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Does your cat love to drink running water? Whether they drink straight from the faucet, dip their paws in the water bowl, or lick the water off tiles after you take a shower, cats have curious habits about water.
In the wild, cats get most of the hydration they need from moisture-rich meat. But indoor cats have dryer diets, especially if they prefer crunch kibble to water-full canned food. For that reason, cats need supplemental water. A fountain can be a great way to deliver it to them.
From simple auto-refreshing bowls to elaborate streams, there’s a water fountain to match your cat’s preferred drinking style. I sorted through online reviews to find the best-rated options, and I’ve included a couple of my personal favorites, too. Here are the top cat fountains to keep your kitty hydrated.
1. 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 for picky drinkers
- Constant re-circulating water is cleaner and fresher for your cat
- Made from cat-safe BPA-free materials
Helpful review: “I’ve had the Catit Flower Fountain for a year now and still love it as much as the day I bought it. It’s really easy to clean (I clean and change the water out once a week) and I’ve had zero motor issues. Plus, it was one of the cheapest fountains available and it’s pretty darn cute. My two cats love it – I can’t recommend it enough.”
Buy Now on Amazon2. Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain
Stainless steel cat fountains 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
Helpful review: “I had a smaller plastic water fountain that my cats would use, but one of my cats would constantly spill it. I saw this and bought it because the stainless steel is easier to clean, and it’s big enough and has a large enough water capacity that my cats wouldn’t be able to spill it. As soon as I set it up, they were both drinking from it, and their water intake has noticeably increased.”
Buy Now on Chewy3. Stoneware Avalon 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 hygienic, easy to clean, and attractive
- Upper and lower dishes provide two drinking areas
- Low-voltage pump is safe and quiet
Helpful review: “My beloved Mo has kidney disease and needs constant hydration. This fountain has been a godsend and he loves it! Very quiet and soothing.”
Buy Now on Chewy4. Pioneer Pet Swan Drinking Fountain
This white “swan” cat fountain is ideal for cats who love to drink straight from the faucet.
Why we like it:
- 80-ounce capacity holds plenty of water but doesn’t take up too much space
- USB connection pump is safe and quiet
- Dishwasher safe, excluding pump
Helpful review: “I have 2 other pet water fountains in my home, but one of my 2 cats still prefers the kitchen faucet. She has some health conditions that make it essential for her to drink as much water as possible, so I decided to try this fountain since it mimics the sink faucet more than the others I have. As soon as I turned it on, she came running and she’s loving it.”
Buy Now on Amazon5. Drinkwell Seascape Pet Fountain
Do you want a luxury 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
- Large water capacity of 70 ounces
- Very quiet and unobtrusive
Helpful review: “I have a 7-month-old kitten who loves playing with water. Prior to purchasing this item, my kitten had been flipping her water bowl over while I was at work…[this is] ceramic so it’s heavy enough (especially when filled) that she can’t flip it. It’s a nice sleek design, I love the color. She loves it as well she seems to really enjoy drinking from the fountain.”
Buy Now on Chewy6. Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Fountain Raindrop Design
The pretty raindrop shape of this pet fountain/water bowl 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.
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
Helpful review: “This is a great little fountain for a kitten. Mine was very curious and played then drank from every surface. She loves to drink from where it bubbles out, and she drinks a lot of water. The vet told us she is well hydrated.”
Buy Now on Amazon7. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat and Dog Water Fountain
CMulti-species families, rejoice: this is the pet fountain for you! With a 1.3 gallon capacity, constant flow, and deep catch bowl, this fountain provides for cats, dogs, and even ferrets.
Why we like it:
- Fewer refills, thanks to built-in reservoir with generous capacity
- Pump has adjustable flow that allows you to customize your pets’ drinking experience
- Made from BPA-free plastic that’s top-shelf dishwasher safe
Helpful review: “My 3 cats and small dog all love it and are drinking much more than they had been…The cat that demanded the sink be turned on no longer does that and enjoys playing in the water stream in the fountain. The steam is adjustable and I turned it to the lowest setting to simulate the sink.”
Buy Now on AmazonWhether your cat likes to drink from a stream, bubbler, or bowl, there’s a cat fountain to keep them hydrated. Happy shopping!
