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The Best Water Fountains for Cats to Keep Them Hydrated and Healthy
Your cat will want to drink more water with these vet-recommended running water picks.
If you're a cat owner, you likely already spoil your feline friend with plenty of interactive toys, cat houses, and stylish cat collars. But what about the latest tech? From cat DNA tests to the Litter Robot to automatic pet feeders and cat water fountains, there are plenty of tools to keep your cat healthy and happy and make your life easier, too. Cats are fairly self-sufficient creatures — cat parents know that with a bowl of dry food and a clean litter box, they should be fine if left alone while you're at work for the day or even if you go away overnight. But if your kitty has ever knocked over their water bowl or refused to drink still water for any number of reasons, you might be concerned about whether they're really consuming enough water throughout the day.
You may catch your cat pawing at their water bowl to create some form of movement, and you might’ve thought they were simply playing with it. The truth is, regardless of cat breed, they are naturally drawn to and generally prefer to drink moving water. According to Dr. Maureen K. Murithi, a veterinarian who works with Hepper.com, "cat water fountains are a valuable asset to cat parents, since cats are not so inclined to drink water. Cat fountains encourage cats to drink water; they work to stimulate the cat’s animal instinct to drink running water, similar to streams and rivers in the wild."
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Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with ExcitedCats.com, reminds us that it can be a struggle to get your cat to drink enough water, which isn’t a positive when it comes to preventing health conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. "Cat water fountains can really increase a cat's water consumption because they filter the water to ensure your kitty always has fresh, clean water available," she explains. "Drinking enough water can go a long way in keeping a cat healthy."
With these benefits in mind, you may be ready to add a cat water fountain to your home. Keep reading for all of our top picks, plus helpful expert tips and answers to FAQs, so you can feel confident about choosing the right water fountain for your cat.
uahpet Zero Wireless Automatic Cat Water Fountain
uahpet Zero Wireless Automatic Cat Water Fountain
Pros
- completely wireless and cordless (runs on battery)
- produces virtually no noise
- motion-activated mode and timer mode options
Cons
- you will need to change the filter (recommended every 3-4 weeks)
This cat water fountain from innovative brand uahpet comes with all of the bells and whistles. Not only is it stable, tip-proof, and safe (using various filtration elements and methods to keep the water clean), its technical features make it a true stand out. While many cat water fountains need to be plugged in to run, this one is fully wireless and runs on battery. Its long-lasting battery can run for up to 120 days and is rechargeable with a USB. Conserving battery life, you can set this water fountain to a motion-sensor mode, which means it'll turn on and run the water when there's motion within 2 meters of it. It's also ultra-quiet, so it won't bother you or scare skittish cats.
| Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 8 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | ABS + PP plastic |
| Capacity | 2 liters |
Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Pros
- made of stainless steel, which stays cleaner
- sleek design
- coconut shell activated carbon and ion exchange resin filtering system
Cons
- taller than most water bowls, so factor that in for space
It's unanimous: All of the experts we interviewed said they preferred stainless steel out of all the other materials that cat water fountains can be made out of. It's one of the cleanest, meaning you won't have to wash it as often as other cat water fountain types (like plastic).
| Dimensions | 120 x 185 x 185 mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 2 liters |
PETLIBRO Capsule Water Fountain
Pros
- 2 drinking modes to choose from
- easy to see when water is running low with translucent container
- 5 different color options
- comes with a cleaning brush
Cons
- needs to be plugged in all the time to run
Quality water is what your cat will get with this Petlibro find. It features a 5-level filtration system that uses ion exchange resin and coconut shell activated carbon to keep water super clean. The stainless steel version, which comes in Metal (pictured) and a Lavender Steel color, has a higher price point than the plastic options (blue, green, orange, and purple), but pros largely prefer the material for cleanliness. Choose from two drinking modes — one that looks like a faucet and the other where the water comes up. Regardless of your cat's preference, buyers love how quiet it is.
| Dimensions | 8.86 x 5.6 x 5.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 24.7 ounces |
| Material | Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic |
| Capacity | 2.1 liters |
Catit Stainless Steel Flower Fountain With Triple Action Filter
Catit Stainless Steel Flower Fountain With Triple Action Filter
Pros
- handy water level indicator lets you know when you need a refill
- includes LED nightlight
- most parts are dishwasher safe
- 3 different water settings to choose from
Cons
- must be disassembled to wash
Not only is this cat water fountain adorable, it also promises to keep water clean while enticing cats to drink water. While not all of it is made of ultra-clean stainless steel, the plastic pieces in the product are also BPA-free. Of all the water fountains we found, this one holds the most. An energy-efficient pump will keep the triple-action water filter cleaning the water of impurities.
| Dimensions | 8 x 8 x 6 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Material | Stainless steel drinking area, plastic base/reservoir |
| Capacity | 3 liters |
Cheerble KittySpring Cat Water Dispenser with Reusable Filter
Cheerble KittySpring Cat Water Dispenser with Reusable Filter
Pros
- whisker-friendly (some cats don't like their whiskers to touch the sides of bowls)
- comes in 3 different colors
- design makes it hard to knock over
Cons
- holds about half a liter of water, less than other fountains on the market
One of the most innovative we've seen on the market, we love the sleek design of this Cheerble cat water fountain. It comes with a glass water dish with a stimulation stone inside, mimicking the sound of a stream, plus a stable fountain base, water bottle, and non-slip pad.
| Dimensions | 9.84 x 13.78 x 9.4 in |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass and BPA-free plastic |
| Capacity | 0.42 liters |
Pet Fountain With Replacement Filters and Silicone Mat
Pet Fountain With Replacement Filters and Silicone Mat
Pros
- comes with a non-slip silicone pad
- 3 different flow modes
- 2 color choices
Cons
- pump comes apart into smaller pieces that you'll need to clean to extend its life
Well, 63,000 people can't be wrong. And that's how many people reviewed this cat water fountain on Amazon alone. It has garnered over 4 1/2 stars after tens of thousands of reviews, and boasts an ultra-quiet pump, large capacity, and a circulation system. The set also comes with three replacement filters made of activated carbon, ion exchange resin, and non-woven fabric, which all work together to keep the water clean.
| Dimensions | 7.48 x 7.48 x 5.91 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.98 pounds |
| Material | BPA-free resin and silicone pad |
| Capacity | 2.5 liters |
Automatic Pet Drinking Fountain
Pros
- comes with a quadruple filtration system and three layers of filtering
- 17,000+ positive reviews on Amazon
- beautiful to look at
Cons
- not dishwasher safe; hand-wash only with soap and water
- have to take apart the pump, which has small parts, to clean in order to extend its life
Budget-friendly and oh-so sleek, we love the way that this cat water fountain features a fully transparent design. Being able to see the water inside the vessel and outside the fountain will sure entice cats. Cats will find the faucet mode fun. If they're too scared though, simply adjust it or remove it entirely to make water flow more gentle.
| Dimensions | 6.8 x 6.8 x 6.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 1.5 liters |
PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain
PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain
Pros
- carbon filter and foam filter together remove bad tastes, odors, and cat fur from water
- top-rack dishwasher safe
Cons
- fountain pump needs to be handwashed separately
Experts told us ceramic is another great option for cat water fountains. Though ceramic might be more fragile than stainless steel, vets told us it's just as clean. This ceramic cat fountain allows water to softly bubbles over the tower to entice cats to sip, while pumping water to help prevent bacteria from growing.
| Dimensions | 12 x 11.8 x 7.4 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.75 pounds |
| Material | Scratch-resistant ceramic |
| Capacity | 1.7 liters |
What to look for when shopping for cat water fountains
✔️ Size for your space: Cat water fountains are pricier than your ordinary water bowl, so it’s important to understand your options. Dr. Murithi suggests considering the size of the fountain and where you plan to put it, because some may take up a lot of space.
✔️ Low noise: “Opt for fountains that don't make a lot of noise. Noisy ones may deter cats and can become a nuisance,” Dr. Murithi says. “You may want one with a quiet motor for more skittish cats as well,” Dr. Bonk agrees.
✔️ Filter options: “Opt for fountains that contain filters that help in trapping toxins and impurities, making the water safer to drink,” says Dr. Bonk. Dr. Murithi also notes that filters in water fountains help to trap chemicals, which can predispose cats to fewer infections. Some fountains come with one or more filters to get you started, while others are sold separately. Consider how often you'll need to replace them and how accessible or costly the replacement filters are before making your selection.
FAQ
- Will all cats love a water fountain? Cats are fickle. Some might love it, while others might be skeptical. “Either the noise or the movement might be scary, so if you have a more timid cat, a water fountain might not be the best option,” Dr. Bonk says. That being said, Dr. Murithi points out that fountains may improve the taste and aroma of the water, which could make cats want to drink more, especially in the summer. They also keep water cooler and more oxygenated than standard water bowls.
- What type of materials should you consider? According to Dr. Murithi, plastic cat water fountains might harbor a lot of bacteria and can be a source of allergies. Stone and wood, on the other hand, can hold onto odors. Stainless steel and ceramic materials are best as they are easy to clean and are hygienic.
- Are cat water fountains easy to clean? “They can be difficult to clean, especially if bulky,” explains Dr. Murithi. “This can lead to a build-up of bacteria, especially in the filtering system.” So while you may not have to constantly refill a water bowl, you will need to clean your water fountain regularly inside and out.
- Will cats play with the water fountain? The short answer is, maybe. “Cats may see the fountain as a toy and splash water everywhere making it a bit messy,” Dr. Murithi warns. Hey, at least they'll be hydrated!
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
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