Best cat water fountains

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Cats may not drink enough water because they evolved to get most of their hydration from prey or running water, not stagnant pools or water bowls. While wet cat food can provide some hydration, cats also need access to clean drinking water to support their long-term kidney and urinary health. The best cat water fountains can help, encouraging some cats to drink more by keeping water fresh and moving.

After testing a dozen fountains and consulting veterinarians, a veterinary nurse, feline behaviorists, and an environmental microbiologist, I found that the best fountains balance a design that works for cats and a cleaning routine people will actually keep up with. I chose the Petlibro Stainless Steel Water Fountain as the best overall. At around $30, it's more affordable than most of its stainless steel competitors without sacrificing quality. It disassembles easily, has few crevices to clean, and runs quietly.

Below, I recommend several other options for a variety of needs. These devices can 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 Care.

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

Our top picks for the best cat water fountains

Best overall: Petlibro Stainless Steel Fountain - See at Chewy

Best ceramic: PawsPik Serenity Faucet Ceramic Cat Fountain - See at Chewy

Best smart: Petlibro Dockstream 2 Smart Cordless Fountain - See at Chewy

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

Best overall

Food-safe stainless steel is a great material for pet fountains because it's nonporous and durable, making it easier to remove biofilm — the red, slimy buildup of bacteria and other microorganisms that can form inside cat water fountains. The Petlibro Stainless Steel Fountain is my top pick because it's built around this advantage: Nearly every component is stainless steel, except for the pump, filter housing, and spout. At around $30, it's a fraction of the price of many comparable options.

Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but I still recommend using the included brush to remove buildup. This fountain makes that easier than most. The cylindrical reservoir has a smooth design, and the spout detaches easily for thorough cleaning. According to Matthew Fields, a biofilm expert at the Center for Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, crevices can become hotspots for buildup, so the fewer nooks to navigate, the better. During testing, debris didn't linger in the spout or top drinking basin. Instead, particles were pulled into the filter and stayed there until the next filter swap. This won't prevent biofilm entirely, but it helps keep drinking areas cleaner.

The spout is adjustable, and both flow settings run quietly, with no hum or rattling metal. When bumped in passing, it didn't slosh or spill. One downside of the solid stainless steel design is that there's no way to see the water level at a glance, and there's no indicator light or automatic shut-off. If the water runs low, the replaceable pump can burn out, so it's important to check it regularly. During a power outage, water won't remain in the top basin. Watson and Dr. Bradley Krohn, a small animal veterinarian in Portland, Oregon, recommend placing multiple non-powered water sources, such as bowls, throughout your home, regardless of the fountain you choose.

Best ceramic

Ceramic is another excellent nonporous material that's easy to scrub clean, though it's heavier than plastic or stainless steel and can crack or break if dropped. The PawsPik Serenity Faucet Ceramic Cat Fountain is my top pick in this category, replacing the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain, which was bulkier, louder, and pricier. It holds 2.2 liters of water, in line with other fountains in this guide, but its small footprint makes it easy to tuck into tight spaces and lift for cleaning.

The fountain is genuinely nice to look at, too. The outer bowl features vertical decorative lines, and the stainless steel spout gives it a clean, modern touch. Cats who love drinking from a running bathroom faucet will appreciate the spout option, while others may prefer to drink from the bubbler when the spout is removed.

The basin, ceramic top, and metal spigot are dishwasher-safe, but the plastic plate housing the filter and pump needs to be hand-washed. Regardless, everything should get a good scrub with the included brush. I recommend cleaning this fountain every few days, or more frequently if you have multiple cats. Mine cleaned up like new after a quick scrub and rinse in the dishwasher. Because the container is solid ceramic, you can't see the water level or how dirty it's gotten until you open it up, and I was genuinely surprised at how dirty mine was after just one week. Debris collected in the top basin and within the crevice around its edge, while grimier buildup settled at the bottom of the tank. The filter itself stayed relatively clean, suggesting that most of the water wasn't cycling through.

Best smart

The Petlibro Dockstream 2 smart features offer something for everyone. If you want to monitor your cat's water intake, the app provides detailed tracking, while push notifications for cleaning and filter changes provide the nudge I need to stay on top of maintenance. This fountain replaces the original Petlibro Dockstream as my favorite smart pick. It gets an upgrade with a larger tank, but the pump-free design and dual power options (corded or cordless battery operation up to 30 days) give it a real leg up over the original. The fountain held firm during durability testing with minimal splashing when bumped.

Submerged water pumps have crevices that accumulate biofilm, so they need to be disassembled and scrubbed. The Dockstream 2 is different — it features a small water rotor that circulates water with a single, easy-to-clean part, so there are fewer hiding spots for grime and a longer expected lifespan. It isn't noticeably quieter than the original, but it's easier to clean. The stainless steel water tray is dishwasher-safe, while the filter housing, spout, and rotor require hand-washing. A big heads up: The rotor is tiny and can fall out when you flip the tank. I've nearly lost mine down the sink disposal and, at the time of writing, Petlibro doesn't sell replacements.

The fountain can run plugged in or cordlessly for up to 30 days on a single charge, making it easy to place on an elevated surface, in a catio, or in my case, anywhere out of reach of a curious toddler. Indicator lights on the front of the base alert you to a low battery, filter change, or low water level, while the Petlibro app offers more detailed tracking and push notifications. It logs water intake, which is helpful for cats with kidney or urinary issues, and sends customizable maintenance reminders. I set mine for weekly cleanings and filter changes every 14 days.

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 pet water fountain for multi-cat homes offers assorted water features like tiers, pools, and streams to provide options 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. One of my adult cats enjoys watching the water cascade down the tiers. The tiers and pools create more nooks to clean, but the fountain, except for the pump, is dishwasher safe.

This fountain doesn't have a low-water indicator. I had only used it for a few days when I 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, I recommend adding more water daily. When the fountain is filled to capacity, you can hear the low hum of the motor.

What to look for in a cat water fountain

Based on insights from the experts I interviewed and my own research and testing, I recommend considering the following essential features when choosing a pet fountain for your cat.

Materials: Cat water fountains are most commonly made of plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic. Even when the main components of a fountain are stainless steel or ceramic, the pump and filter housing are typically plastic.

Regardless of the fountain material, biofilm will eventually accumulate. "We're surrounded by microorganisms, and most are usually harmless. We should just try to manage our exposure to them," Fields says. Some bacteria commonly found in biofilm, such as Serratia marcescens, are natural residents in a healthy cat's mouth, says Dr. Maggie Placer, veterinarian at EveryCat Health Foundation. The buildup you see after a few days without cleaning is typically harmless for healthy cats, but large amounts can affect the taste and safety of your cat's water. Very young, very old, or immunocompromised cats could develop infections from unhygienic fountains.

Because you can't prevent biofilm from accumulating, Fields says the key to clean, fresh water is choosing a fountain material you can properly clean. For removing biofilm, that means manual cleaning.

• Plastic: Plastic fountains are lightweight and more affordable, but plastic is porous and can scratch during cleaning. Those scratches can give biofilm the perfect place to take hold. Use a soft brush or paper towel to manually remove biofilm and replace plastic fountains at the first sign of a scratch.
• Food-grade stainless steel: Also known as type 304 stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel, it is one of the best materials for a cat water fountain. Fields says stainless steel is nonporous and durable enough to withstand repeated mechanical cleaning that removes stubborn biofilm. It's also relatively lightweight and can handle being dropped without cracking. However, not all stainless steel is food-grade, and not all manufacturers are upfront about the grade they use. "It is best to ensure the grade of stainless steel with the manufacturer — never buy a stainless steel product without knowing the grade it's made from," says Kara Burns, a licensed veterinary technician and nutrition specialist at EveryCat Health Foundation.
• Ceramic: Ceramic shares stainless steel's nonporous advantage and is equally durable for cleaning. However, it's the heaviest of the materials, and if damaged, it should be replaced. "One drop or bang can chip, crack, or shatter your ceramic bowl, making it no longer safe for use," Burns says. While ceramic is typically dishwasher safe, it should also be manually cleaned to dislodge biofilm.

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. Watson says some cats don't like lowering their head into a bowl because they feel vulnerable. The Petlibro Stainless Steel and Dockstream 2 fountains offer raised options.

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 lacks a 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 I 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, I considered my setup experience, including assembly time and WiFi connectivity, when applicable. It's important to clean a cat fountain at least once each week, so I also evaluated the ease 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.

Price: Geller points out that a water fountain has a higher lifetime cost than the sticker price, since you have to purchase 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

To test the performance of 12 different fountains, I developed a series of tests drawing on insights from veterinarians and cat behaviorists. In addition to the key evaluation criteria below, I considered each fountain's cost, footprint, warranty, and return policy.

Ease of assembly: I evaluated the time it took to assemble and set up each fountain, including connecting to WiFi and a smartphone app when applicable.

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

Capacity: I measured how much water each fountain could hold and noted any additional features such as auto shut-off 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," Geller says. To test noise levels, I filled each fountain completely and used the "Sound Meter" app on my phone to record the average decibel rating over 30 seconds. Our picks all clock in at around 40 decibels or less. To put that in perspective, 40 decibels is roughly the hum of a quiet library, 30 is a whisper, and 25 is the rustle of leaves. Advertised decibel ratings didn't always match my real-world results, so I confirmed readings using a second app. While background noise in my home could contribute to a higher reading, it's worth erring on the side of caution if you have a timid cat. Cats' hearing is far more sensitive than ours, and even a trickle can spook them away from the fountain.

Filter quality: To assess each fountain's filter performance, I sprinkled 1 teaspoon of crushed dry kibble into the drinking dish. Then, after eight hours of operation, I checked the amount of debris in the fountain's dish and filter.

Cat appropriateness: I prioritized fountains with wide, shallow designs to prevent whisker fatigue and ensure easy access to water. Fountains with multiple drinking areas, such as 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 I 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 I tested had a backup power supply in case of power outages, but I prioritized ones that had water available in the basin when the power was cut off.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Janelle Leeson, pets reporter: As a writer specializing in cat health and wellness, I've spent years interviewing veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists about the importance of hydration and kidney health in cats, which gives me a strong foundation for evaluating what matters in a cat water fountain beyond aesthetics and price. I'm a guardian of two cats, one of whom is obsessed with both drinking from and playing in water fountains. And I'm a mom to a toddler who shares that exact obsession, which means my approach to cat water fountains is as practical as it is personal.

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. I picked the Petlibro Stainless Steel Water Fountain as the best overall choice for its affordability, quiet operation, and ease of cleaning. The Cat Mate 3-Level Fountain may be better if you have multiple cats with different drinking styles. Ultimately, the best cat water fountain depends on your cat's unique personality and needs.

How often should cat water fountains be cleaned?

Cat water fountains should be cleaned at least once a week, and filters should be replaced every two to three weeks. Depending on the number of cats using the fountain, where it's placed, and your water quality, you may need to clean it more often. Every time a cat drinks, they introduce bacteria from their mouth and bits of food from their muzzle, providing the nutrients biofilm needs to grow, Fields says. Filtered, distilled, or municipal water may slow biofilm growth compared to well water, but no water source will prevent it entirely.

What is the slime in my cat's water fountain?

That pink or reddish slime is biofilm, a buildup of microorganisms, most commonly a waterborne bacterium called Serratia marcescens, Fields says. For most healthy cats and humans, normal build-up over a few days poses a low risk, but it is a sign your fountain needs cleaning. An overgrowth, however, can put kittens, senior cats, immunocompromised cats, and those recovering from injury or surgery at risk of infection, Placer says.

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, Krohn says. If your cat is startled by their new fountain, Watson recommends 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.