Updated July 21, 2020 | For Cat People
By Elisabeth Geier
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Does your cat love to drink running water straight from the faucet? Experts say that even though cats don’t need much water (in the wild, cats get most of the hydration they need from moisture-rich meat), when they do feel thirsty, 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 be ideal for cat parents of kitties who are picky about drinking water.
The Best Water Fountains for Cats
From simple auto-refreshing bowls to elaborate streams, there’s a water fountain to match your cat’s preferred drinking style. I sorted through online reviews to find the best-rated options, and I’ve included a couple of my personal favorites, too. Here are the top cat fountains to keep your kitty hydrated.
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 for picky drinkers
- Constant re-circulating water is cleaner and fresher for your cat
- Made from cat-safe BPA-free materials
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Multi-species families, rejoice: this is the pet fountain for you! With a 1.3 gallon capacity, constant flow, and deep catch bowl, this fountain provides for cats, dogs, and even ferrets.
Why we like it:
- Fewer refills, thanks to a built-in reservoir with gallon-plus capacity
- Pump has adjustable flow that allows you to customize your pets’ drinking experience
- Made from BPA-free plastic that’s top-shelf dishwasher safe
This white “swan” cat fountain is ideal for cats who love to drink straight from the faucet. The unit features easy-to-clean plastic construction and a replaceable charcoal filter that filters out impurities in water.
Why we like it:
- 80-ounce capacity holds plenty of water but doesn’t take up too much space
- USB connection pump is safe and quiet
- Dishwasher safe, excluding pump
The pretty raindrop shape of this pet fountain/water bowl provides a gentle water flow and a full water basin. My cats love this one because it lets them drink from a flowing stream and dip their paws in the bowl.
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 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 provide two drinking areas
- Low-voltage pump is safe and quiet
Do you want a luxury pet fountain that looks like a work of art but encourages your cat to drink? The 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
- Large water capacity of 70 ounces
- Very quiet and unobtrusive
Stainless steel cat fountains are easy to clean and sanitize, and they look sharp. 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 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
Whether your kitty likes to drink from a stream, bubbler, or bowl, there’s a water fountain for cats to keep them hydrated. Happy shopping!
Further Reading
Elisabeth Geier is a writer, teacher, and animal advocate with extensive animal handling experience and a soft spot for bully breeds and big orange tabbies.
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