Cats are famous for having a low thirst drive. Just like humans, they need water to stay hydrated and healthy thus avoiding urinary tract infections and kidney diseases. Cats are not inclined to drink water in a bowl. They will be drawn to running water as they instinctively consider it as a clean source of water.
Getting a water fountain for your feline will make hydrating more enjoyable hence your cat will be drinking water often. Running water is both fresh and healthier for your cat and a cat water fountain is the best way of achieving this.
You will keep your feline healthy and you’ll decrease the number of trips to the Vet. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best cat water fountains that both you and your cat will find convenient to have around.
Materials Used make Best Cat Water Fountains
- Plastic – Plastic Cat water fountains are made of premium plastic making them last a long time. They are more affordable compared to other materials and they require superior maintenance as they can easily harbor bacteria.
- Stainless Steel – Stainless steel water fountains are light, have high resistance levels, and will hardly crack. They are also hypo allergic and they keep the odor from the water thus ensuring that healthy and freshwater is available for your pet
- Ceramic – Ceramic cat water fountains last you a long time. They are easy to clean and have thermal properties that will allow water to be preserved better. On the downside, they can harbor bacteria in the cracks.
Benefits of Best Cat Water Fountains
Most pet parents are embracing the use of cat water fountains. The benefits these devices offer cannot be ignored. Some of the notable benefits of the best cat water fountains include:
- Source of clean and fresh drink
The best cat water fountains are fitted with filtration mechanisms that remove dirt and microbes in the water. The filtration helps purifier the water so your cats get a cleaner, safer and fresher drink. Keeping your furry buddy hydrated helps in keeping urinary tract disorders at bay.
- Helps improve the taste of water
Since the water is continuously flowing, it is properly aerated. The addition of oxygen helps better the overall taste of the H2O. Cat water fountains help prevent an increase in water temperature so your kitty gets cooler water the whole day. The quality of water from these devices is unrivaled. You can’t compare it with the stagnant water from the bowls.
- Stimulates the feline to drink more water
Without a doubt, water fountains entice cats to drink more water. The devices stimulate the predatory instincts of your indoor cats. The trigger helps the cats drink more water which is key to keeping them hydrated. The ripples may indicate the presence of a creature beneath the surface. This sighting arouses the predatory instincts in cats making them happy.
- Easy to maintain
Keep the best cat water fountains working optimally is pretty easy. Regular cleaning which you can do without a fuss is enough to keep the devices working accordingly. Keep your cat hydrated, healthy, and happy with these important devices.
12 Best Cat Water Fountains
Finding the most suitable water fountain for your best friend can be a tedious endeavor especially if you are buying it the first time. Why stress? When you can get the information about the best cat water fountains here. Continue reading our in-depth buying guide and discover the best cat water fountains in the market.
1) Catit Flower Water Fountain
This cat fountain features three different settings, a gentle water flow, a bubbling top, and calming streams which you can choose according to your cat’s liking. You ate assured of your pet taking clean and fresh water as it only pushes filtered running water to the surface and keeps dirty water out of reach.
It has a triple-action filter that filters magnesium and calcium from the water hence lowering the chances of your pet contracting urinary tract infections. Catit water fountain has a compact and ergonomic design that takes up a very small space and can contain up to three liters of water.
The water fountain has a water level indicator in that you will be able to know when your cat is almost running out of water. The replacement filters are easy to find and the fountain has a low power usage. It has an appealing design that will look good in your living space.
Features
- It has 3 water flow settings for picky drinkers.
- An appealing design.
- It has a water level indicator.
- The device is easy to clean and maintain
- This cat water fountain has a triple-action filter.
- Low power usage.
2) PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Water Fountain
This cat water fountain features two free-falling water streams that add oxygen to the water for freshness and allow your furry friend to drink more. It has upper and lower dishes that give two drinking areas in case of multiple pets.
It features a stylish ceramic design that is non-porous and easy to clean and has a capacity of 70 oz. The activated carbon filter removes bad taste, odor, and other harmful chemicals from the water. The foam filter removes dirt from the water keeping it clean.
The open bowl design allows your pets to drink water even when the power goes out. It is hygienic as it has scratch-resistant ceramic material and inhibits the growth of bacteria and an elevated upper bowl is suitable for senior pets. It comes in different colors which will seamlessly blend into your home décor.
Features
- It has two free-falling water streams that entice the pets and encourage hydration.
- Has an activated carbon filter that removed bad taste, odor, and other chemicals from the water.
- This water fountain has a foam filter to remove debris.
- It has an appealing design and comes in different colors.
- Has two bowls which give two drinking areas for your pets.
- A large capacity of 70 oz.
3) MOSPRO Flower Cat Water Fountain
This cat water fountain also features three water flow settings: the flower bubble, the gentle waterfall, and the gentle fountain. The flow settings are changed by removing the flower and putting the normal spout or just leaving the fountain with no flower or spout.
It has a large capacity of 2litres and it will not need to constantly refill it. The fountain is designed to increase the contact of the water with oxygen hence always keeping it fresh.
It has a quiet operation and has very low power consumption. The simple plastic design is very appealing and it would look good in your house. It has a carbon filter which ensures that the water is always clean. It is made of environmentally friendly material that is easy to clean.
Features
- The fountain has three water flow settings.
- It is made of eco-friendly plastic material.
- It has a carbon filter to keep the water clean,
- Its open-top design allows water to be in contact with oxygen hence keeping it clean.
- Has a capacity of 2 Liters hence does not need constant refilling.
- It easy to clean.
4) PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Water Fountain
The Drinkwell Original Pet Water Fountain has a replaceable large carbon filter that ensures that the water is clean at all times and removes bad tastes and odors. It has a free-falling stream of water that has an adjustable flow control that entices your pet to constantly get hydrated. It is made of BPA-free plastic and can be completely dissembled making it very easy to clean as all parts are dishwasher safe.
By using the 5-inch falling stream of water, the water is constantly in contact with oxygen making it always fresh. It has a 50 OZ capacity and is suitable for cats and small dogs. The simple design of this pet water fountain will look attractive in your house.
Features
- Easy to clean.
- Completely dissembles.
- Has a free-falling stream with adjustable flow control.
- Made of BPA free plastic.
- Has 50oz capacity.
- Has removable carbon filters that remove odors and bad taste.
5) YOUTHINK Pet Fountain Cat Water Fountain
The picky drinkers have been taken care of by this fountain as it has 4 different water flow settings. It has double filtration where the carbon filter keeps off odor, bad taste, and all other impurities that might get into the water. The recessed sink and water circulation system keep the water in contact with oxygen so that it is fresh at all times and is healthy for the pets’ consumption.
The almost quiet operation is very conducive for home use and is very economical when it comes to power usage so you will not expect unpleasant electricity bills. It is made of durable high-quality plastic that is BPA-free that is odor-free and has the pass-food certification. It is very easy to install and operate and you will not have a hard time cleaning it.
Features
- Four different water flow settings.
- It has double filtration and uses carbon filters.
- Silent operation.
- It has low power consumption.
- Made of sturdy and long-lasting plastic material.
6) PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat Water Fountain
The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat Water Fountain has a large water capacity of 168 ounces hence you do not need to constantly refill. It has an ultimate style and design with the same free-falling system of water as the Drinkwell Original Pet Water Fountain that entices pets to drink more water. It has a snap-on reservoir lid to avoid accidental removal and rubber feet at the bottom to avoid sliding and tipping of the fountain.
The activated carbon filters are easily replaceable and help in removing bad odor, bad taste, and other harmful and unpleasant elements from the water. It is fitted with a pre-filter that catches large particles before they reach the motor.
You do not expect to receive crazy electricity bills as it has very low power consumption and the silent operation makes it home-friendly. It is made of durable BPA-free plastic. The receiving part reduces splash and noise.
Features
- Large capacity of 168 ounces.
- Has a carbon filter to eliminate bad odor and taste.
- Fitted with a pre-filter that catches large particles before they get to the motor.
- Has an almost silent operation.
- Has a free-falling system that entices pets to drink more water.
- Made of durable BPA-free plastic.
- It has a snap reservoir lid that helps in avoiding accidental removal.
- It has rubber feet to avoid sliding.
7) Veken Pet Automatic Cat Water Fountain
This fountain has a triple filtration system with 3 replacement filters each with a cotton layer, activated carbon, and an ion exchange resin to keep the water taste, odor, and germs free.
The Veken Pet Automatic Cat Water Fountain also has 3 different water flow settings that are: the flower waterfall, the flower bubble, and the gentle fountain which you can change as per your pet’s liking. It has a large capacity of 2.5litres hence does not require too many refills.
The fountain has an ultra-quiet operation and saves energy. It is made of durable PP resin that is BPA free plastic that will serve you a long time. Veken Cat Water fountain comes with a silicon pad in case of any splashes. When it comes to utilization and maintenance, it is easy to operate and clean and both you and your pet will enjoy having it around.
Features
- A large capacity of 2.5 liters.
- It has a triple filtration system with 3 replacement filters.
- Made of durable BPA free plastic.
- It has three different flow settings.
- It has an ultra-quiet operation.
- Energy-saving.
- Comes with a silicon pad in case of splashes.
8) Mospro Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser
This is a compact water fountain with a 2 liters capacity thus you’ll not need to refill it frequently. The water is contained at the bottom of the fountain hence reducing spillage as well as making it easier for one to move the fountain and refill it.
It has a very quiet operation and the activity will only be heard when the water levels start dropping. The three water flow options will make it favorable even for picky pets.
The environmentally friendly plastic material used to make the fountain is very durable. The fountain has very low power consumption and you will have an easy time cleaning it.
The recessed sink on the top and the water circulation system ensures that water is fresh at all times. The carbon filters remove any harmful elements and odor in the water.
Features
- The fountain has three water flow settings.
- It is made of eco-friendly plastic material.
- It has a carbon filter to keep the water clean,
- Its open-top design allows water to be in contact with oxygen hence keeping it clean.
- Has a capacity of 2 Liters hence does not need constant refilling.
- It easy to clean.
9) Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
It has multi heightened drinking areas that will suit even picky pets. There is the topmost part that bubbling outlet, the flowing water stream in the middle, or the wide water bowl at the bottom.
There is plenty of water movement that ensures that the water is always fresh and healthy for your pet’s consumption. The ramp reduces water spillage from the fountain to the floor
It is fitted with a polymer carbon filter cartilage that purifies the water, keeping germs and other unpleasant elements off. Its operation is super quiet and power-saving due to its isolated pump system. It is easy to clean as the bowls can be cleaned using the dishwasher and are made of durable plastic that will last you a long time.
Features
- Multi-heightened drinking stations.
- Super quiet operation.
- Low power consumption.
- Polymer-carbon filter that helps in purification.
- Has a ramp that reduces water spillage.
- Easy to clean.
10) isYoung Cat Fountain
isYoung Cat Fountain is a creative water fountain with a free-falling water stream that entices your pet to drink more. The free-falling stream is adjustable and it will allow you to customize the water flow.
It has a luminous beautiful LED light that makes it easier for you to locate it at night. It has premium activated carbon filters to remove odor and other impurities keeping the water fresh and healthy for your feline.
The cat water fountain 51-ounce capacity and low energy consumption. You can easily disassemble it making it easy for you to clean it and it is made of BPA-free plastic. It has a noise-canceling feature which makes it home-friendly, even at night.
Features
- It has an adjustable free-falling water stream.
- The fountain has activated carbon filters to remove impurities and odor.
- A capacity of 51 ounces.
- Fitted with beautiful LED light.
- Low energy consumption.
- It is made of BPA free plastic.
11) Petsafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain
This cat water fountain has up to 5 free-falling streams from which you can choose from and it is a perfect choice for a household that has more than one pet. The fountain has a customizable water flow that you can adjust to your pet’s liking.
Another positive attribute is the high-quality stainless material that is rust and scratch-free and will last you a long time. It has a 360-degree bowl design which comes in handy when there is a power outage as your pets will still be in a position to drink water.
The two filters, a carbon filter and foam filter which work together to remove bad taste, bad odor, and all other impurities from the water. It is easy to clean as you can easily disassemble the pump to hand wash and place the rest of the parts on the top shelf of a dishwasher. The stainless steel and constant water circulation help in keeping bacteria off the water.
Features
- Customizable water flow.
- Has a 360 degrees bowl design where your pet can drink from any direction and will still have some water in case there is a power outage.
- It is made of durable stainless steel that is scratch and rust-free.
- A capacity of 128 ounces.
- It has two filters; a carbon filter and a foam filter.
- Easy to clean.
12) Drinkwell 360 Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain
This is technically identical to Petsafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain just that it is made of plastic instead of stainless. It also features one to five free-falling streams that will encourage your pets to drink more.
With the large capacity of 128 ounces, you will not need to constantly do refills. It has a 360 degrees design that is ideal for multi-pet homes. The replaceable carbon filter removes impurities from the water keeping it safe and healthy.
The rubber feet keep the fountain stuck to the ground and will not easily slide. It is made of BPA-free plastic that is pretty easy to clean. It has an adjustable flow system and a receiving ramp that will reduce splashing. The low voltage submersible pump gives the fountain an almost silent operation and helps in saving power consumption.
Features
- A capacity of 128 ounces.
- It has an adjustable flow system and receiving ramp to reduce spillage.
- Carbon filters to keep off impurities
- Rubber feet to keep the fountain from sliding.
- It is easy to clean.
- One to five free-falling streams.
- Made of BPA plastic.
Best Cat Water Fountains Buying Guide and FAQS
Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Cat Water Fountains
Ease of cleaning
A water fountain that is easy to clean will be clean often thus ensuring that it is always clean. One that is not too easy to clean will be dirty most times which poses a health risk to your pet.
Filtration
There are two types of filtration in the best cat water fountains.
- Chemical Filtration- This is also referred to as activated charcoal and consists of carbon paper which should be replaced after every week or two. The carbon absorbs toxins and impurities. The carbon is however not harmful to the pet upon ingestion.
- Mechanical Filtration – It is a sponge that surrounds the water pump through which water passes and filters dirt.
Durability
Before purchasing a water fountain for your cat you should choose one that will last you a long time. Even if some parts will need to be replaced after a while, you should look out for one that will not easily wear out or break.
Design
Most of the time, the water fountain will be placed in your living space. It should have a design that complements your home décor and is appealing to your eye. Besides, the design should be practical to your cat.
Capacity
Best cat water fountains have a capacity of 1-3 liters. Depending on how many cats you have around, you’ll purchase the most suitable cat fountain.
Energy Consumption
When choosing a water fountain for your furry friend, you should ensure that the one you bring home will not lead to unpleasant electricity bills.
Reasons as to why Best Cat Water Fountains are a Good Investment
- Cats do not like drinking water from stagnant sources and they will not like drinking water from a bowl.
- Kitties are too cautious of what they ingest and more often than not, water placed in a bowl may have a taste or smell that is not too pleasant to your cat.
- Cats have a very low thirst drive and a water fountain will entice them to drink more water.
Advantages of Best Cat Water Fountains Compared to Traditional Drinking Sources
- They are easier to clean compared to traditional drinking fountains.
- The accessories are designed to attract the attention of your feline thus making it drink more water.
- The water in the fountain is always clean and fresh.
- The best cat water fountains have a compact design with a great storage capacity.
- You do not have to have them plugged in all day.
- The current technology offers quiet water fountains.
Read about Dehydration in Cats.
How to Maintain A Cat Water Fountain
We already understand how cat water fountains can save our beloved pets from dehydration. Besides, they aid in reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infections. These important accessories will only serve your kitty well if they are well maintained. Pet owners should routinely clean the devices to maintain operational integrity. For a seamless maintenance plan, here are some important tips to follow:
- Always unplug the dispenser from the power source before starting the cleaning process
- When removing the reservoir from the device, be very cautious. Read the manual to understand how to remove it without compromising the device.
- Upon emptying the contents in the reservoir, clean it with an appropriate cleaning agent. Make sure the cleaning agent has both cleansing and sanitizing properties. After thoroughly cleaning the reservoir, rinse it appropriately.
- The other component that requires attention is the filter. Detach it from the device and clean it rigorously which clean water. You can also consult the manual for recommendations on how to clean the filter more effectively. For optimal filtration, you are advised to replace the filter at least every 5 weeks.
- The non-electrical parts of the device should be cautiously disassembled and place in the dishwasher for cleaning. Alternatively, you can clean them using a warm soapy solution. All the exposed surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly and rinsed with clean water.
- Inspect the components for any microbial growth. In the event, you observe fungal growth particularly algae, soak the parts in dilutes bleach for almost 10 minutes. Ensure the parts are rinsed properly after soaking them in bleach to ensure there are no chlorine residue remnants. This helps avoid passing the chemicals to your cat.
- Let the components dry and then reassemble the device.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Cat Water Fountains
Q: Are water fountains good for cats?
A: Just like humans, Cats also need to stay hydrated to avoid some diseases and stay healthy. Fountains will help the cat hydrate more and the water will always be fresh, clean, and healthy compared to water in a bowl.
Q: Why does my cat water fountain get slimy?
A: When cat saliva mixes with water, it forms slime. Hence, even if you put clean water without cleaning the fountain, it will form slime after a day.
Q: How often should I change the water in my cat fountain?
A: Your cat needs fresh water to stay happy and healthy. Lack of adequate clean water causes ill health. To ensure your pet is getting clean water throughout, change the water daily. Before refilling the cat’s, fountain clean it thoroughly.
Q: Why do cats not drink water next to their food?
A: Cats are unique creatures. A cat will not drink water next to its food or near its toileting area. The reason behind this cat manners is its instinctive avoidance of polluting the water with contaminants that may have bacteria. To encourage your cat to drink water, avoid placing the cat water fountain next to its food or litter box.
Conclusion
Best cat water fountains are a good investment as they will keep your pets hydrated. Cats love flowing water and a fountain will entice them to drink more water. The water from the best cat water fountains is fresh and purified making it a healthy choice for your pets.