Best Cat Water Fountains: Get Your Cat to Drink More

Cats are notoriously bad at drinking water. They evolved in deserts and historically got most of their hydration from prey. Domestic cats eating dry food often do not drink enough, leading to dehydration, urinary tract issues, and kidney disease.

A cat water fountain encourages drinking. Moving water is more appealing than still water because cats instinctively prefer running water (which signals freshness in the wild).

If your cat drinks from faucets, paws at their water bowl, or barely drinks at all, a water fountain can solve the problem. Here are the best cat water fountains that actually work, what to look for, and how to get your cat to use one.

Why Cats Need Water Fountains

Cats Naturally Do Not Drink Enough

Cats evolved in desert environments and developed low thirst drives. They:

  • Get most hydration from prey (which is 70% water)
  • Do not feel thirsty until significantly dehydrated
  • Often refuse to drink from bowls

Domestic cats eating dry food (only 10% water) need to drink more than their instincts tell them to.

Cats Prefer Running Water

In the wild, running water signals freshness. Still water in bowls may be:

  • Stagnant
  • Contaminated
  • Less oxygenated

Cats instinctively prefer flowing water, which is why they:

  • Drink from faucets
  • Paw at water bowls (trying to create movement)
  • Ignore bowls but drink from pet fountains

A fountain mimics running water and triggers their drinking instinct.

Dehydration Causes Serious Health Problems

Chronic dehydration leads to:

Urinary tract issues:

  • Crystals in urine
  • Bladder stones
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Blockages (life-threatening in male cats)

Kidney disease:

  • Chronic kidney disease (common in older cats)
  • Accelerated kidney decline

Constipation:

  • Hard, dry stools
  • Painful bowel movements

A water fountain helps prevent these issues by increasing water intake.

Some Cats Only Drink Running Water

Many cats refuse to drink from bowls. They:

  • Only drink from running faucets
  • Wait for you to turn on faucets
  • Drink from toilets (searching for fresh water)

A fountain provides constant running water without wasting water or requiring you to turn on faucets.

Increased Hydration Improves Health

Studies show cats drink 30-50% more water from fountains than bowls. Increased hydration:

  • Supports kidney function
  • Prevents urinary issues
  • Improves digestion
  • Increases energy

What to Look for in a Cat Water Fountain

Material

Stainless steel:

  • Best option
  • Does not harbor bacteria
  • Prevents chin acne (plastic can cause it)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • More expensive ($40-$60)

Ceramic:

  • Good option
  • Does not harbor bacteria
  • Prevents chin acne
  • Heavy (cats cannot knock it over)
  • Can break if dropped
  • Moderate price ($30-$50)

Plastic:

  • Budget option
  • Harbors bacteria in scratches
  • Can cause chin acne in some cats
  • Lightweight (cats can knock it over)
  • Less durable
  • Affordable ($20-$35)

Verdict: Stainless steel is best. Ceramic is a good alternative. Avoid plastic if your cat has chin acne.

Capacity

Small (40-70 oz):

  • Good for 1-2 cats
  • Requires refilling every 2-3 days

Medium (100-130 oz):

  • Good for 2-4 cats
  • Requires refilling weekly

Large (150+ oz):

  • Good for multi-cat households or travel
  • Requires refilling every 1-2 weeks

Choose based on the number of cats and how often you want to refill.

Noise Level

Fountains have pumps that make noise. Look for:

  • Quiet motors (under 40 dB)
  • Submersible pumps (quieter than external pumps)
  • User reviews mentioning noise levels

Loud fountains annoy both you and your cat.

Ease of Cleaning

Fountains need weekly cleaning. Look for:

  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Few small parts (fewer places for grime to hide)
  • Wide openings (easy to reach inside)

Complicated fountains discourage regular cleaning.

Filter System

Most fountains use replaceable filters to:

  • Remove debris (fur, food particles)
  • Reduce odors
  • Improve water taste

Filter types:

  • Activated carbon filters (most common)
  • Triple filtration (foam, carbon, resin)

Filters need replacing every 2-4 weeks. Factor in ongoing costs.

Adjustable Flow

Cats have preferences. Some like:

  • Gentle bubbling
  • Steady streams
  • Waterfalls

Adjustable flow lets you customize for your cat’s preference.

Best Cat Water Fountains

1. Catit Flower Fountain

Price: $25-$30
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 100 oz

Why it works:

  • Adjustable flow (3 settings: gentle bubble, steady stream, waterfall)
  • Extremely quiet motor
  • Easy to disassemble and clean
  • Affordable for first-time buyers
  • Compact design (fits anywhere)
  • Cute flower design appeals to humans

Downsides:

  • Plastic (can cause chin acne in some cats)
  • Lightweight (cats can knock it over)
  • Filter replacements needed monthly

Best for: Budget-friendly option, first-time fountain buyers, single-cat households

2. Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain (Stainless Steel)

Price: $40-$50
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 96 oz

Why it works:

  • Stainless steel (prevents chin acne, no bacteria buildup)
  • Raindrop design (gentle, natural water flow)
  • Quiet motor
  • Dishwasher safe (easy cleaning)
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Replaceable carbon filters

Downsides:

  • More expensive than plastic
  • Smaller capacity than some options

Best for: Cats with chin acne, health-conscious owners, multi-cat households

3. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum

Price: $50-$60
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 168 oz (1.3 gallons)

Why it works:

  • Largest capacity (perfect for travel or multi-cat homes)
  • Adjustable flow control
  • Replaceable carbon filters
  • Reservoir extends time between refills
  • Waterfall design (cats love it)

Downsides:

  • Louder motor than competitors
  • Harder to clean (more small parts)
  • Plastic construction

Best for: Multi-cat households, people who travel frequently, busy owners

4. Veken Pet Fountain

Price: $25-$30
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 84 oz

Why it works:

  • Transparent design (easy to see water level)
  • Quiet motor (ultra-quiet pump)
  • LED light for nighttime visibility
  • Three flow designs (flower waterfall, flower bubble, gentle fountain)
  • Triple filtration system
  • Affordable

Downsides:

  • Plastic construction
  • Requires frequent filter changes

Best for: Budget option, single-cat households, cats who drink at night

5. PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel

Price: $80-$100
Material: Stainless steel
Capacity: 128 oz

Why it works:

  • Premium stainless steel construction
  • 360-degree design (cats can drink from any side)
  • Perfect for multi-cat households (5+ cats can drink simultaneously)
  • Quiet motor
  • Adjustable flow control
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Replaceable carbon filters

Downsides:

  • Most expensive option
  • Large footprint (takes up space)

Best for: Multi-cat households, cats with chin acne, premium option

6. Cepheus Cat Water Fountain (Ceramic)

Price: $35-$45
Material: Ceramic
Capacity: 70 oz

Why it works:

  • High-quality ceramic (prevents bacteria)
  • Ultra-quiet motor (under 30 dB)
  • Heavy base (cats cannot knock over)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Elegant design (looks nice in homes)
  • Triple filtration system

Downsides:

  • Can break if dropped
  • Smaller capacity

Best for: Single-cat households, aesthetic-conscious owners, quiet environments

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Fountain

Placement

Place the fountain:

  • Away from litter boxes (cats avoid drinking near toilets)
  • In quiet areas (not high-traffic zones)
  • Where your cat currently drinks (familiar locations)
  • Away from food bowls (some cats prefer separation)

Gradual Introduction

Do not remove the old water bowl immediately. Instead:

  1. Place the fountain next to the old bowl
  2. Let your cat investigate for a few days
  3. Turn on the fountain on the lowest setting
  4. Gradually remove the old bowl after 1-2 weeks

Encourage Exploration

  • Dip your finger in the fountain and let your cat lick it
  • Place treats near the fountain
  • Show your cat the flowing water
  • Be patient (some cats take weeks to adjust)

Start with Low Flow

High flow can scare timid cats. Start with:

  • Gentle bubbling or low flow
  • Gradually increase if your cat seems comfortable

Keep It Clean

Cats avoid dirty water. Clean the fountain:

  • Weekly deep cleaning (disassemble and wash all parts)
  • Daily water refills (never let it run dry)
  • Monthly filter replacements

How to Maintain a Cat Water Fountain

Daily Maintenance

  • Check water level (refill before it runs dry)
  • Remove visible debris (fur, food particles)

Weekly Maintenance

  • Disassemble the fountain
  • Wash all parts with soap and water (or run dishwasher if safe)
  • Scrub pump and crevices with a small brush
  • Rinse thoroughly (soap residue can deter cats)
  • Refill with fresh water

Monthly Maintenance

  • Replace filters (carbon filters lose effectiveness after 2-4 weeks)
  • Deep clean pump (remove and rinse thoroughly)
  • Check for wear and tear

Signs Your Fountain Needs Cleaning

  • Water smells or looks cloudy
  • Visible slime buildup
  • Motor making unusual noises
  • Reduced water flow
  • Cat avoiding the fountain

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Cat Won’t Use the Fountain

Solutions:

  • Lower the flow (high flow can scare cats)
  • Move to a different location
  • Try a different flow setting
  • Be patient (some cats take weeks)

Fountain Is Too Loud

Solutions:

  • Ensure water level is high enough (low water causes noise)
  • Clean the pump (debris causes rattling)
  • Place on a mat to absorb vibrations

Water Level Drops Quickly

Solutions:

  • Choose a larger capacity fountain
  • Check for leaks
  • Reduce flow setting (less water evaporates)

Cat Has Chin Acne

Solutions:

  • Switch to stainless steel or ceramic fountain
  • Clean fountain more frequently
  • Wash your cat’s chin after drinking

Stainless Steel vs Ceramic vs Plastic

Stainless Steel

Best for:

  • Cats with chin acne
  • Multi-cat households
  • Health-conscious owners

Pros:

  • No bacteria buildup
  • Prevents chin acne
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Extremely durable

Cons:

  • More expensive ($40-$100)

Ceramic

Best for:

  • Single-cat households
  • Aesthetic-conscious owners
  • Cats who knock over lightweight fountains

Pros:

  • Prevents chin acne
  • Heavy (stable)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Looks elegant

Cons:

  • Can break if dropped
  • Moderate price ($30-$50)

Plastic

Best for:

  • Budget-conscious owners
  • First-time fountain buyers
  • Trying fountains before investing

Pros:

  • Affordable ($20-$35)
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Harbors bacteria in scratches
  • Can cause chin acne
  • Less durable

Final Recommendations

Best overall: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain (Stainless Steel) - great balance of price, quality, and health benefits

Best budget: Catit Flower Fountain - affordable, quiet, and effective

Best for multi-cat households: PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel - multiple cats can drink simultaneously

Best for travel: PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum - largest capacity, fewer refills

Best quiet option: Cepheus Ceramic Fountain - under 30 dB, ultra-quiet

What To Do Next

  • Choose a fountain based on your budget and number of cats
  • Start with stainless steel or ceramic if possible (prevents chin acne)
  • Place the fountain in a quiet area away from litter boxes
  • Introduce gradually (keep old water bowl for 1-2 weeks)
  • Clean weekly and replace filters monthly

Daily

  • Refill water as needed
  • Wipe down the rim

Weekly

  • Disassemble and clean all parts
  • Rinse the filter
  • Scrub the pump

Monthly

  • Replace the carbon filter
  • Deep clean with vinegar solution

Pro tip: Buy extra filters in bulk. They are cheaper and you will always have replacements.

Common Mistakes

Not Cleaning the Pump

The pump sucks up hair, dust, and debris. If not cleaned, it stops working.

Clean the pump weekly.

Letting Water Run Too Low

Fountains need water to function. Low water levels burn out the motor.

Check water level daily.

Not Replacing Filters

Filters trap hair and debris. Dirty filters reduce water flow and quality.

Replace filters monthly.

Will My Cat Actually Use It?

Most cats love water fountains. But some are cautious.

Tips for cautious cats:

  • Place the fountain near their favorite spot
  • Turn off the motor initially (let them get used to still water first)
  • Gradually increase the flow

Give them a few days. Most cats warm up to fountains.

How Many Fountains Do You Need?

Single Cat

One fountain is enough.

Multiple Cats

One fountain per 2-3 cats works. More cats = more refills.

What To Do Next

  • Buy a stainless steel fountain if possible (prevents chin acne)
  • Start with a budget option like Catit Flower or Veken
  • Clean the fountain weekly
  • Replace filters monthly
  • Check out our guide on cat hydration for more tips
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