light, though, it can be difficult to spot dirt and grime on the fountain's dark body, so just make sure you stay up on your regular cleanings (or check out the brand's pink version). One more potential downside: Because of the sink-like design, this fountain does make more of a trickling noise than other models we've tested, though we don't find it to be too disruptive.
Whether your cat has a contact allergy to plastic or you simply don't like the look of the material, stainless steel is a top choice among vets: 'It's durable, easy to clean and less likely to cause allergies,' says Lippman. (It's also resistant to bacterial growth.) Out of all the stainless steel versions we've put through their paces, we've been most impressed by this one from Rellaty. 'It's sleek, holds a good amount of water and doesn't make a lot of noise,' says senior sleep and mattress editor Bridget Chapman, who's been testing it for a year.
Whereas most cat fountains hold around 2 liters of water, this one has a generous 3.2-liter capacity, making it a great option for households with multiple cats and owners who don't want something they have to refill all the time. It also gives your cat options: When running, water streams out both sides of a T-shaped faucet in the middle of the reservoir, so they can either drink from the spout or the basin. Though it's not the absolute quietest model we've tested, it makes little noise''and if you do hear it, it's a bit soothing to listen to, like a gentle babbling brook in the background,' Chapman adds.
What's more, all the pieces (except for the pump and filter) can go in the dishwasher. While you do have to wash the T-shaped faucet and motor by hand, the fountain comes with a small brush to help you get into the crevices. The only thing we don't love about this fountain is the life of its activated carbon filter, which the brand suggests changing every two to three weeks. It's also worth noting that this device is relatively light, weighing in at 1.5 pounds, which extra-playful cats might be able to move around even when it's filled.
After plastic and stainless steel, ceramic is the third most common material for a cat fountain, as it's attractive, hygienic and easy to clean. (Like stainless steel, it's less likely to form scratches, which can harbor bacteria.) If you're drawn to those qualities, I've personally been using this multitiered model for a year, which has more than proven its durability.
Like many non-plastic models, this fountain is pretty basic: It has an activated carbon filter that lasts between two and four weeks, holds around 2 liters of water and dispenses water, and nothing more. It also, as is typical for ceramic fountains, has some heft to it. When empty, this model weighs nearly 6 pounds, which can make it more difficult to refill; I recommend using a jug and pouring water into it rather than carrying the whole thing over to the sink. If you have a cat with playful or destructive tendencies, though, you'll appreciate the weight. My cat, Paulie, can be a troublemaker'he's single-handedly deconstructed two fountains in his lifetime. With this ceramic model, he's never even tried to move it around the floor.
What's more, my year-old fountain is showing no signs of wear'it looks brand-new, especially right after it's cleaned. But about that cleaning process: Though the two ceramic pieces require nothing more than a quick rinse, the motor is, frankly, a pain to wash. To open it, the brand recommends using pliers, which I've found to be a necessary tool. Due to this difficulty, it can be tempting to neglect the motor during your weekly cleanings, though you'll pay a price if you do. Every time I've put it off, my fountain has clogged, causing the bubbling water to turn into more of a sad trickle. (Thankfully, your cat still has access to the water.) Once you take it apart and clean its crevices, though, the fountain resumes bubbling in no time. Like many models on this list, the activated carbon filter needs to be replaced every two to four weeks.
If you want to keep tabs on your cat's water intake, the cordless Eversweet Max'Petkit's newest model'tracks the frequency at which your cat drinks and the duration of every visit, giving you a comprehensive look at your pet's hydration habits. Not only is this information interesting to read through on the brand's user-friendly app, but it can also help you stay on top of your cat's overall health.
Featuring a single spout that dispenses water into a water tray just below, this large-capacity model has a few thoughtful design touches. Namely, the tray'which feels high-quality and sturdy'is made from coated stainless steel that's designed to resist biofilm from building up, plus it can hold up to 120 milliliters of water in the event that the machine powers down. It also, like our top pick overall, can run on battery power, allowing you to place it anywhere you want. That said, while testing this model in my home, I personally preferred using it plugged in. On battery mode, the fountain pumps water intermittently at a frequency of your choice; on normal mode, you can choose between standard (a continuous waterflow) or intermittent. Additionally, while the brand says the battery can last up to 83 days on a single charge, that's only if it pumps water very infrequently'we're talking a few seconds every hour. If you want the battery to last 60 days, for example, water can only flow for 25 seconds before stopping for 29 minutes.
But again, what makes this fountain truly noteworthy is its smart features. The app, which is easy to set up and navigate, gives you tons of information: remaining filter life, the number of times the water's been purified and electricity consumption, as well as your cat's drinking record, which notes the time of day your cat visited the fountain and how long they stayed. You also can set up regular reminders in the app to clean the fountain or refill its water, plus it's set up to automatically notify you when water is running low or you need to change the multilayer filter. It'd be nice if this model had a motion sensor to detect when your cat approaches it to signal it to power on if it's sleeping (like our top pick overall), considering this is the most expensive fountain we tested'but otherwise, this is one versatile, advanced pick.
Regularly replacing the filter is a necessary part of cat fountain maintenance, with most brands recommending you do so every two to four weeks. It's also a dreaded step, since it's easy to forget to keep replacement filters on hand'plus, they're an added cost. That's why Petkit's Eversweet 3 Pro is a standout model: If you run the fountain on smart mode, where the water pumps intermittently every few minutes, the four-layer filter can remain effective for eight weeks or longer. And on normal mode, the filter should last a full month, which is still a pretty good lifespan. This model also makes virtually no noise, and all the parts detach easily for a seamless cleaning experience.
After you set up the fountain (which took us less than 10 minutes), download the app and connect to it via Bluetooth, you can customize the water flow, choosing between normal, smart and sleep mode. The default for smart mode is three minutes on, three minutes off, but you can change the cadence'and as you adjust the water flow time and the sleeping mode time, the app tells you how many days the filter will remain effective. Also in the app, you can set up reminders to clean the fountain on a set basis, which I've really appreciated while testing this model, plus it notifies you when water levels are low (meanwhile, the fountain shuts off automatically). Additionally, the wireless pump regularly sanitizes the water with a UVC light, which research has shown to be highly effective at killing microbes like bacteria, fungi and viruses.
During testing, I noted just a few downsides. First off, the water tray'which I wish were made of stainless steel like the water container'is relatively shallow, so if you ever lose power, your cat has access to only 60 milliliters of water. Additionally, a USB wall adapter is not included, so you need to double-check you have one on hand or purchase one separately.
Compared to simple water bowls, of course, cat fountains are objectively more annoying to clean, as you typically have to take apart multiple pieces and navigate cords. But some models are less of a pain'and none have earned higher marks in this regard than the Pioneer Pet Raindrop fountain. Over the year that we've been using this device, it's garnered consistent praise among our testers for how straightforward it is to clean.
While we found this fountain a little tricky to set up (it took a minute to get the pump and activated carbon filter situated), once you figure it out, assembling and disassembling is a breeze. After all, it's made up of just two stainless steel parts, both of which can go in the dishwasher. (The pump, meanwhile, needs to be washed by hand.) And if you prefer to hand-wash everything, the pieces have no crevices or hard-to-reach areas. To clean it, 'you just remove the power cord and filter, wash it out and then reassemble,' says Boyers, who also appreciates the fountain's slight profile. 'It's very minimal and low to the ground, so it blends in seamlessly and doesn't feel intrusive.' (The brand also sells a larger model that can hold twice as much water, and it's just as sleek and easy to maintain.) Compared to other fountains on this list, though, it can be a little loud, especially when the water is low.
We've tested a lot of cat water fountains over the past year, including a few models that we think are worth considering and others that didn't impress us quite as much.
Catit Flower Fountain: Even if you've never shopped for a cat water fountain before, chances are you're familiar with this longtime best-selling pick. Multiple staffers have used this basic fountain, which is quiet and easy to assemble and clean; it'd be a solid option for budget-minded shoppers who aren't drawn to the Giotohun Cat Water Fountain.
Petkit Eversweet Solo 2 Cat Water Fountain: This plastic model is basically a less high-tech version of the Petkit Eversweet 3 Pro: Though it holds 0.65 liters more water, it doesn't have a stainless steel container or a pump equipped with UVC light to help kill bacteria. Even without those features, this model really impressed our tester, director of features and special projects Kim Peiffer, with its ultra-quiet operation, compact design and useful app that notifies you when water levels are low. If you like the look of the Eversweet 3 Pro but don't want to drop $80, this version is $20 less.
Petkit Eversweet Solo SE Fountain Pump: This model used to be our top pick overall, thanks to its quiet operation and wireless pump design, but according to the brand, it's being discontinued. It's also available on Amazon and at other retailers, and we still believe it's a good option worth the investment, especially if it's on sale.
Petlibro Dockstream RFID Smart Fountain: What sets this model apart from the rest is its ability to track multiple cats' drinking habits. To take advantage of this feature, though, your pets need to wear the included collars, which help the fountain distinguish between them. Because many vets are against putting collars on cats, especially if the collars aren't breakaway (and these are not), we're somewhat hesitant to recommend this model. That said, this fountain could be extremely valuable if you have multiple cats, particularly if one or more has an ailment like chronic kidney disease'though we'd advise checking in with your vet first.
Cat Mate 3-Level Pet Fountain: Not only did we find this fountain somewhat difficult to set up, but our tester also struggled to get it to power up a few times. It's also relatively lightweight'which is great when you're refilling it but not so great if you have cats who like to move their fountain around.
Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain: While this model is sturdy and easy to clean, our tester found it to be somewhat loud, plus the filter wasn't the most effective at capturing debris.
Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain: A lot of pet owners like this ceramic, pagoda-style fountain, but we found it to be loud'so loud, one of our testers had to unplug it at night because it was making so much noise.
Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum Fountain: While one of our testers thought this was a solid large-capacity fountain that would make sense in multi-cat homes, another tester had big issues with it: They reported that on top of being bulky, the fountain leaked and was frustrating to refill.
To determine the best cat water fountains, we started by identifying the most popular models from trusted brands in the pet space, such as Petkit, Petlibro, Pioneer Pet and more. This involved reading through countless customer reviews on e-retailers like Chewy, Amazon and Petco, as well as pet-specific Subreddits, where you can find tons of cat owners speaking passionately about all their favorite (and least favorite) products. Following this research, we landed on 16 models worth trying out between eight of our cat-owning testers. While the most recent round of testing for this article was conducted in January , we've been using some of these models for over a year now.
Upon receiving each device, testers unboxed the fountain, read through the instruction manual and assembled the unit, noting whether setup was easy or complicated. Then, testers evaluated the overall design of the fountain, considering the quality of the materials used, the number of water access points, the length of the cord and more. While running the models, we then paid attention to the noise during operation and tried out any additional features or settings'and, of course, we observed how quickly our cats responded to the fountain. Lastly, we took apart the models to determine how easy they were to clean, plus we considered the lifespan of the filters.
Could your cat use some help in the hydration department? Here are the factors to consider if you're torn between models.
Cat fountains are typically made from BPA-free plastic, ceramic, stainless steel or a combination of those materials. Many of today's more technologically advanced fountains are constructed from plastic, which is lightweight and affordable. That said, the material 'can scratch easily, which might harbor bacteria,' says Lippman. Additionally, 'some cats have sensitivities and will react to plastic in the form of skin irritations or gastrointestinal disturbances,' says Dr. Rebecca Shumaker, DVM, founder of Monarch Veterinary Services in Greenwich, Connecticut. Stainless steel'a favorite material of vets'is comparatively easier to clean and more durable, plus it's less likely to cause allergies. Ceramic is another great option, as it's attractive and hygienic, though it's breakable.
You'll encounter plenty of design options when shopping for a cat water fountain: Some have sink-like faucets that water streams out of, while others push water that bubbles up through a single hole. While these styles offer similar benefits, some cats prefer one kind of fountain over another. Also, when shopping for a fountain, it's smart to consider each model's weight'particularly if your cat has especially playful or destructive tendencies. The heavier the fountain, the less likely your cat will be able to move it around the floor, leaving a wet trail'or worse, a deconstructed fountain'in its wake.
Most cat fountains can hold anywhere from 2 to 3 liters of water, which is appropriate for the majority of households. If you have multiple cats, though, you might want a larger model so you're not stuck constantly refilling the fountain. That said, you really should change the water every few days to ensure it stays fresh, regardless of its size. Just like humans, cats don't like to drink dirty water.
If you invest in a cat fountain and then neglect to regularly clean it, you're pretty much defeating the purpose of having one in the first place. 'Regularly cleaning the fountain prevents bacteria, mold and slime from building up,' says Lippman'and not only do slimy fountains tend to clog, but cats aren't likely to drink dirty water. Therefore, it's essential to pick a fountain that you can actually see yourself washing once a week, which is the frequency most vets recommend. If you don't trust yourself to keep up with this, look for models made with few pieces (bonus if some of those are dishwasher safe). When thinking about maintenance, it's also important to consider the fountain's filter lifespan, as well as the cost of replacement filters.
Cat water fountains have become significantly more advanced over the past few years. These days, you can find models that track how often your cat drinks, for example, or that use UV light to kill bacteria. While these additional features can be valuable, just keep in mind that they typically raise the overall price of the model.
Here at Forbes Vetted, we've tested everything from self-cleaning litter boxes to dog food delivery services, with the goal of identifying and recommending actually useful products to support your pet's overall health and happiness. After all, many of us are pet owners ourselves'including seven staffers who tested out cat water fountains, carefully considering everything from the overall construction to capacity to additional features. (We had one additional tester who isn't on staff.) All together, 15 cats tried out the various models.
I, Amanda Arnold, am Forbes Vetted's senior home and kitchen editor and the author of this piece. I oversee the site's pets content and have edited countless articles pertaining to pet wellbeing, including informational pieces about homemade dog food and traveling with pets as well as roundups of pet essentials.
For this article, I consulted three veterinarians:
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