Cat water fountains are the best way to encourage cats to drink more. It feeds into the instinctive side of the brain that prefers running water, which both humans and animals prefer.
Many owners buy the basics when preparing for the arrival of a new pet; a bed, toys, food and a water bowl. However, what a lot of owners don’t realise, is that still water bowls don’t encourage your pets to drink as much as pet drinking fountains.
Cats find running water more appealing than standing water, this is because standing water can harbour bacteria, which animals instinctively know.
Cat water fountains can also filter and oxygenate the water, removing many of the chemicals some cats are sensitive to. As well as taking out fur and dirt that normally collect in a common water bowl.
So, if you want to ensure your pet remains adequately hydrated, you’re better off adding a pet drinking fountain to your arsenal of core pet products. This also means you don’t need to constantly refill the bowl.
With that in mind, we’ve researched 8 leading cat water fountains to help you decide which delivers the reliability you need.
Top pick – Closer Pets’ Three-level Two-litre Pet Fountain
Closer Pets’ Three-level Two-litre Pet Fountain delivers everything we look for and more. Not only can it deliver fresh running water for your cat, it can also satisfy small dogs too.
The robust construction and three-level water bowls mean cats of any size have access to fresh running water. So, it’s an excellent option if you have multiple animals! The inner 3-stage filter also works alongside the outer filter guard to provide four levels of filtration, removing dirt, fur and scaling deposits, whilst activated carbon removes chlorine and unpleasant odours – meaning water is kept fresh, clean and tasty to entice your pets to drink.
- Suitable for cats and dogs
- 2-litre water capacity
- 3 levels of drinking stations
- Quiet pump
- Specially designed polymer-carbon filter cartridge
- Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-proof bowls
Product Suggestion: Automatic Outdoor Dog Water Fountain
PETKIT 2 Litre Cat Water Fountain
The PETKIT 2 Litre Cat Water Fountain is a single-tier unit with a 2-litre capacity. It’s slightly larger than the top pick but just as quiet. High-quality construction and a quiet pump mean it’s well worth checking out.
The fountain includes an innovative water level window to help you monitor how much your pet is drinking, which is a great option.
- LED indicator
- 2-litre water capacity
- Water level monitor
- Water filter system
- Quiet operation
PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain
The PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain is a highly rated unit with a 2.1-litre capacity and high-quality construction. It’s small enough that most cats will easily reach the bowl but has enough capacity to keep them sated throughout the day.
The pump is quiet and can filter the water as well as pump it, which is an added bonus.
- Good size for cats
- Slightly larger capacity
- Quiet pump
- Water filter
- 2 flow settings
Cat Mate Shell Pet Water Fountain
The Cat Mate Shell Pet Water Fountain has a large 3-litre capacity for larger cats or multiple pets. It’s an excellent option within a small chassis with an ultra-quiet pump and effective water filter.
It doesn’t have multiple bowls like our top pick but it comes to a close runner-up thanks to that quiet motor and large capacity. It’s ideal for those who work all day or who want to go away overnight without leaving their cat thirsty.
- 3-litre capacity
- Very quiet motor
- Multiple colour options
- Two levels of drinking stations
- Water filter
- Spares available from the manufacturer
NPET Cat Dog Water Fountain
The NPET Cat Dog Water Fountain is another product suited to cats and small dogs. This is another single bowl filter and has a 1.6-litre capacity. It’s slightly more expensive than some but has amazing reviews.
This fountain is made from transparent plastic, which makes it easy to monitor water level and cleanliness, which is why we like it so much.
- Transparent plastic construction
- Simple tap and bowl design
- 1.6-litre capacity
- Water filter
- Low power requirements
HAPUP Cat Water Fountain for Drinking
The HAPUP Cat Water Fountain for Drinking has a similar design to the NPET version but feels slightly more upscale. It’s a transparent design with a tap or more gentle fountain mode for more nervous cats.
With a 1.8-litre capacity, quiet motor and those two modes, this is an excellent cat water fountain for a wide variety of cats, even the timidest ones.
- Transparent plastic construction
- Tap or waterfall option
- 1.8-litre capacity
- Water filter
- Easy to assemble and clean
PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain
The PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain is a premium option made from ceramic. It’s much more expensive than these others but is made from tough, hygienic ceramic.
It’s a small capacity option at just 60 oz of water but has a very quiet motor to help timid cats become comfortable and drink more. That’s why we like it.
- Ceramic construction
- Very quiet motor
- Compact design
- Dishwasher safe
- Dual filtration
Pioneer Pet Drinking Fountain Raindrop Design
The Pioneer Pet Drinking Fountain Raindrop Design is a stainless steel option. It’s another compact fountain with modest capacity but delivers the hygiene benefits of the material.
The fountain has a charcoal filter and quiet pump that should encourage cats to drink while not scaring them. It’s a great option if you like the material!
- Stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic shape
- Quiet motor
- Charcoal water filter
