Compare Our Picks
Others We Tested
Courtesy of Petkit
**Petkit Eversweet Max ($90):** This technologically advanced automatic pet fountain is notable for its flexibility, as it can operate either without a cord or via battery power that impressively lasts for up to eighty-three days. Its drinking basin, crafted from stainless steel, resists scratching and bacterial buildup better than plastic, while the main water reservoir is made of lightweight yet durable plastic. However, because of the somewhat bulky design—particularly the deep basin combined with a hefty battery and reservoir—it can be awkward to disassemble and thoroughly clean. A complementary smartphone app tracks each instance your pet takes a drink, maintaining a timeline of activity to help spot any fluctuations in your cat’s drinking habits that could signal health concerns. The app also provides timely alerts when it’s time to replace filters or top off water levels. Unfortunately, it lacks a function to measure or display the remaining water volume, so you must check manually. Its overall ergonomics make the cleaning and refilling process slightly cumbersome.
**Enabot Rola Smart Pet Water Fountain ($50):** This smart and completely cordless fountain operates through a rechargeable battery that delivers up to sixty days of use, though you can keep it connected to power if preferred. At its core is an innovative magnetic-induction pump that works wirelessly, eliminating the tangle of cords and simplifying maintenance. Among all the models tested, this pump stood out as one of the most effortless to clean. The fountain’s smooth stainless steel top is both hygienic and durable, holding a moderate reserve of water even when not running. While the tank itself is plastic—a material prone to bacterial buildup and poor at maintaining a cool temperature—the companion app compensates with robust management tools, sending automated reminders for low water levels, cleaning schedules, and filter changes. If the fountain runs dry, it will automatically pause its flow and alert you to refill it via the app. The app even compiles your pet’s hydration patterns, logging both frequency and duration of drinking sessions, then compares these trends over time. Nevertheless, a frustrating flaw emerged: the fountain tended to revert automatically back to its ‘Sensing’ mode even when users attempted to keep it on the continuous setting.
**Homerunpet Wireless Pet Fountain ($60):** A versatile hybrid design defines this model—it functions as a standard plugged-in fountain when situated on its charging base, or can be untethered and placed anywhere in your home, running on battery power for approximately thirty days. Though entirely constructed of plastic, the transparent exterior makes it easy to monitor water levels at a glance. The top layer and filter components are engineered for quick removal, cleaning, and reassembly, which simplifies maintenance. The nearly silent wireless pump performs admirably and reduces the noise level to a subtle hum, promoting a calmer environment. However, plastic materials, while cheaper and lighter, are inferior to stainless steel in keeping water cooler and cleaner for long periods, requiring vigilant cleaning. The fountain operates intelligently to preserve energy: the bubbling action initiates only when a cat—or a nearby human—approaches. Nevertheless, there’s no way to customize flow intensity or connect to an app for monitoring. While the pump design is convenient, the full-plastic structure is less appealing for long-term durability and hygiene.
**Wonder Creature Cat Fountain ($20):** Over the years, my two cats have rotated through numerous fountains, yet this simple and budget-friendly model has consistently proven reliable. Inside, a soft blue LED light gently illuminates the water, providing visibility in low light and lending a pleasant glow in darker rooms. A transparent side window allows effortless monitoring of water levels from across the room. The dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl is a major advantage for quick sanitation, and the removable floral attachment enables customizing the water’s flow pattern—from a gentle bubble to a cascading waterfall—based on your cat’s preferences. The drawbacks, however, stem from its plastic housing: it accumulates debris more readily and requires frequent filter replacements and thorough cleaning sessions. Additionally, without a water reserve, the fountain cannot sustain hydration during power interruptions or pump failures. Therefore, during extended absences, I substitute it with a dependable gravity-fed water dispenser for my pets.
**Happy & Polly Gothic Cat Drinking Fountain ($60):** For pet owners who appreciate gothic or unconventional aesthetics, this hauntingly charming ceramic fountain shaped like a ghost offers both flair and functionality. Water bubbles elegantly through the top of the figure, pooling calmly on the glazed surface. Its quiet operation—typically around thirty-five decibels—makes it suitable even for serene environments, though the motor becomes significantly louder as the water supply drops, raising concerns about potential overheating if left unattended when nearly empty. With only a 1.5-liter capacity, regular refills are essential to avoid drying out the motor. Although the ceramic finish is durable and easy to sanitize, disassembling its intricate parts can be tedious. A weekly cleaning is highly recommended to prevent residue buildup, and filters should be replaced monthly to maintain optimal hygiene.
**Petkit Eversweet Solo 2 ($45):** Three stand-out attributes characterize this model. First, the bowl rests upon a wireless charging base, eliminating the need for cumbersome cords and simplifying setup. Second, it is exceptionally effortless to clean thanks to its streamlined design and smooth surfaces. Third, its noise level hovers around an impressively low twenty-five decibels, nearly inaudible in a typical household. A discreet flashing indicator alerts you when water levels run low, while the corresponding app tracks filter status. The fountain offers both an intelligent intermittent mode to conserve energy and a night mode that automatically turns off the light for uninterrupted sleep. Remarkably, all three of my cats eagerly drink from this fountain, though this enthusiasm means refilling it frequently—its two-liter capacity empties more quickly than one would expect.
**Oneisall Stainless Steel Pet Fountain ($50):** Minimalistic yet large-capacity, this fountain is optimized for cats and small dogs. Its design features a broad bowl that some cats prefer for ease of access. The primary appeal lies in its predominantly stainless steel build, which mitigates bacterial growth and prolongs cleanliness compared to plastic alternatives. Many of its components are dishwasher-safe, drastically simplifying maintenance. With an impressive seven-liter water reservoir, you won’t need to refill frequently, and the relatively low operational volume—around thirty-five decibels—keeps disturbances minimal. As water levels decline, the sound increases slightly, accompanied by a red light indicator prompting a timely refill. Weekly cleaning suffices for most households, and filters, affordably priced at about fifteen dollars for eight, should be changed monthly to ensure steady purification.
**Petlipo Cordless Cat Water Fountain ($57):** Known for its sizable 2.6-liter tank and versatility, this rechargeable all-plastic fountain can run for as long as sixty days between charges. It rests securely on a magnetic docking base for easy removal and maintenance. The wire-free pump ensures smoother operation while three selectable modes—induction-based activation, timed intervals, and continuous flow—offer flexibility. Its heavy-duty filter, encased in a sturdy plastic cartridge, lasts around four to five weeks before needing replacement. While performance was reliable during testing, the high price feels difficult to justify given its entirely plastic construction, which lacks the durability and sanitary advantages of stainless steel. If budget-conscious buyers prioritize longevity and cleaner water, stainless options remain a better choice.
**Not Recommended**
**Petcube Ceramic Pet Water Fountain ($90):** Initially promising with its sleek appearance and ceramic top, this fountain ultimately disappointed. Despite a partially ceramic build that provides superior hygiene compared to plastic-only units, the setup process proved unintuitive. Fully charging the base to initiate water circulation took noticeably longer than expected, and the built-in sensor that activates flow only responds from one direction, restricting placement options. After initial operation, performance degraded rapidly—the fountain became reliant on constant plugging, the water flow grew weak, and within a little over a week, the entire system ceased functioning. Coupled with its nearly hundred-dollar price tag, these flaws rendered it unworthy of recommendation.
**Cat Mate 3-Level Pet Fountain ($28):** Designed with cascading tiers to accommodate cats that enjoy drinking from various heights, this model sounds practical in theory. However, maintenance quickly turned into a chore, as disassembling the motor requires tools and lengthy soaking for deep cleaning. Because the water must travel across multiple levels, evaporation occurs rapidly, reducing the fill level substantially within only two days. The plastic components, known to harbor mold, further undermine cleanliness. Water circulation inefficiencies caused debris to settle and stagnate at the basin’s front rather than being cycled back through the filtration unit, making this one of the least hygienic fountains tested.
**Whisker City Free Fall Cat Fountain ($30):** Though marketed for cats, its immense 150-fluid-ounce capacity and waterfall-like flow make it better suited for small dogs. Despite the addition of a shallow splash guard, the fountain remains excessively loud during operation. The strong water flow accelerates evaporation, necessitating refills nearly every other day. Unfortunately, the design also forces cats to drink at an uncomfortable angle, and splashing frequently leaves their fur damp. Because the base lacks an inclined surface, debris tends to accumulate rather than flow toward the filtration area, rendering upkeep laborious.
**Petkit EverSweet Solo SE ($26):** Simple yet efficient, this square translucent fountain offers nearly silent operation at twenty-five decibels thanks to a quiet cordless pump. A small reserve of sixty milliliters ensures your pet access to water even during temporary power failures. All sections detach easily, making cleaning straightforward. Unlike the brand’s more advanced models, this one lacks smart controls or app integration, so monitoring water levels remains a manual task. Because its design allows small bits of debris to collect in the top recesses, frequent maintenance is necessary to keep water fresh and appealing.
For testing, I utilized each fountain as my cats’ sole water source for an entire week. Throughout this process, I carefully evaluated the ease of assembly, cleaning efficiency, filter accessibility, and general usability of each type—whether it produced a bubbling, spouting, or waterfall effect. Interestingly, some models provided continuous water streams, while others operated intermittently. My cats demonstrated a clearer preference for fountains with uninterrupted flow, as sporadic pulsing seemed to confuse or disinterest them. As cats can sometimes perceive these devices as toys rather than drinking sources, patience is crucial—offering a secondary water bowl during the transition period helps them gradually adjust.
Adequate hydration is critical for feline health. When cats fail to drink enough water, they become susceptible to urinary tract infections and, especially among males, potentially life-threatening blockages. This is one reason veterinarians often advocate incorporating wet food into feline diets, which naturally supplements moisture intake. Unlike dogs, cats are instinctively particular, often avoiding still water due to their innate evolutionary caution; stagnant water in nature tends to harbor pathogens. Flowing water, therefore, appeals to their senses as safer and fresher. Automatic fountains effectively simulate that movement, aligning with this instinct and thereby encouraging cats to drink more.
While these devices greatly aid hydration, they also require commitment in both maintenance and expense. Unlike traditional bowls, fountains involve occasional disassembly and detailed cleaning of internal parts such as tubes, basins, and pumps—sometimes even partial motor deconstruction to remove mineral buildup. Each brand employs proprietary filter designs that must be replaced routinely, generally every month. Though slightly more laborious, this upkeep directly benefits your cat’s longevity and urinary health.
After extensive testing, certain patterns emerged: many fountains, regardless of aesthetics or app integration, function similarly once assembled. I prioritized robust stainless steel bodies, given that porous plastic can harbor bacteria and odors. I also favored designs with a broad basin and gentle slope that reduce whisker fatigue, and models containing small water reserves that continue to provide hydration during outages. Ultimately, convenience, hygiene, and ease of cleaning outweighed all other factors. If you invest in one of these devices, focus on three indispensable features: a cordless pump for simplified and safer maintenance, a stainless steel reservoir for superior cleanliness, and a visible window to monitor water levels instantly if not managed digitally.
Sourse: https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-cat-water-fountains/
