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Does your cat love to drink running water straight from the faucet? According to experts, cats prefer running water because it’s the most like the water they evolved to drink, from sources such as rivers and streams. A water fountain for cats that mimics these conditions can help encourage your kitty to drink more water.
This PetMD article has some excellent tips to help you get your cat to consume more fresh water, including providing multiple water bowls and cleaning them frequently with warm, soapy water. Large-capacity fountains with filters can also help keep your cat’s water fresh, even when you’re away for the weekend.
The Best Water Fountains for Cats
From simple auto-refreshing bowls to elaborate fountains with multiple streams, there’s a water fountain to match your cat’s preferred drinking style. We sorted through online reviews to find the best-rated options, and we’ve included a couple of our personal favorites, too. Here are the top cat fountains to keep your kitty hydrated.
1. Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Raindrop Fountain
The pretty raindrop shape of this pet fountain provides a gentle water flow and a full water basin. My cats love this one because it lets them drink from a flowing stream and dip their paws in the bowl. Choose a 60-ounce or a 96-ounce fountain.
Why we like it:
- Dishwasher-safe, high-grade stainless steel construction
- Two drinking surfaces to lure picky drinkers
- Charcoal filters are affordable and easy to replace
2. Catit Flower Fountain
This is one of the top-rated cat fountains online. My cat Richie loves it because it mimics the gentle flow of water from a faucet. And I love it because it’s cute!
Why we like it:
- Has three different water flow settings
- Constantly re-circulating water is clean and fresh
- Made from cat-safe BPA-free materials
3. Drinkwell Multi-Tier Plastic Dog and Cat Fountain
Multi-species families, rejoice: this is the pet fountain for you! With a 100-ounce capacity, constant flow, and two levels, this fountain provides plenty of water for cats and dogs.
Why we like it:
- Fewer refills, thanks to a built-in reservoir with a 100-ounce capacity
- The pump has an adjustable flow that allows you to customize your pets’ drinking experience
- Made from BPA-free plastic that’s top-shelf dishwasher safe (excluding pump)
4. Pioneer Pet Swan Cat Drinking Fountain
This white “swan” fountain is ideal for cats who love to drink straight from the faucet. One of the simplest water fountains for cats, this unit features easy-to-clean plastic construction and a replaceable charcoal filter that helps purify the water.
Why we like it:
- 80-ounce capacity holds plenty of water but doesn’t take up too much space
- USB-connected pump is safe and quiet
- Dishwasher safe (excluding pump)
5. Drinkwell Seascape Cat Water Fountain
This ceramic pet fountain that looks like a work of art but encourages your cat to drink? The Drinkwell Seascape is the cat fountain for you.
Why we like it:
- Ceramic globe design is attractive and functional, providing a smooth surface for your cat to drink from
- 70-ounce capacity
- Very quiet and unobtrusive
6. Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain
Stainless steel water fountains for cats are easy to clean and sanitize—and they look sharp. This one is popular among people with pets who like to share.
Why we like it:
- One-gallon capacity means less frequent refills (though it’s a good idea to clean your cat fountain once a week)
- Dishwasher safe
- Adjustable flow to suit your pet’s preference
- Free-falling, 360-degree stream keeps water fresh
7. Cat Mate Plastic Dog and Cat Fountain
This plastic fountain with two levels and a 67-ounce capacity provides plenty of clean, filtered water to keep your pets happy. It has a long power cord, so it doesn’t need to be right next to an outlet.
Why we like it:
- Ramp design means less splashing as the water flows
- Dishwasher-safe bowls
- The 10-foot-long cord makes it easy to place this fountain where you want it
8. Pet Fit For Life Plastic Cat Water Fountain
This elevated bowl makes for easy access to water, and the fountain comes with a non-slip mat to absorb any splashing. The fountain has a 67-ounce capacity. Bonus: It comes with a cat wand toy.
Why we like it:
- Sturdy, non-tip design
- Includes non-skid rubber mat to protect your floor
- Made of BPA-free plastic
9. Frisco Round Pet Fountain
This compact (50-ounce capacity) bubbler-style fountain is durable and affordable—it’s a great way to get started if your cat hasn’t tried a fountain before.
Why we like it:
- Easy-to-clean design
- Bubbling water is quiet—but interesting to your cat
10. Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain
This fountain isn’t just pretty, it’s practical, thanks to two drinking options (stream or bowl) and dishwasher-safe stoneware parts.
Why we like it:
- Ceramic design is hygienic, easy to clean, and attractive
- Upper and lower dishes offer a choice of drinking areas
- A low-voltage pump is safe and quiet
Whether your kitty likes to drink from a stream, bubbler, or bowl, there’s a water fountain to keep your cats happy and hydrated. Happy shopping!
