The 7 Best Cat Water Fountains of 2025

Water fountains for cats are designed to provide fresh filtered water in a continuous stream, which is often more appealing to cats. However, Samantha Bell, a cat expert for Best Friends Animal Society warns, “They can get really dirty and slimy.” Bell recommends using water fountains with glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bowls since plastic can harbor bacteria, and setting reminders in your phone to clean the fountain and replace the filters.

We tested a variety of cat water fountains to find the easiest to clean and maintain, and dived into the pros and cons of each of our top-tested picks, all of which require regular maintenance for optimal results, but are fairly straightforward. Introducing a water fountain to your cat will likely encourage them to hydrate throughout the day and contribute to their overall wellbeing. If you notice changes in your cat’s drinking or urination you should consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

Our favorite electronic water fountain received a whopping 4.9 overall score in our testing categories. Although it looks simple, this fountain is packed with features and a functional design that would make it hard to ever go back to a traditional water bowl or switch to a different fountain. We tested this fountain on a 5-year-old cat that was obsessed with drinking from a running faucet—a habit that starts off innocently enough but can be hard to break—and are pleased to say Gnocchi took to it immediately.

Water is filtered through two filters, one near the pump and one near the spout. A cool thing about this fountain is the pump—it’s still motorized but it is wireless with only two parts, making it super easy to pull out and clean when needed, which is good because the filters need to be changed out quite often. When cleaning the unit, you simply lift the main reservoir off of the dock, snap apart the stainless steel dish from the reservoir, and hand wash (do not put it in the dishwasher).

Overall, this fountain’s sleek modern design sports an elevated Scandinavian touch featuring a minimalistic body (we love the matte black), and a matching Wi-Fi dock base with a wood grain accent that adds an extra bump of style. Cleaning and changing the two filters is so easy it can seem like you’re forgetting something, but that’s part of the intelligent design.

This fountain is corded, using a USB cord with an adapter that plugs into the wall. The cord is long, giving more flexible placement options, though the thin cord may be tempting for cord chompers.

Cats prone to pushing around their water won’t get very far with this fountain. When filled, the 84-ounce reservoir has a good weight, and even when the water level is low, the unit isn’t likely to budge thanks to the four rubbery anti-skid feet on the bottom of the dock.

The app is easy to connect and navigate and adds value to the product, going further than just water level and filter alerts to track and share real-time updates and insights into how your cat is consuming from the fountain. These insights allow you to track, monitor, and compare your cat’s water intake over time to spot increases and drops that may be early indicators of disease or other health issues. The app can even, as we found out, help locate your cat. Our tester couldn’t find their cat one evening and thought the cat may have gotten outside, but the app indicated that the cat had recently used the fountain, so the tester knew the cat was somewhere indoors.

Available in white and matte black

This compact, functional, and minimalist cat water fountain provides an excellent bang for your buck at a price point that is accessible enough to make it worth the first-time user’s gamble. The fountain has a remarkably near-silent noise level of around 25 decibels, roughly the same level of noise you’d hear from a whisper being spoken 5 feet away.

Everything you need to get started comes in the box, including a filter and setup instructions. We liked that the fountain came mostly set up and required very minimal assembly (just be sure to remember to soak the high-density filter pad before sliding it into place). There is also an additional carbon filter ring that fits around the motor.

The plastic base holds 67 ounces (2 liters) of water. The water level can be checked with a glance thanks to the translucent reservoir and the clearly marked minimum and maximum water levels. Refilling or replacing water and cleaning the main reservoir is as simple as taking off the top water dish, disconnecting the power cord, and removing the reservoir.

The height and size of the stream resemble a faucet, so this would likely be an especially good pick for folks with a cat who loves drinking from the faucet. There’s also an ambient blue light that can help attract your cat to the fountain, particularly at night when the lights are out.

The fountain comes with a USB cable that will need to be connected to a power source or adapter plug. It’s worth noting this fountain is not ideal for homes with frequent power outages. There’s no backup power to keep water pumping to the top and because of the drain placement inside the water dish, any leftover water will fall back into the reservoir.

Although we prefer stainless steel dish options because they reduce bacterial growth, the mostly plastic components of this fountain are not a surprise for a budget-friendly product.

Available in black and silver or pink and gold

More Cat Water Fountains We Recommend

This water fountain received a near-perfect score during testing. We liked how the clean and contemporary design elevated and tidied the space (previously occupied by a traditional dish fed by an upside-down jug of water), pairing nicely with the automatic feeder beside it. We also liked how much fresher the fountain’s water looked compared to an old dish of standing water.

It has a five-stage filtration system with separate filter layers that include a high-density polyester filter for debris and dirt, a filter with silver particles to inhibit bacterial growth, a coconut shell activated carbon filter to remove impurities and prevent biofilms from forming, a filter to reduce mineral scale buildup, and a second high-density polyester filter for taste. Plus, it comes with a 32-pack of replacement filters so you don’t have to chase them down separately at the last minute.

The transparent main water reservoir makes it a cinch to clock when the water level gets low. When it’s time to replace water and filters, you don’t even have to unplug the device, just remove the main water reservoir from the base to clean and refill. We love that the water dish holds up to 100 milliliters of water, so if you lose power your cat is still able to access about a day’s worth of water.

Operation is quiet at a maximum of 35 decibels (about the sound level of a quiet library). The price is right for the convenience and appearance of this product, though it was fairly annoying to have to wash all the parts before using it. We’d also prefer to have a version with a non-plastic main dish.

Available in white

This cute and compact water fountain has an adorable cat-inspired look and cat-friendly ergonomic design with a wide bowl and ideal height for drinking comfort. Our tester noted that it was “virtually silent” when operating—as long as you don’t use the included optional spout attachment (which produces an annoying and loud trickle). We tested the version with a stainless steel water bowl and plastic body. (There’s another, slightly cheaper version that is all plastic, but for the small price increase we would rather avoid the plastic bowl.)

Our tester cat was immediately curious about this fountain, though he didn’t actually go in for a drink until after the spout attachment was removed. This triple-filter fountain holds 2.5 liters of water and the transparent nose lights up red when the water level gets low. Our tester found the fountain to be a good addition to their cat’s usual water bowl.

The manufacturer recommends cleaning the unit two to three times per week (more than usual), and we found the process to be quick and simple. More notably, full filter changes are recommended every three to four weeks, but we found ourselves replacing the filter after just 10 days.

Available in white

The PetSafe Outlast Pumpless Cat Water Fountain features a trailblazing pump-free motor, the first ever on the market. Pumpless motors will likely last longer than traditional motors with pumps since there is no pump mechanism to wear down over time. Instead, this fountain uses PetSafe’s patented HydroSpin technology to keep the water moving through the fountain.

It comes with ion filters that remove impurities and soften water so it’s more palatable for your cat (or dog). We found the setup super intuitive (as in you might not even need to look at the instructions), and we got the fountain up and running in under five minutes, including the time to quick-rinse the parts before use. There’s no app with this fountain, which also cuts down on setup time.

A big plus with this fountain is that the pumpless design requires less frequent cleanings than traditional water fountains. When you do need to clean it, the food-grade plastic parts are easy to disassemble and can be popped into the dishwasher. LED lights alert you when the filters need changing or the water level is low, and nighttime sensors will slow the flow of water.

This is the only electronic water fountain where a larger size may be more beneficial since the pumpless design contributes to less buildup, grime, and bacteria over time, allowing you to go longer between changing out the water. We tested the 90-ounce version of this fountain, but it is also available in 60-ounce and 120-ounce versions.

Available in white

The Raindrop Fountain resembles a standard (albeit a little oblong) stainless steel pet bowl, except for the curved water slide design, which creates a sluice of water to attract your cat. It has a 60-ounce capacity, or just under 2 quarts, and operates very quietly.

It’s a simple, no-frills fountain at a reasonable price, especially compared to cheaper-feeling plastic models. The design features a flat stream of water that flows gently and quietly into a main water dish reservoir and is substantial enough that it isn’t easily moved by combative cats.

The biggest drawback to this fountain is the varying recommended cleaning and replacement schedules for the different parts. For example, it’s recommended to disassemble and clean the pump every two weeks, replace the filter every two to four weeks, and disassemble and clean the unit once a week—it’s a lot of dates to remember and we wish there was a more streamlined calendar.

That said, the water fountain is easy to clean (it’s dishwasher-safe, too), and the filters are easy to replace. We tested the 60-ounce version, but there’s also a 128-ounce model for those using it in a multi-cat household (though it’s quite large!).

Available in stainless steel

This combination of this fountain’s dishwasher-safe ceramic material, rare rectangular shape, and the tester cat-approved small, top-level drinking area made this product stand out. It also has an ideal 70-ounce capacity and houses an internal pump in two separate parts.

The design also houses an internal pump in two separate and has an ideal 70-ounce capacity. The fountain’s dual-fountain design enables multiple cats to drink from either end of the fountain, and we like that it comes with a proper power adapter that plugs directly into a wall outlet rather than just a USB cord.

While we found the Drinkwell Pagoda to be a high-quality and well-designed ceramic fountain, it wasn’t without faults, though none of them were deal breakers. We found the internal water pump setup complicated, which also made it a pain to disassemble and clean. And, even though the pump motor operated with a barely discernible hum, the spouts dropped water directly into the bowl from a significant height, making it a little noisier than similar water fountains.

Available in white or Himalayan blue

How We Tested the Cat Water Fountains

We tested a curated selection of cat water fountains in our New York Lab and at home with our real-world tester cats. Our methodology guided all testers through multiple scores while also gathering their subjective impressions along the way.

Beginning with setup, our testers timed how long it took to assemble and start a cat water fountain. If the directions were confusing or the pieces were hard to fit together, our testers let us know. Testers also evaluated the design of each fountain, letting us know which ones they’d want in their own homes or noting when a fountain felt shoddily constructed.

We then evaluated a fountain’s effectiveness, using several tests, such as sprinkling cat food crumbs into a fountain and evaluating how well it filtered them out. We also looked for a fountain’s stability, so we could determine whether it would be likely to splash all over your floor or get jostled in a multi-cat household.

Finally, our testers looked up the price of the fountain they were testing and gave us their impressions of the product’s overall value.

After testing in a lab environment, over 20 water fountains were mailed out to at-home testers for further evaluation, which joined a library of insights provided by past tests and reviews. The scores and impressions provided throughout this roundup are a synthesis of our lab-tested ratings and at-home experience with the fountains.

What to Look for in a Cat Water Fountain

Cleaning and Maintenance

To continue providing fresh water, it’s important to stay on top of cleaning, refilling, and changing filters. The process varies among models, so consult the instructions for the cat water fountain you ultimately select. At a minimum, the water will need to be completely replaced every few days (multiple times a week), and we strongly recommend using a stainless steel basin, which is less conducive to harboring bacteria.

Size and Capacity

Cat water fountains can be surprisingly large and often take up much more space than a standard water bowl. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to cat water fountains. Even though there is constant water flow with a cat water fountain, you’ll need to fully replace the water every few days regardless of whether your cat has consumed it all, so large-capacity water fountains can be a waste of space (and water) unless you have multiple cats using one fountain.

You’ll also likely be required to disassemble and clean the product at least once a week. All this to say, although it can be tempting to choose a larger water fountain because it holds more water, it may not translate into less frequent maintenance.

Aim for a minimum reservoir capacity of around 70 ounces. This ensures you’ll have enough water supply for several days without having to refill the reservoir or constantly keep your eye on the water level.

Operating Noise Level and Type of Noise

Fountain motors can be noisy, especially if placed in a relatively quiet room of the house. This can be annoying for you and a deterrent for your cat. Consider your prospective water fountain features and how they may affect the overall noise of the fountain, and read reviews from current users on how noisy the fountain is while in use and the type of noise (motor humming, trickling, etc.).

While many cat water fountains use similar electric pumps, different design choices can result in a louder or quieter experience. We found ceramic models did the best at insulating the pump, so the fountain’s operation can barely be heard. “Flower” style fountain designs operate relatively quietly but get progressively noisier as the water level lowers.

In addition to the pump motor, noise also comes from the trickling of water. While some people find burbling water pleasant, if you anticipate being annoyed by the constant sound, look for a model where the water lands on a smooth surface instead of splashing against more water.

Multiple Water Access Points

Cats have different preferences when it comes to their water sources, and our favorite cat water fountains offer multiple ways to drink and access water. This gives your cat more options to help entice them to drink more water. A water fountain with multiple options will help you pinpoint your cat’s preferred drinking methods, so you can learn how to provide for their hydration needs.

Two big tips when it comes to water access when using a water fountain for cats:

• Make sure the water fountain has a wide and shallow enough main drinking bowl. Many cats don’t like their whiskers touching the edge of a bowl while drinking and so prefer access to a wide surface area of water. Here are our top picks for cat bowls that help prevent whisker fatigue.
• If your fountain relies on electricity to function, check whether your cat will still have access to a main dish of water if the power goes out. Battery backups or providing additional water sources can also be effective if you know the cat will be left alone for over 24 hours.

Other Water Fountains for Cats We Tested

In addition to our winners and recommended water fountains for cats, we also tested:

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain: This fountain was previously one of our highly recommended picks, but after testing additional products over time it has been usurped by newer products. We love that it is stainless steel and has excellent 360-degree water access. You can even adjust the size of the five streams with an included selection of caps. However, its enormous size can be cumbersome and it has a fairly tedious setup process.

PetLibro Capsule Cat Water Fountain: The PetLibro Capsule Water Fountain has a 2-gallon capacity but retains it in a surprisingly compact design. This fountain is made of BPA-free plastic and is easy to clean (and even comes with its own scrub brush), but we wish it was dishwasher-safe. We also wish the power cord was a bit longer to provide more placement flexibility. The compact design saves on space but limits water flow options. Filtration and very quiet operation were huge pluses, but, in the end, we found there were too many compromises to make this a favorite.

Veken Pet Fountain: The Veken 2.8-liter Cat Water Fountain is compact and runs quietly. It holds up to 94 ounces (slightly under 12 cups) of water and has a built-in five-level filtration system to keep fresh water running for a cat to consume. The cat water fountain is reasonably priced when compared to other water fountains, and it is equipped with an LED indicator light to tell you when the water levels need to be addressed. Outside of a light trickle, the fountain is virtually undetectable by ear. The only standout negative during the testing period was the extreme brightness of the LED light, but it can be turned off with the push of a button.

Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain, 67.6-oz: We appreciated that this water fountain didn’t sacrifice style for function like other fountains on the market, and loved how easy it was to put together and take apart for cleaning—though having to frequently clean off accumulated slime can be annoying. We tested this tri-level plastic fountain in a house with two cats and a dog, and it was a hit with the dog, ignored by one of the cats, and had a waning draw for the other. The lower-spectrum price point makes this an ideal entry-level gamble for those wanting to test out a water fountain with their cat, but, ultimately, it didn’t make the cut because it is all plastic and only comes with one filter to start you off. Plus, introducing your cat to a species-shared water fountain may not be enticing for some cats.

Expert Tips for Getting Your Cat to Drink More Water

We asked our expert, Samantha Bell, for her best tips on how to get your cat to drink more water. She reminds us that “when we want cats to do something, it’s important to remove any obstacles that might prevent them from doing it,” so making it as hassle-free and easy as possible for your cat to get fresh, good-smelling water is the key.

Here are some of Bell’s suggestions in her own words:

• My favorite method for increasing hydration in cats is to add pet fountains to their environment. Cats prefer to drink running water because they can see that the water isn’t stagnant. Stagnant water gathers bacteria that could make them very sick. Cats’ instincts warn them that stagnant water could be dangerous. They are attracted to fresh water, and when you’re setting out a bowl of water for your cat, there’s a chance that they may think it’s stagnant and dangerous. It could be a barrier to them drinking enough water. The sight and sounds of a fountain appeal to them. Also, many fountains use filters, which helps keep their water smelling and tasting even fresher.
• Feed them more wet food. My cats get three cans of wet food per day, but you should always consult your vet when changing your cat’s diet.
• Always keep their water bowls clean, full, and fresh. Cats see these signs as indicators that the water is safe to drink. If you’re washing the bowl with soap, ensure that the soap is fully rinsed out, so it doesn’t leave any lingering scent or taste.
• Try moving the location of the water bowl. Cats prefer their food and water to be in separate areas. And placing it in their frequent walking path will remove the barrier of them having to seek out water.
• Try switching up the water bowls. Try different shapes, different materials, and even different types and temperatures of water (tap, purified, spring, etc.) to find which combination they like best.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

K. Alex Beaven lives with her cat, Mister Bo. For this article, Alex gained additional insights from Samantha Bell, M.Ed., a cat expert, educator, and content specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, on how using a water fountain for your cat can benefit their health and ways to get your cat to drink more water.