The 6 best cat water fountains of 2024, tested by cats and reviewed by humans

The best cat water fountains are quiet, easy to clean, and provide filtered water. Our top-rated picks include stainless steel and ceramic fountains.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

No matter how unique cats might be, they all require proper hydration. While wet cat food can provide some hydration, cats also need access to clean drinking water. Veterinarians often recommend cat water fountains to encourage cats to drink more. The best cat water fountains also provide mental enrichment for cats who enjoy playing in or watching moving water, says Laura Watson, a registered veterinary nurse and cat welfare assistant for International Cat Welfare. 

To find the best water fountains for cats, we spoke to two feline behaviorists and a veterinarian, in addition to Watson. After researching dozens of fountains and testing eight models, we chose the Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain as the best overall. This affordable fountain is both whisper-quiet and easy to clean. Find this pick below, along with five more options to consider. 

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.

Our top picks for the best cat water fountains

Best overall: Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain - See at Chewy

Best stainless steel: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain - See at Chewy

Best ceramic: Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain - See at Chewy

Best smart: Petlibro Dockstream App Monitoring Water Fountain - See at Chewy

Best for multiple cats: Cat Mate 3-Level Fountain - See at Chewy

Best large capacity: PetNF PF044-Cat Water Fountain - See at Chewy

Best overall

The Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain takes our top spot for its affordability and cat-friendly design. It's not a total pain to clean, either. The best cat water fountains are quiet when they run—some as quiet as a whisper. This is important if you keep the fountain in your bedroom or have a skittish cat. Depending on whether you attach the spout, you'll hear only a trickle or bubble of water from this fountain.

The spout attachment does create an additional crevice for gunk buildup, but Petlibro includes a cleaning brush to simplify the job. Plus, the cylindrical water reserve has a smooth design that minimizes hidden areas for dirt and grime, speeding up the cleaning process. 

The fountain comes with four filters, which the brand recommends replacing every 14 days. You can purchase replacements from Amazon or directly from the brand. The fountain's translucent design also makes it easy to monitor the water level. Just keep in mind that if there's a power outage, your cat will only have access to the small amount of water in the top tray of the fountain. Regardless of the fountain's water reserve, Watson and Dr. Bradley Krohn, a veterinarian at The Vets, recommend providing cats with alternative water sources around the house.

Best stainless steel

The durable stainless steel Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Fountain has a significant advantage over plastic cat fountains: it's highly resistant to accumulating biofilm growth (bacteria, viruses, and other "gunk"). Still, it requires weekly cleaning, but the dishwasher-safe stainless steel makes this an easy task. The only drawback of cleaning the Raindrop fountain is that you need to thread and rethread the cord when deep cleaning. The brand recommends changing the carbon filter every two to four weeks. 

The Raindrop Fountain has a small footprint but only holds 60 ounces, the smallest water capacity of our picks. It may need more frequent refills if you have multiple cats. Regardless of your fountain's capacity, experts recommend placing multiple water sources throughout your home.

The fountain's two-piece design is easy to put together, and the bottom water basin means water stays available to cats even if the power goes out. But since the top piece simply sits on the base, we could hear a slight vibration while the fountain ran.

Best ceramic

The best cat water fountains have simple designs with limited nooks and crannies. This makes them easier to clean, says Stephen Quandt, a certified cat behavior specialist and founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates, LLC. The Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain simplifies cleaning with a smooth, ceramic design that minimizes hidden areas for grime and bacteria to grow. The user manual does recommend washing it by hand, but it stood up to multiple cycles in the dishwasher and came out as good as new. 

It holds 70 ounces of water—almost 9 cups. Water cascades in two streams from a pool at the top of the basin, and cats can access the full basin of water if the power goes out. That said, larger cats or cats with long whiskers may have a harder time drinking from the basin, which ranges in width from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda is the loudest fountain we tested, falling within the same decibel range of a refrigerator running — a consistent hum with splashing. If you or your cat are sensitive to sound, this might not be the best choice.

Best smart

The Petlibro Dockstream is the best smart water fountain for its ability to track your cat's drinking habits and send smartphone reminders when water is low. We received this fountain for testing a year ago and haven't stopped using it since. The Dockstream provides moving water, which can entice cats to drink. Not all cats drink enough water, which might stem from their roots as desert-dwelling animals who get most of their hydration from prey. Ideally, they should drink or consume around 0.7 ounces of water per pound of body weight daily — roughly a cup for an 11-pound cat.  

You can calibrate the Dockstream to set hydration goals and track your cat's water intake through a user-friendly app. Water consumption can vary based on your cat's diet and health, so ask your vet about an ideal goal and changes that could point to a medical concern. Just keep in mind that while the fountain is useful for monitoring your cat's water intake, it's not perfect. In testing, it sent notifications that our pets were drinking when they were not, potentially due to splashing or evaporation. The fountain also can't differentiate between pets in multicat and interspecies households. The app also sends reminders to clean the fountain, change the filters, and add water when the level gets low. You can also set the flow to intermittent or continuous. 

Even without the smart features, the Dockstream's semi-cordless design and quiet operation make it a standout choice. Its wireless pump eliminates the hassle of cords during cleaning or refilling. The 84.5-ounce water reserve sits on a plug-in charging dock.

Best for multiple cats

Cats can be particular about their water sources, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. Some prefer lapping from a wide, still pool, while others are drawn to the movement of a flowing stream. The best cat water fountains for multi-cat homes will offer assorted water features like tiers, pools, and streams to provide an option for everyone. 

The Cat Mate 3-Level Fountain has a three-tiered design: a lower pool perfect for kittens and two upper pools, each with a cascading stream — and my adult cat enjoys watching the water cascade down the tiers. The tiers and pools do create more cleaning nooks, but the fountain, except for the pump, is dishwasher safe. 

This fountain doesn't have a low-water indicator. We had only used it for a few days when we woke to strange noises, like a shovel scraping the sidewalk, and found that the water level was near the minimum fill line. To avoid this, we recommend adding more water daily. When the fountain is filled to capacity, you can hear the low hum of the motor. 

Best large capacity

Large-capacity fountains are ideal for thirsty cats, multi-cat households, or playful splashers. The PetNF covers all the bases with its 101-ounce capacity and a refill reminder with a light indicator that turns red when water is low. If the tank gets too low, the fountain will shut off automatically to prevent damage to the pump. It also operates at a whisper-quiet level. In fact, this fountain tied with our best overall fountain in noise testing when the faucet attachment is in place. You can opt to leave off the faucet for a bubbler stream flow.  

You'll still need to clean this fountain regularly by hand with warm, soapy water. Geller recommends cleaning cat water fountains at least once a week and more often if you see film or debris. Just be sure to note the water pump's orientation during disassembly to ensure smooth reassembly, as the tank lacks placement guides. 

The Catit Flower Fountain was our second pick for the best large capacity fountain. However, compared to our top pick, the flower petal design makes cleaning more challenging. It also has fewer drinking options.

What to look for in a cat water fountain

Based on information from our experts, research, and testing, we recommend considering these essential features when choosing among the best cat water fountains: 

Accessibility: The best cat water fountain for your home will depend on your cat's needs. Some cats prefer the sound of moving water, while others might find it scary. The fountain should be designed to accommodate their preference, with a quiet option available for skittish cats. According to Watson, some cats don't like lowering their head into a bowl because it feels vulnerable. The Capsule and Dockstream fountains, our top picks from Petlibro, offer options raised off the ground. 

Power supply: Cats should always have access to clean, fresh water. The best cat water fountains will have a battery backup in case of power outages. If your fountain has no battery backup, make sure it holds enough fresh water in the basin or tray to last your cat at least 24 hours. Regardless, the experts we spoke to recommend providing multiple water sources throughout the house to cater to different drinking preferences and ensure access to fresh drinking water at all times.  

Ease of assembly and cleaning: When testing cat water fountains, we considered setup features like assembly time and connection to WiFi, when applicable. We also considered the difficulty of disassembling and cleaning the fountain. If the cleaning process is complicated, you might clean the fountain less often, which can shorten the fountain's lifespan and potentially make your cat sick. It's important to clean your fountain at least once each week. 

Price: Geller points out that a water fountain has a higher lifetime cost than the sticker price, since you have to buy filters. "You need to remember to change the filter regularly and follow the recommended schedule to do this with your particular fountain. If the filter hasn't been changed routinely, you will see all kinds of things such as dust, dirt, and fur stuck in it," she says.

How we tested the best cat water fountains

Ease of assembly: We evaluated how long it took to assemble and set up each fountain, including connection to WiFi and mobile application when applicable.   

Ease of cleaning: We monitored each fountain for buildup throughout the week, noting which ones needed more frequent cleanings or were prone to collecting debris. Following the manufacturer's instructions, we disassembled and washed each fountain after one week, evaluating any challenges with disassembly, reassembly, or cleaning specific areas.

Capacity: We measured how much water each fountain could hold and noted any additional features such as auto shutoff or water level indicators. 

Noise: The best cat water fountains are quiet. A quiet fountain is especially important if you have a timid cat. "A noisy pump or loud noise when dispensing water may scare or put your cat off drinking, defeating the purpose of a fountain altogether." To test the noise level of each water fountain, we filled each fountain completely and used the "Sound Meter" app to record the average decibel rating over 30 seconds. 

Filter quality: To assess each fountain's filter performance, we sprinkled one teaspoon of crushed dry kibble into the drinking dish. Then, after eight hours of operation, we checked the level of debris in the fountain's dish and filter.

Cat appropriateness: We prioritized fountains with wide, shallow designs to prevent whisker fatigue and ensure easy access to water. Fountains with multiple drinking areas like streams, bubblers, or shallow pools also earned a higher score since they cater to different cat drinking preferences.

Durability: Cats do all sorts of funny things, like balance on the side of their fountain to drink. No one appreciates wet socks, so we tested the durability of each fountain by walking past and lightly kicking each one three times to check how much water spilled or if the fountain tipped. 

Power and WiFi: Cats should have uninterrupted access to water. None of the fountains we tested had a backup power supply in case of power outages, but we prioritized fountains that had water available in the basin when the power was cut off. 

Cat water fountain FAQs

Do vets recommend water fountains for cats?

Vets often recommend cat water fountains because they can encourage cats to drink more water, Krohn says. Cats should drink or consume around 0.7 ounces of water per pound of body weight a day. That's roughly a cup of water for an 11-pound cat. Geller says some domestic cats prefer running water because their wild ancestors sought out running water sources like streams as safe places to drink from, rather than stagnant pools of water that could be riddled with bacteria. "Some domesticated, indoor-only cats have preserved this instinct," she says.

What water fountain do cats like best?

Cats have individual preferences, just like people. Geller says some cats prefer standing water because they don't like new noises, while others retain a wild instinct to seek out running water. In general, your cat's fountain should provide fresh, clean water that's easy to access, even during a power outage. We picked the Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain as our best overall choice for its affordability, quiet operation, and two drinking features. The Cat Mate 3-Level Fountain could better fit homes with multiple cats with different drinking styles. Ultimately, the best cat water fountain depends on your cat's unique personality and needs.

Is a ceramic or stainless steel water fountain better for cats?

Both ceramic and stainless steel fountains are good options for cats, as they may be more hygienic than plastic fountains and easier to clean. Ceramic fountains may be more aesthetically pleasing but are heavy and may crack if dropped. Stainless steel fountains are generally more durable, lighter, and less likely to break than ceramic.  

What are the cons of cat water fountains?

Potential drawbacks include some cats finding the fountain's noise or movement intimidating and the risk of bacterial growth if the fountain isn't cleaned regularly, says Krohn. If your cat is startled by their new fountain, Watson suggests encouraging enjoyable activities near the fountain, like playing with a wand toy to lure your cat over and then scattering a few treats as a reward. "Ideally, water sources would be placed in a quiet location where the cat can access the drinking vessel from all angles away from a wall," she says. 

Is it safe to leave a cat water fountain on all the time?

Cat water fountains are generally safe to leave on all the time, provided you maintain them properly and their water level stays above the minimum fill line. Smart fountains, like the Petlibro Deckstream App Monitoring Water Fountain, can send alerts for low water levels and maintenance reminders. Other fountains, like the PetNF PF044-Cat Water Fountain, have automatic shut-off switches that prevent the motor from burning out if the water level gets too low.

The best cat fountain overall

The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is our top pick for cat fountains with its a free-falling stream, generous basin, integrated filtration system, and adjustable flow.

The perfect cat fountain should keep your cat's water supply fresh and clean while encouraging them to drink more water. It should also be affordable, durably constructed, and easy to clean. The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain checks all the boxes.

This unit is an updated version of the Drinkwell Original, and it features improved pump and motor performance, as well as reduced noise and increased water circulation.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain mimics the effects of a running faucet with its free-falling stream design. An integrated filtration system featuring an activated carbon filter keeps your cat's water supply fresh, clean, and free from odors to entice them into drinking more water. Made from BPA-free plastic, not only is the design of this fountain functional, but it is aesthetically pleasing and it runs quietly.

The quality construction of this fountain makes it durable and reliable. The submersible motor and pre-filter save you from the frustration of clogging by removing dirt and hair from the water column. However, the internal parts and filters do require frequent changing.

This fountain also offers several options for adjustability to suit your cat's individual preferences.

Pros: Appealing but simple design, free-falling stream, generous 168-ounce water basin, adjustable flow control, submersible pump and pre-filter system, low-voltage 12V system, made from BPA-free plastic

Cons: Filter needs frequent changing, internal parts can be challenging to clean, some assembly required for use and cleaning 

The best ceramic cat fountain

With dual free-flowing streams, the ceramic PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain keeps your cat's water fresh while inhibiting the growth of bacteria. 

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain features a hygienic ceramic construction with a modern design that is sure to fit with your home decor. With dual free-flowing streams, up to 70 ounces of water is kept oxygenated through constant motion. The integrated filtration system includes a pump with a replaceable carbon filter that removes bad tastes and odors, keeping your cat's water fresh and clean.

Although the ceramic construction of the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain makes it a little more fragile than some models, it is top-shelf dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Plus, the ceramic surface won't scratch or harbor bacteria the way that plastic fountains sometimes can. The streamlined design is also aesthetically pleasing and will fit with your home decor.

Just keep in mind that this fountain is more fragile than plastic or stainless steel models and the carbon filter may need to be replaced frequently for optimal performance.

Pros: Dual free-flow streams keep water fresh, hygienic and streamlined ceramic design, 70-ounce water capacity for multiple pets, two drinking areas, top-shelf dishwasher safe, integrated filtration system with replaceable carbon filters

Cons: Ceramic materials are fragile, may become noisy as water is depleted, pump and housing parts are made of plastic, may stain if you use tap water versus filtered water, filter needs to be changed often

The best stainless steel cat fountain

With its elegant design and streamlined performance, the Pioneer Pet Raindrop fountain is a versatile and reliable cat fountain.

Since water movement encourages cats to drink more, the Pioneer Pet Raindrop is designed exactly for that purpose. This pet fountain features a 60-ounce stainless-steel basin with a unique slide design that maximizes water circulation and bubbling while minimizing noise and splash. You'll also love the aesthetic appeal of this pet fountain. It will go with any style of home decor.

The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain comes with a premium replaceable charcoal filter to keep your cat's water pure, clean, and free from hair and debris. The pump and filter are enclosed in a plastic housing under the unit for safety and the seven-foot cord detaches for convenience and cleaning. Simply disassemble the unit and place the stainless-steel parts in the dishwasher.

Stainless-steel pet fountains offer excellent durability, easy cleaning, and aesthetic appeal — these are all qualities that the Pioneer Pet Raindrop has in spades. Affordably priced and protected by a one-year warranty, this pet fountain is sure to please.

Pros: Durable and hygienic stainless steel construction, attractive design, generous 60-ounce basin, slide to promote circulation and minimize splash, dishwasher safe, replaceable charcoal filter, comes with a one-year warranty, detachable 7-foot cord for easy cleaning

Cons: Filter needs to be replaced regularly, requires some disassembly for cleaning, may become noisy as water is depleted, may not be large enough for multi-cat households, pump may burn out with constant use

The best gravity-run cat fountain

For a simple but practical cat water fountain that keeps your cat's water fresh without any expensive bells and whistles, we recommend the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station.

If you want to keep your cat's water fresh and clean but you don't want to pay for a high-end model, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station offers the ideal combination of affordability and performance. Constructed from BPA-free plastic with a stainless-steel bowl, this gravity-run cat fountain is simple to use and easy to clean. You can also purchase an optional Healthy Pet Water Filter which will remove odors and sediment for maximum freshness and odor control.

Available in three sizes, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station features a durable reservoir made from BPA-free plastic that locks into place and includes a flow-control system to prevent spills. 

This fountain is simple but functional. It may not have all the bells and whistles you'll get with premium models, but it is simple to use and easy to refill without spilling water everywhere. It is also a very durable design, so it won't break easily if you drop it or your cat knocks it over.

Loved for its practical, low-spill design and gravity-run performance, this fountain is also very affordable.

Pros: Simple gravity-run design, reservoir made from BPA-free plastic, removable stainless steel bowl, easy to clean without any small parts, flow-control system to prevent spills, comes in three sizes up to 1 gallon, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, reservoir locks into the base

Cons: Doesn't have a free-flowing stream or bubbler, smallest size may be too small for adult cats, filter must be purchased separately, water flow control may get stuck sometimes

The best multi-pet cat fountain

With five flow rings and adjustable flow control, the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain enables you to customize the fountain to suit your cat's preferences, and it's big enough for multiple pets.

If you live in a multi-cat household and you have trouble keeping your water bowls filled, the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain may be just what you've been looking for. With a large 128-ounce capacity and up to 5 adjustable streams, this fountain is the ideal solution. 

The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain features a two-stage filter design to keep your cat's water fresh, clean, and free from odors. Plus, with adjustable flow control and five flow rings, you can choose how many streams the fountain produces and at what rate they flow. The unique design allows your cat to drink from the basin or directly from the stream, according to their preference.

The fountain does require some disassembly for cleaning and it may also splash outside the basin if overfilled. This unit is a little pricier than some, but it offers unmatched benefits for versatility and customizability.

Pros: Durable and hygienic stainless steel construction, large 128-ounce capacity, up to 5 changeable streams, included replaceable carbon filter, adjustable flow control, 360-degree design for multi-cat households, top-shelf dishwasher safe, easy to assemble and use

Cons: Some disassembly required for cleaning, carbon filter needs to be replaced often, regular cleaning needed to prevent clogs, may splash if overfilled

Check out our other great cat guides

• The best indoor cat entertainment products
• The best cat litter
• The best cat harness and leash
• The best cat food