The Best Cat Water Fountains of 2024
Contents
- Top 10: Pet Fountain Reviews
- 1. PetSafe Drinkwell 360
- 2. Veken Pet Fountain
- 3. IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
- 4. PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Fountain
- 5. Cat Mate Pet Fountain
- 6. PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Fountain
- 7. Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser
- 8. Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser
- 9. Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser
- 10. isYoung Cat Fountain
- Verdict & Review
- PetSafe Drinkwell 360
- Pros
- Cons
- Buying Guide
In the old days, we used to have a water bowl for our pets that we needed to refill and clean religiously. Safe it to say it was messy and annoying. Today, we use water fountains exclusively to helps keep the mess limited and those little furballs hydrated.
Cat water fountains come in different materials like plastic, ceramic, glass, and metal. Here is our list of the top 10 fountains this year – and we use all of them by the way across the families of our team.
Top 10: Pet Fountain Reviews
# | Preview | Product | Our Rating | Link | Price / Value |
1 | PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Water Fountain | 9.5/10 | |||
2 | Veken Pet Fountain | 9/10 | |||
3 | IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain | 10/10 | |||
4 | PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Fountain | 9.5/10 | |||
5 | Cat Mate Pet Fountain | 9/10 | |||
6 | PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Water Fountain | 10/10 | |||
7 | Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser | 9/10 | |||
8 | Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser | 8.5/10 | |||
9 | Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser | 8.5/10 | |||
10 | isYoung Cat Fountain | 8.5/10 |
The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 has one of the largest water capacities on the market. The fountain holds up to 128 fluid ounces of water. This means that pets can drink from the fountain for a month without the need to refill the water.
The design features up to 5 falling waterfalls for easy access for animals. It also comes with two rubber feet on the bottom of the fountain. This helps to keep the fountain in place without sliding. The pump is submersible for quiet water circulation. One great feature on this fountain that others don’t have is the ability to customize the flow of the water. The fountain has a 360-view design so that multiple pets can use the fountain at one time. The fountain’s made with BPA-free materials that are environmentally safe.
Check out our #4 below, which is a stainless steel version if this fountain.
Pros
- Looks good at home
- 360-degree design lets multiple animals use the fountain at once
- Holds up to 128 ounces of fluid water
- Manufacurer says no filters are needed
- Good value
Cons
- Replacement filters a bit pricey
The Veken Pet Fountain is a great fountain that is quiet and keeps any pet hydrated. It has a large capacity of 2.5 liters (84 oz) which I found is great for both small and large cats. The circulating system keeps the bowl filled with fresh-tasting water for your pet all day long. There are 3 different designs for water flow, and it is BPA-free.
The three designs include a flower bubble, flower waterfall, and a gentle fountain. The system also has bright colors that attract the attention of pets. The system’s made with PP resin that is of the highest quality. It is easy to use and even easier to clean. The system also comes with a silicone mat that keeps the area around the fountain clean and clear. The system has an expected duration to last between 2.5 to 4 years.
Pros
- Comes with a silicone mat for splashing
- 3 different water path designs
- Great for both small and large animals
Cons
- Animals may be tentative to use it at first
We think ceramic is the best material for a pet water fountain. This fountain’s material is non-toxic, eco-friendly natural ceramic. One thing that makes ceramic great is that it helps to keep the water tasting fresh and clean. Also, it looks great at home and doesn’t stand out as much as a plastic fountain does.
The design was created with a free-falling technique that adds more oxygen to the water. The filter system has a filter made with a foam material. This helps to keep any debris from falling into the filtration system. The system also keeps any odors from the fountain.
The fountain holds up to 71 ounces of water and can keep pets hydrated at least 2 weeks at a time. It also has many removable parts and pieces for easy and quick clean up. The pieces are easy to remove and wiped clean.
Pros
- Great for travelers, holding up to 71 ounces
- Removable parts make it easy and quick to clean
- Easy to set up with detailed instructions
Cons
- Bubble on the system may be too strong for very small animals
- Can be a little heavy due to the ceramic
This is the same as our #1 pick, only in stainless steel. It is our #4 due to its higher price point.
Like it’s plastic sibling, it holds up to 128 ounces of water, making it one of the largest capacity fountains on the market. We loved the ability to fill the fountain and not have to worry about it for weeks. It was also a great feature for vacation. We sometimes leave for the weekend and don’t have to worry about our little fur friends doing without water. They stay hydrated the whole time we are gone, and they stay well fed by using an automated cat feeder in case they are too tired to hunt outside (which they do a lot).
The fountain is also weighted so that it won’t tip over easily. There are 1 to 5 different streams of water that fall from the top of the fountain. This looks great and captivates the attention of your pets. The fountain comes with a replaceable filter that is easy to exchange for great tasting water that doesn’t get old.
The fountain has a design that lets many animals drink from it at the same time. It is also made with stainless steel that can go in the dishwasher for fast and easy cleaning.
Pros
- Many pets can use it at once
- Stainless steel and dishwasher safe
- Made from a leading manufacturer
- Great look
Cons
- Needs more cleaning to stay sparkly
The Cat mate Pet Fountain comes with a 3-year guarantee. It has different levels of height capacities so that cats both big and small can use it. The quiet operation of the pump is due to the design. I love how quiet the Isolated Pump System made the fountain.
The pump also has a low power consumption making it great to put just about anywhere. There is also a polymer-carbon filter system that makes filter exchange fast and easy. The system holds up to 70 fluid ounces, making it on par with some of the other medium-sized models.
The design of the fountain has a ramp. The ramp helps to keep splashing down so that there isn’t a big mess all around the fountain. The fountain can also sit just about anywhere since it comes with a 10-foot power cord. The bowls are dishwasher safe and easily disassembled.
Pros
- Designed with a ramp to keep splashing down
- Very quiet using an Isolated Pump System
- Adjustable fountain with a gentle flowability
Cons
- Many have complained of the pump stopping off and on
Another one of those beautiful ceramic fountains we love so much. It really is the best looking material.
The PetSafe Pagoda is a unique fountain that we found whimsical and fun. It has two different streams of water that fall freely and helps to incorporate oxygen into the water.
The Pagoda comes with a replacement filter that is easy to exchange and keeps the water clean and fresh. My pets loved the two different areas where water is accessible.
One of the dishes is higher up for larger animals and there is a lower one for the smaller animals to access. The fountain has easy to remove bowls and pieces that are also dishwasher safe. This makes it easy and fast to clean.
Pros
- Two different free-falling streams of water that incorporates oxygen into the water
- Dishwasher safe and easy to assemble
- Holds up to 70 fluid ounces of water
Cons
- Some people have a problem with the plugs getting a little hot
The Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser is one of the only pet fountains that have a food-grade certification. It’s made with materials that are environmentally friendly and easy to remove. The fountain is so quiet and low that you can hardly hear the water running.
It is also a great option that can hold enough water to last for a month without refilling. The design and materials keep the water fresh and clean so that your animals will stay happy and hydrated for days. It also has a great design that features three different flow settings.
The settings include a flower bubble, flower waterfall, and a gentle fountain setting. It is a great blue color which will also attract the attention of your pets. The set comes with two extra filters that are reusable. There is a technical support team that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
There is also a 12-month warranty with a 30 day no questions money-back guarantee.
Pros
- One of the quietest fountains on the market
- 2 replacement filters
- 3 water flow settings
- Quiet
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning for the pump to work well
This is a great fountain that we have chosen for its above-average water capacity and two-level design. The fountain holds up to 100 ounces of water which can stay accessible to animals for weeks.
The packaging includes a replaceable carbon filter that helps to keep the water fresh and clean. The fountain has a free-falling design that helps encourage pets to drink more. The design includes an upper bowl and lower bowl so that dogs of any size can use the fountain.
The design is also great for older dogs who may have trouble with arthritis. The design is by PetSafe, one of the leading manufacturers today. It is dishwasher safe and BPA free. The pump is low-voltage and completely submersible, so it is quieter than other designs.
Pros
- Low Voltage pump that is submersible for a quieter fountain
- Holds up to 100 ounces
- One included carbon filter
Cons
- Requires weekly routine cleaning
This is one of the only fountains on the market that offers three different water capacities. The different capacities available include the 64-ounce, 128-ounce or the 320-ounce fountains. It is the largest capacity fountain found.
With the 320-ounce fountain ability, there is no need to keep refilling with water. The fountain is easily assembled or disassembled and even easier to clean. The stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher safe as well. The reservoir of the fountain can lock in place.
This will keep the fountain from tipping over or losing water. The fountain’s stamped with the PetSafe manufacturer who has been in the industry since 1991.
Pros
- Very sturdy material
- Hard to tip over
- 3 available sizes: 64, 128, and huge 320 ounces
Cons
- Thought to give off a strange odor at times
I love the feeling of summer I get from the design and how silent this fountain runs.
One of our test-cats used to ignore fountains, this being the only one she responded to and drank out of. Another one of our cats has the tendency to come running at high speeds whenever she hears the faucet, sits in front of it and splashes the water while drinking. Ever since using this fountain, she stopped doing so. Not sure if this fountain has magic powers or if the color and flower does the trick!
The isYoung is a smaller model, holding up to 56 ounces of water. The easy assembly also makes it effortless to clean. The pump is low maintenance and quiet, so it won’t disturb your sleep. The pump is also easier on the electric bill since it consumes less energy than some other models.
Pros
- Made with a PP resin that is BPA-free
- Easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning
- Noise-canceling system which makes it virtually impossible to hear
Cons
- Housing around the pump is not made of the same standard as the rest of the fountain
Our top pick is the PetSafe Drinkwell 360. We chose this fountain because it has all the same qualities that many of the others have but features a large water reservoir and great look. It is made with BPA-free materials and easy to clean.
Another reason why it is our #1 is that it has two levels of drinking bowls for animals big and small. It features a 360-degree design that allows multiple pets to use the fountain at one time. The whopping 128 ounces of water makes it especially convenient.
Buying Guide
Our first tip is to get a water fountain along with an automatic cat feeder, so you can be sure that your pets are fed while you aren’t home. They can carry dry cat food like some of the best organic foods or wet cat food.
Design
There are many different fountain designs on the market today. The first one to point out is the faucet or the free-falling designed water fountain. I have found that most of the fountains on the market use this design. These fountains create more oxygen in the water. This gives a better experience for your animals.
The next type of fountain is the water slide fountain. I have found that this is a great option for the little ones who like to drink from your cupped hands. This is also great for those fur babies who like to drink from the corner of your sink.
The last option is a technique that manufacturers use by combining elements of the water slide and the free-falling designs. These designs can be imaginative. Some manufacturers use bubblers or slides that form a pool of water. Make sure to watch your cats and see which option would be best to use. Many people use a fountain that combines the techniques if it is for more than one cat.
One thing we really like about fountains is that our cats seem to feel about them as though they were toys. So it is important for a fountain to have stable footing, which is one reason why our top pick is what it is.
Materials Used
Pet water fountains are made using several materials. The most common one is plastic, which makes fountains very lightweight and durable but not the prettiest options you can find. They are also inexpensive compared to other materials.
Their only downfall is when plastic fountains become scratched. These scratches can accumulate bacteria which can be harmful.
Another material used is stainless steel. Stainless steel is a good material because I have found it is attractive and doesn’t scratch as easy as plastic does. Stainless steel bowls are also dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The problem with them is that many cats don’t like eating or drinking from it for some reason. However, if your cat isn’t picky it might be a good fit for you.
The last material (our favorite) is ceramic. Ceramic has features of both the other two materials. It is attractive looking like stainless steel and dishwasher safe as well. Like plastic, ceramic is very durable but not as cost-effective. The problem with ceramic is that they can be very heavy which will make them hard to move and maneuver and it can chip.
Assembly and Cleaning
You want to look at how hard the cleaning and assembly is for your fountain as well. There are three different filter types to choose from. The first filter type is a carbon/charcoal filter. These filters are great for removing chlorine and sediment, but the water must meet the top of the filter and they need replacing every 2 to 6 weeks.
A water softening filter uses an ion-exchange action that removes magnesium and calcium from the water. The last type of filter is a foam filter. The foam filter is one of my favorites because it removes debris, hair and other bad substances from the water. This will help to prolong the life of the fountain pump as well. It also keeps the pumps from clogging, so you have less need to clean.
There are many different cat water fountains to choose from. The one thing to remember is to watch your cats before you go shopping for a new fountain. This will help you to choose the right fountain for your home. Fountains are great for people like me who like to travel. You can have peace of mind while away.
We are the Pet Cat Friends, a dedicated group of pet loving bloggers and product testers for all your meowy needs. We research, test, and review cat related products with the help of our collective 21 cats. Feel free to leave us feedback and treats!