The Best Water Fountains for Cats to Keep Them Happy and Hydrated

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What do all cat lovers want? Only the best for their feline friends. Besides fun cat toys, quality food, and endless snuggles, there are other ways to make sure your cat is happy and healthy — including making sure they stay hydrated. For many, getting your cat to drink enough water can be a struggle. One of the best ways to increase their intake, according to many veterinarians, is through placing one of these customer-recommended cat water fountains in your home.

"Cat water fountains can be very helpful in maintaining proper hydration for your cat. If your cat needs to drink more water, there are a few different ways to encourage them to increase their water intake. Some cats prefer moving water, so water fountains can be a good choice for getting them more interested in drinking," says Dr. Hannah Hart, DVM, a telehealth veterinarian at Chewy.com.

In addition, pet water fountains have filters to keep the water clean, fresh, and enticing, which can encourage cats to drink more and stay hydrated. And, they come in a variety of styles and materials — stainless steel, ceramic, plastic — with price points to match your budget.

Read on for our picks on the best cat water fountains. Whether you have a tabby, orange, black, or calico cat, your kitty is sure to appreciate their new favorite accessory.

Wireless Automatic Cat Water Fountain

This cat water fountain from innovative brand Uah Pet 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.

Capsule Cat Water Fountain

Quality water is what your cat will get with this Petlibro find. It features a five-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 blue (pictured) or purple, has a higher price point than the plastic options (blue, green, orange, and purple), but pros largely prefer stainless steel 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.

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Stainless Steel Fountain for Multiple Pets

Whether you have multiple cats or a cat and a dog, this pet hydration station is designed with both pet types in mind. Made of durable stainless steel, this one stays clean and offers continuous water supply in a four-liter tank that's lit by LED. Ultra-quiet, this drinking dispenser comes with two mode choices: flowing stream or gentle bubble.

Stainless Steel Flower Fountain With Triple Action Filter

Not only is this cat water fountain adorable, it also promises to keep water clean while enticing cats to drink more. While not all of it is made of 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 keeps the triple-action water filter going to remove impurities.

Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain

According to our experts, ceramic is another great option for cat water fountains. Though it can be more fragile than stainless steel, vets say it's just as clean. This ceramic cat fountain allows water to softly bubble over the tower to entice cats to sip, while pumping water to help prevent bacteria from growing.

Pet Fountain With Replacement Filters and Silicone Mat

If 52,000+ people agree on something, that's a good sign — and that's how many five-star ratings this cat water fountain has on Amazon. It boasts an ultra-quiet pump, a 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.

Automatic Pet Drinking Fountain

Affordable 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 surely entice cats. Many cats will also like the faucet mode. If they're scared, though, you can simply adjust it or remove it entirely to make the water flow more gently.

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Cat Water Fountain with Triple Filter

Looking for something to make you smile? This cute cat water fountain looks a little like your furry friend, with four legs, a nose, and whiskers. The ergonomic design is easy on a cat's spine, and the triple filtration process ensures clean water for every drink. The whiskers and nose will blink red when the machine needs a refill.

Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel, 3.2L

The stand-out feature of this cat water fountain is the circular display window, which allows you to check the water level without opening it. It also features a large capacity water reserve which is enough to hydrate an adult cat for about 8 days. The low-noise pump, along with the spherical design feature, makes it virtually soundless.

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. Maureen K. Murithi, DVM, a veterinarian who works with Hepper.com, 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,” veterinarian Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM, 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. 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.

✔️ Materials: Stainless steel and ceramic materials are best as they are easy to clean and can be the most hygienic when cared for properly. That said, there are plenty of BPA-free plastic options on the market as well.

✔️ Budget: Cat water fountains come at various prices. Most of them fall between $20 and $100. You'll be paying more for ones with special features, like motion sensors, quiet modes, and quality filtering systems. As with anything else, you get what you pay for. Some of the more expensive choices provide better innovation than their less expensive counterparts.

FAQ

How long do cat water fountains last?

Stainless steel and ceramic water fountains are more durable than plastic. Upkeep is also dependent on taking care of the machine, which includes cleaning regularly and changing filters according to the manufacturer's directions. Many cat water fountains have limited warranties, but for specifics on the lifetime of your model, check with the manufacturer.

Do vets recommend cat water fountains?

Yes, most vets do recommend cat water fountains, according to Dr. Hart. Cats tend to like the novelty of free-flowing water, which makes drinking more enticing. So, if your cat needs added hydration and doesn't seem to be interested in a bowl of water, a cat water fountain may be the answer.

How often should you clean a cat water fountain?

"In general, it is recommended to clean the cat fountain itself every week or so, more often if you notice any buildup or an unpleasant smell," says Dr. Hart. "This can be accomplished with either a mix of vinegar and water or hot water and a gentle soap like Dawn dish soap." Cleaning regularly keeps your fountain in good condition and the water at its cleanest.

Do cats like water fountains?

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. On the flip side, water fountains can improve the taste and smell of the water, which could make cats drink more. They also keep water cooler and more oxygenated than standard water bowls, which cats will appreciate during warm weather months.

Are cat water fountains easy to clean?

Water fountains can be a pain to clean, so definitely consider this when picking one. If it's not easy to clean, you may not clean it enough, which can lead to the system harboring bacteria that could cause your cat to fall ill.

How do you clean a cat water fountain?

Unlike plain cat water bowls, cat water fountains come with multiple parts that will have to be disassembled to clean. You should clean your cat water fountain as often as directed on its packaging, but typically, weekly is a safe bet. Not cleaning often enough might mean that bacteria could grow and make your cat sick when consumed. The material of a cat water fountain also makes a difference. Plastic water fountains will need to be cleaned more often than stainless steel because bacteria can grow on plastic quicker than stainless steel.

Will cats play with the water fountain?

The short answer is, maybe. It truly depends on the cat. Some will show more interest than others.

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