What Is The Best Cat Water Fountain For My Thirsty Cat?

A cat water fountain dispenses running fresh water for your cat to drink.  The water in a cat water fountain has been filtered and aerated, as opposed to still water in a cat’s bowl, which is prone to becoming stagnant quickly.

There is a reason cats like to drinks from running faucets as seen in countless videos online because in nature, running water signifies that the water is fresh and safe to drink.

A water fountain mimics the fresh running water that is encountered in nature.

Cats have a very good sense of smell and water that is left sitting in a bowl will not smell fresh to kitty. It is highly likely that kitty will turn his nose up at that water.

Water in a bowl for the cat, needs to be refreshed daily or at each mealtime. This is actually quite time consuming when put into practice.

Why Get A Cat Water Fountain?

1. Cats prefer running, clear water as it signals that the water is fresh.
   
2. Cats often drink from faucets or fish ponds and other water sources other than a water dish.
   
3. Some tap water can have a strong smell of chlorine.
   
4. Automatic cat water fountains have a pump which makes sure that the water is constantly circulating.
   
5. Water fountains hold a fair amount to water, far more than the average pet bowl.  This is a useful feature  if you are going away for a couple of days.
   
6. Cats, particularly older cats can be prone to dehydration, a symptom of many diseases found in older cats.
   
7. Elderly cats or cats with arthritis would benefit from a water fountain that has a higher base.  This will eliminate need to bend almost right to the ground to drink.
   
8. Cats with poor eyesight or cats that are blind will benefit from hearing the running water, making it easier for them to navigate to the water fountain.

Related: As amazing as it sounds, some cats like to drink dirty water. Is it really dirty water?

Plastic Cat Water Fountains

Benefits Of Cat Water Fountains Being Made From Plastic

One benefit of a cat water fountain being made from plastic is that it’s much more durable than a ceramic cat water fountain.

If your cat is prone to knocking over their water bowl, a plastic fountain is much more likely to withstand the impact.

Another benefit, which may be relevant to you is that a cat water fountain made from plastic is lighter than one made from ceramic, so it’s easier to move from place to place.

Plastic cat water fountains are also often less expensive than ceramic ones, so they’re a great option if you’re on a budget.

1. Catit PIXI Drinking Fountain

Don’t you love this water fountain from Catit.

Apart from looking cute and being available in four different colours it has some heavyweight features.

It has three different drinking options, a calm flow, a stream and a bubbling top. Now one of those must suit the cat!

The wide drinking area, which is stainless steel, also is easy for cats to access without whiskers getting in the way.

A light will flash when the water level is getting low and the nose has a soft glow light. You won’t be tripping over it in the middle of the night.

2. Catit Flower Fountain – Easy to Assemble

This fountain has three different water flow settings – a gentle water flow, a bubbling top and calm streams.

Calm streams are shown in the image. You may need to experiment to find the setting that your cat prefers.

The water reservoir is 100 oz or 3 litres which is a large capacity for a cat drinking fountain.

The maximum water line is shown on the green edge on the back of the fountain.

The fountain is not noisy, more of a peaceful hum of running water.

It comes with dual action water softening filters that are specific to the product.

The filters last for approximately 3 – 4 weeks and then the filtration effects will start to decrease and the filters will need to be replaced.

The filter removes magnesium and calcium from tap water and also removes chlorine odors. It does not remove fluoride.

3. Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain – Suit multiple pet Family

The capacity of the water fountain is 168 ounces or almost 5 liters. That is a lot of water. If you are not at home during the the hot part of the day, you know your pet has enough running water.

Cats drink approximately 4 ounces per day.

Check that there is always enough water in the reservoir.

The pump will burn out if the reservoir and the bowl run out of water. If water flow decreases noticeably without altering the water flow, give the unit a thorough clean and change the filter.

A big plus for this fountain is that it is easy to see at a glance how much water is in the reservoir.

This item can go in the top shelf of the dishwasher which is a big plus. 

Even if you don’t do this all the time, it is useful to know that it can go in the dishwasher is needed.

It has a single falling stream of water and the rate of flow of the water is adjustable.

The water trickling can be heard however the pump is not noisy.

4. Cat Mate Pet Fountain

This unit has different height water levels so your cat can be drinking from the bottom level while you dog is drinking from the top level.

The filter should be changed monthly.

The pump should operate quietly. If it starts to become noisy the water level may be getting too low and it will need to be topped up. The water level should not go below the minimum water line.

The base is wide and stable to keep it from being knocked over by over enthusiastic pets. 

One of the most important pieces of advice with this fountain is to read the manual before setting it up. 

I know that can be trying for some of us but it is worthwhile spending those minutes relaxing with a coffee and reading the manual.   

The unit needs to be near an electrical outlet but does have a long cord (10 ft).

If you live in a hard water area the pump may need to be cleaned every few weeks. A vinegar soak is recommended by some users to help remove the mineral deposits. There are no special tools required to clean or disassemble the pump.

This is a good reliable product.

5. Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog and Cat Water Fountain

This is a large water fountain, so if you are thinking of a fountain for the dog and the cat this could be a good choice.

It is 100 ounces or approximately 2.9 liters and as you can see from the photo it is multi tiered so suitable for animals of different sizes.

The different levels also mean easy access for elderly or arthritic cats.

The fact that this fountain (removing the pump first) goes in the top shelf of the dishwasher is a big plus because it just makes life easier. It easily separates into two parts for easy cleaning.

The fountain is made from plastic and is BPA free. There is a replaceable carbon filter which helps to keep the water fresh.

On some hard floor surfaces the fountain may need a mat placed underneath to absorb any sound.

Customer care is US based, six days a week which is about as good as it gets.

Ceramic Cat Water Fountains

Benefits Of Cat Water Fountains Being Made From Ceramic

One thing I have noticed is that my cats really enjoy drinking from a running water source, like a tap or a water fountain.

So when I saw that there were cat water fountains made from ceramic, I knew I had to get one for my kitties. And I have not been disappointed!

The benefit of having a cat water fountain made from ceramic is that it does not retain bacteria like plastic does.

This means that the water in the fountain is always clean and fresh-tasting, which my cats love.

In addition, ceramic is a very durable material, so I know that the fountain will last for many years to come.

1. Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Cat Water Fountain

This fountain has an upper and lower dish, so more than one animal can use the fountain at the same time.

The fountain is able to go into the top rack of the dishwasher. It is quick to disassemble which makes it quick and convenient to clean the fountain thoroughly.

How does it work? The fountain has a pump to recirculate the water and the filter removes any cat hair from the water plus odors and bad tastes. The carbon filter will need to be changed from time to time. You can expect to change the filter approximately monthly however if more than one cat is using the fountains the filter may need to be changed more often.

The activated carbon absorbs some water contaminants, as well as chlorine from tap water. This improves the taste and remove odors from drinking water.

Choosing a color will depend on your decor. Four color choices for this cat water fountain, two neutrals and two brighter colors.

The carbon in our filters is derived from organic coconut shells. Activated carbon absorbs basic water contaminants, as well as chlorine from tap water. This helps improve the taste and remove odors from basic drinking water.

The carbon in our filters is derived from organic coconut shells. Activated carbon absorbs basic water contaminants, as well as chlorine from tap water. This helps improve the taste and remove odors from basic drinking water.

Ceramic water fountains are an attractive part of home décor and also fulfil a practical function, fresh and continuous drinking water for the cat.

2. PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pet Water Fountain

This gray ceramic fountain provides 70 ounces of fresh, aerated, circulating water. The flow of water is quiet, so it won’t scare your kitty cat or be annoyingly noisy.

This noise the fountain makes does need to be a consideration if the water fountain is in a confined space or in a general living area.

The great thing about ceramic is that it can go in the top shelf of the dishwasher (apart from any plastic components such as the pump) so already a plus plus for looking after it on a long term basis.

Another plus with ceramic is the weight. Your cat or dog won’t knock this fountain over if they are inclined to knock over things as some cats are.

As with other water fountains don’t be alarmed if you see any black residue in the fountain. It will be from the charcoal filter.

There are instructions about rinsing the filter before use.

Bear in mind that filters do need to be changed and replaced. The filter remove odors and bad taste and also small particle debris however they do not remove chemicals.

Price wise this is comparable with other ceramic fountains. As this is a PetSafe product, customer service, call or email is 6 days a week and is based in the US.

3. Lawfery – Ceramic Cat Water Fountain

Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountains

Over the years I have used plastic, ceramic and stainless steel feeding bowls and the one thing I like about stainless steel is that I always feel as though I can get it thoroughly clean.

It is probably one of the reasons that stainless steel fittings are used extensively in commercial kitchens.

1. Veken Innovation Award Winner Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

2. Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

Pioneer Pet Raindrops Stainless Steel Pet Drinking Fountain

This fountain is made from stainless steel. The original fountain held 60 oz but has been upgraded to now have a 96 oz. capacity.

Another really positive point about the fountain, is that the contact details for any enquiries are all in the US and are clearly stated on the product page, including email and phone number.

Although this fountain has been around for a while, there is that adage of an oldie bit a goodie. Often these days, products made in the past are of a higher overall quality than mass produced items that flood the market.

It has a charcoal filter which needs to be replaced once a month if you have one or two cats and more often if a number of cats use the fountain. One filter is included with purchase of the fountain and replacement filters are available online.

The water comes out a slow and steady pace , it does not gush or splash and there is an adjustable slider so you can adjust the flow to suit.

The fountain is easy to take part and with the exception of the pump it is safe use in the top shelf of the dishwasher.

Some people have mentioned that if there is a problem with the pump such as the motor becoming noisier it is a good idea to take it all apart and do a clean of the motor as instructed.

PetSafe Stainless 360 Pet Fountain

This is a larger capacity fountain holding 128 oz or 3.78L making it suitable for cats and dogs of all sizes.

The 360 degree design means that the fountain can be accessed easily from all sides, once again handy if you are more than a one pet household.

It has a replaceable carbon filter as is the case with other fountains and includes one filter. The filters can be purchased online in a pack of ten.

The fountain has five different interchangeable spouts to create up to five individual streams and also has an adjustable flow cap to increase or decrease the water flow rate.

This fountain is safe for the dishwasher (excluding the pump).

If this fountain is your choice make sure to place it so that your cat can get around all sides of the fountain.

This particularly makes sense if you have more than one cat.

A Cat Water Fountain In Action

If you have space, don’t place the fountain right up against a wall. Ensure that there is 360 degrees access to allow your cat or cats to approach the fountain from any side.

The video below shows the unboxing and setup of one of the super popular cat water fountains, the Catit Flower Fountain. It is easy to get up and running and it is so darn cute.

It is a comprehensive video so you are not left with that feeling of, ‘it’s not explained clearly’ or ‘I can’t see what she is doing properly’.  It is very easy to assemble and literally ready to use in minutes.

Note: Decide beforehand where you are going to put the water fountain, as it needs to be near a power source.

How To Train Your Cat To Use A Water Fountain

Getting Started

You may not have to do anything at all to get kitty to use the fountain.  

Kitty may just start using the fountain and this mostly seems to be the case.

The thing with cats is that they are unpredictable, so we have to get smart and make some kitty anticipations.

Bearing this in mind there are some ideas here if kitty needs a bit of a helping hand to use his brand spanking new water fountain.

Location

Locate the fountain away from litter boxes or food bowls.

If food gets in to the water fountain it is not going to be good.

If water gets in the cat food, it will be equally non desirable, so keep the food and the water apart. 

While still thinking about location, make sure that kitty has enough room to navigate around the fountain easily. 

Be wary of placing it somewhere where it could easily be knocked over.

The ceramic fountains are heavier than the plastic fountains so there is less chance of them being overturned.

Mind you most kitties do not overturn fountains but there’s always an exception to the rule and that includes an inquisitive toddler.

Getting Started

Begin by letting the fountain sit there doing its own thing but turned off.

This gives the cat a chance to get used to the fountain being around – you know, doing the politely ignoring thing that cats are so good at.

Next, turn it on from time to time on a low setting so that it is a gradual introduction, as all fountains will make some noise, even if is just a running water noise.
 
Increase the setting over time but don’t rush.  

You will be able to judge how quickly your kitty gets used to the fountain and then, hey presto, starts using the fountain.
 
Although we have suggested locating the fountain away from food, in these early days try placing some kitty treats near the fountain.  

It might just be enough of a temptation for kitty to try the fountain as he now in the vicinity. 

At this time you may want to remove the normal drinking source but play this by ear, kitty may not be ready for the fountain just yet.

Cat Water Fountain FAQ

Recommendations – Cat Water Fountains

For an elderly cat or cat with arthritis or other health issues we recommend a fountain that requires very little bending to reach the water.  All of the Catit fountains are good in this regard.

The Popular Catit Flower Cat Water Fountain has a capacity of 100fl oz, 3L. This gives peace of mind if you are leaving the house for some time or if it is a hot day. The Catit fountains have a two year limited warranty. You can register your product online for additional customer care.

For more than one cat or a cat and doggy family it would definitely be a good idea to go for one of the larger capacity fountains.

There are several large capacity fountains on the market however if you have more than one animal they need to be able to all able to use the fountain at the same time (even if they don’t always do this).

Have You chosen the best cat water fountain?

Consider these questions:

1. Is your cat likely to push the water fountain around?
   If yes, a ceramic fountain is a good option.
   
2. What capacity cat water fountain do you need?
   This will depend on how many animals are using the fountain. Think about the placement of the fountain and depending on the design make sure there is access to all sides of the fountain.
   
3. Is there a power outlet near the chosen location for your water fountain? The length of the cord provided with the fountains can vary.

Giving some thought to these questions will enable you to make a choice based on the criteria that will suit your needs rather than just the appearance of a fountain.

This will help to ensure you have the best cat water fountain for your situation.

Cat Water Fountains