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Does your cat love to drink running water straight from the faucet? According to experts, cats prefer running water on instinct—their wild ancestors would have found it safer than stagnant pools that could attract bacteria. A cat water fountain is designed to mimic these conditions to attract your cat, keep debris from their water, and circulate a larger volume of liquid than your average bowl would hold.
They’re a popular choice for both kitties who are sink enthusiasts and those who need some encouragement to hydrate. But finding a fountain that’s a good match for your home is important—both for your kitty and you. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best cat water fountains and pointed out the key features to help you choose.
What To Look For in a Cat Water Fountain
The type of water fountain you want depends most on the type of cat you have—as well as the number of cats in your household.
The first thing to consider is fountain capacity. Keep in mind that the average cat needs about 1 cup of water per day (though less if already they get some of their water from a wet-food diet). If you have two or three cats using a fountain, you probably want a larger model.
If you are looking for a drinking fountain for a younger cat, you might consider one that is more interactive. Sure, your younger kitty might make a bit of a mess, but they’ll also likely end up drinking more water while doing so.
Don’t forget the noise factor. Not only does pump noise vary from fountain to fountain, but the sound of the splashing water does as well. With some cascading fountains, you can hear splashing water from the next room. Other fountains are more like bubblers, and the sound is barely noticeable—which is ideal if the fountain is near your bedroom or office.
AaronAmat via iStock
A cat water fountain can be as plain as a water dish with a pump or as elaborate as a multi-tiered, glazed ceramic structure that would look beautiful in a garden. It’s nice that a fountain can be an attractive addition to your house, but your cat will be more interested in ease of use than appearance.
When it comes to material, you’ll be able to choose from plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic fountains. Plastic and stainless steel have the advantage of being relatively lightweight, while ceramic and stainless steel are usually easier to clean. (As with pet food dishes, discard any plastic or ceramic fountains that crack, since those can harbor bacteria.)
Finally, take a look at the fountain’s filtration system and figure out how much regular filter replacements are going to cost you. Filters are there to keep dirt and hair out of your pet’s water, but they need to be cleaned and replaced to do that effectively.
How To Clean a Cat Water Fountain
Most cat water fountains are designed to be easy to clean with soap and warm water. Stainless steel fountains are the easiest to maintain simply because steel is not porous like plastic. This makes it easier to remove any gunk or hard water buildup.
Svetlana Sultanaeva via iStock
If you have a dishwasher, you can use it to wash some parts of your kitty fountain (be sure to read the directions to find out which ones!). Others are easier to hand wash—this is especially effective for smaller parts with hard-to-reach places. A small brush can help get into nooks and crannies. If those nooks and crannies get really gunked up, you can use distilled white vinegar and baking soda for an extra clean.
Finally, water should be changed out two to three times per week and the fountain itself cleaned on a weekly basis. They’re not necessarily less work than a regular bowl—but if you find the one that fits your cleaning preferences, that’s a big win for efficiency.
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.
Best Stainless Steel Cat Fountain: Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Raindrop Fountain (Verified Review)
The pretty raindrop shape of this pet fountain provides a gentle water flow and a full water basin. My cats love it because it lets them drink from a flowing stream and dip their paws in the bowl. I like it because it’s quiet—and easy to clean. 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
- Replacement pumps are readily available and inexpensive
Best Plastic Cat Fountain: Catit Flower Fountain (Verified Review)
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! The option to adjust the water flow makes it a good choice for cats new to fountains, since you can experiment to find a setting that suits your particular kitty.
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
Best for Cat-and-Dog Households: Drinkwell Multi-Tier Plastic Dog and Cat Fountain (Verified Review)
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 of different sizes. Our tester found it spared her from constant bowl refills and relieved her picky cats of their distaste for dog debris in their water.
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)
Best Ceramic Fountain: 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:
- The 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)
Best for Quiet Beauty: Drinkwell Seascape Cat Water Fountain
A ceramic pet fountain that looks like a work of art but encourages your cat to drink? We think the square Drinkwell Seascape cat fountain is worth the extra money.
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
Best for Multi-Cat Households: Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel Pet Fountain
Stainless steel water fountains for cats are easy to clean and sanitize—and they look sharp too. This one is popular among people with cats who like to share.
Why we like it:
- One-gallon (128-ounce) capacity means less frequent refills (though it’s still a good idea to clean your cat fountain once a week)
- Fountain is dishwasher safe, and the company provides directions for cleaning the pump by hand
- Adjustable flow to suit your pet’s preference
- Free-falling, 360-degree stream keeps water fresh
Best Basic Fountain: 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
Best Elevation: Pet Fit For Life Plastic Cat Water Fountain
This elevated bowl makes for easy access to water, and it 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 a non-skid rubber mat to protect your floor
- Made of BPA-free plastic
Best Budget Pick: 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
Most Elegant Design: Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain (Verified Review)
This fountain isn’t just pretty—it’s also practical, thanks to two drinking options (stream or bowl) and dishwasher-safe stoneware parts. My cat that loves drinking out of a bathroom faucet is a big fan of this design. I, on the other hand, found the two waterfalls too noisy.
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 (though note that the water does make noise when it splashes into the basin)
Further Reading
- Do Cat Water Fountains Encourage a Kitty To Drink More—And Are They Worth It?
- Why You Might Want a Water Fountain Cat Bowl—and This One in Particular
- The 7 Best Cat Cooling Pads for Cats to Chill On This Summer
- Do Cats Sweat? The Answer Might Surprise You
- Review: The PetSafe Multi-Tier Pet Fountain is a Winner for Multi-Pet Families
