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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.
Just like with humans and other animals, staying hydrated keeps a kitty’s body in proper working order. Good hydration helps to ensure proper circulation, digestion, and organ function. It also helps the system flush out toxins that can affect the kidneys and can prevent the formation of urinary stones.
What to look for in a cat water fountain
Of course, the type of water fountain you want depends most on the type of cat you have–as well as the number of cats you have! 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 like end up drinking more water while doing so. If you have an older cat who is not fond of change, it could be good to explore a quiter, more “pristine” fountain. Finally, if you have multiple cats, a large capacity fountain with a filter would be a good bet.
Tips for cleaning 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 build up.
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, each fountain may have different recommendations but in general, water should be changed out 2-3 times per week and the fountain itself cleaned on a weekly basis.
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.
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. 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
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
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)
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)
A ceramic pet fountain that looks like a work of art but encourages your cat to drink? This 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
Stainless steel water fountains for cats are easy to clean and sanitize—and they look sharp too. 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 still 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
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
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 non-skid rubber mat to protect your floor
- Made of BPA-free plastic
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
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 (though note that the water does make noise when it splashes into the basin)
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!