The Best Water Fountain for Cats and Dogs for 2023
Even on your busiest days, these water fountains will keep your pet hydrated and healthy!
If you rarely see your pet drinking from their water bowl and you are a little concerned that they’re not drinking enough, then a water fountain is exactly what you need!
We all know that cats aren’t the best at drinking water, so a water fountain may help your cat stay hydrated. Given that many cats prefer running water (such as the sink in your kitchen) to stagnant water, these fountains can encourage your cat to drink more. While you may not have any difficulty getting your dog to drink water, you can guarantee that they have fresh, clean drinking water all day. With a water fountain, you can keep your dog healthy and hydrated even on your busiest days!
With so many different water fountains available for purchase online, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your pet, which is why we’ve compiled a list of pet water fountains to save you time and stress!
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain
2. Runner Up
PETKIT Eversweet 3
3. Cost Effective
Catit Flower Fountain
4. Almost Made the Cut
ZEUS H2EAU Elevated Fountain
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain
The mini waterfall design mimics naturally running water, encouraging your pets to drink even more.
Specifications
- Weight
- 7.05 pounds
- Dimensions
- 10.63 x 12.25 x 8.38 inches
- Material
- Ceramic
- Capacity
- 70 oz
Pros
Four Color Options- Two Drinking Levels
- Easy To Clean
Cons
Low Water Levels Can Burn Out The Pump
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to assemble |   | 4.5 |
| Easy to clean | | 4.1 |
| Noise level | | 3.4 |
Who It’s For
Get the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda if you're looking for a multi-level drinking fountain that provides your cat and dog easy access to water on multiple levels.
Why It’s Great
It gets better! It has multiple avenues of access that also include two free-falling streams from the top level, which permit multiple pets to drink simultaneously without needing to push their siblings or friends aside.
Potential Flaws
Given that it’s not overly quiet, it could also be too noisy for some users.
Other Features
In addition to the fact that it's made of ceramic (which looks nice), you can also get it in any color of your choice! It is easy to clean without hidden parts. It also features two filters — the active carbon filter eliminates odors and bad tastes from the water, while the foam filter captures pet hair and other debris, leaving the water at the bottom of the fountain clean and fresh.
It has a limited capacity of only 70 ounces, which isn’t ideal if you have a large dog or multiple cats.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
PETKIT Eversweet 3
The pick automatically shuts off once the water level is too low to prevent burning the pump.
Specifications
- Weight
- 3.75 pounds
- Dimensions
- 7.68 x 7.68 x 6.1 inches
- Capacity
- 46 oz
Pros
- Dual Pumping Modes
- Stainless Steel Bowl
- Multi-Layer Filtration Keeps Water Fresh
Cons
- Cleaning The Pump Can Be A Hassle
Previous Customer Experience
| Noise level | | 4.3 |
| Easy to assemble | | 4.2 |
| Easy to clean | | 4.1 |
| Value for money | | 4.1 |
Who It’s For
If quiet and ease of use are very important to you, then the PetKit Eversweet 2 is for you. This drinking fountain mechanically turns off the pump once the fountain runs low (which would result in motor burnout in other fountains). It also has an LED light indicator to tell you when to change the filter.
Why It’s Great
The best part has to be its smart features. The smart feature makes it cost-efficient in the long run. When the Eversweet detects that it’s nighttime, it decreases the water frequency — slowing down during low-demand times of the day. This drinking fountain reduced energy consumption, pump wear, and filter consumption.
Potential Flaws
Given that it’s smaller, has less water capacity, and is quite costly, it may not be ideal for several pet owners. However, it’s 100% worth it.
Other Features
You will love that it has a three-level filtration system, and yes! The smart feature helps make filters last longer than those in most water fountains. If used in Smart Mode, you’ll have to replace the carbon filter once every three months, while other fountains advise filter replacement once every four weeks.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
Catit Flower Fountain
Even on a tight budget, your pets can have fun and easy access to clean drinking water.
Specifications
- Weight
- 2 pounds
- Dimensions
- 9.0 x 8.3 x 7.7 inches
- Capacity
- 100 oz
Pros
- Three Water Flow Settings
- Easy to Assemble
- Triple Action Filter
Cons
- Can Be Nosy
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to assemble | | 4.6 |
| Easy to clean | | 4.4 |
| Noise level | | 4.1 |
| Sturdiness | | 4.1 |
Who It’s For
Get the Catit Flower Fountain if you are going for a fountain that is easy to assemble, has a cool design, and has a low price. This drinking fountain has a massive 100-ounce water capacity and depending on how you regulate the center flower, the fountain can create free-falling streams, gentle bubbles, or calm streams.
Why It’s Great
This fountain is cute and attractive, making it a fun addition to your home. Even with its massive 100-ounce capacity, we consider this best for small dogs and cats because of how easy it is to disassemble when bumped into. Bigger pets might easily knock off their tops with the least effort.
Potential Flaws
The fountain isn’t as hygienic as ceramic or stainless steel fountains. It's easy to disassemble and easy to clean by hand, but it has only one filter — the carbon filter. This means there is no foam filter to remove debris and hair; everything goes to the carbon filter, which makes it dirty a lot faster.
Other Features
It has a 100-ounce capacity, and the fountains can be adjusted to three different serving speeds, offering either a soft water flow, a bubbling top, or gentle streams. The drinking surface is wide and shallow enough for most cats; even if your cat has sensitive whiskers, it has enough room for it to adjust and drink from the fountain without any stress.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
ZEUS H2EAU Elevated Fountain
This fountain holds 200 fluid ounces, making it perfect for several pets or larger dogs.
Specifications
- Weight
- 1.68 pounds
- Dimensions
- 9.75 x 12 x 6.75 inches
Pros
- Elevated Drinking Bowl
- Large capacity
- Triple-Action Filter
Cons
- Single Water Flow Setting
- Hard To Find Filter
- No Water Level Gauge
- Require Regular Maintenance
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to assemble | | 4.4 |
| Easy to clean | | 4.1 |
| Noise level | | 4 |
Who It’s For
Get the Zeus Dog Drinking Fountain if you have a larger pet or multiple smaller pets. Just like the PETKIT Eversweet 2, this fountain uses triple water filters for extra freshness and cleanliness.
Why It’s Great
The Zeus has a 200-ounce capacity, which means you need to refill the reservoir frequently, maybe once a week, for one big dog or a couple of medium-sized pets. The fountain has no automatic shut-off feature, but the pump lets you know when it's running low by making a humming noise once the water gets to 24 ounces. Otherwise, this fountain is super quiet.
Potential Flaws
The only drawback to this water fountain has to be that finding a replacement for its part could be difficult, and there’s also no option to adjust the flow of water. But those aren’t really flaws. These are just a few things to be aware of.
Other Features
This fountain is excellent for big pets because of its elevated design. The height of the fountain makes it easier for big dogs to drink without bending too low. With its large surface area, refilling this drinking fountain is effortless, ensuring less spillage. The BPA-free plastic is also easy to clean and does not stain.
Who This Is For
The products advertised here are for pet parents or soon-to-be pet owners who are looking for the best way to ensure that your dog and cat are kept hydrated, healthy, and happy all day. This is to help you get the water fountain to suit your pet’s as well as your own needs.
Why you should get a water fountain, according to vets
The major benefit of a pet water fountain is that it encourages cats to drink more.
Research shows that most cats prefer to drink running water rather than stagnant water. And this comes from their wild ancestors, who were able to tell the origins of water with their impeccable sense of hearing rather than depending on their sight or smell alone.
So, why a drinking fountain and not a drinking bowl?
Drinking from a free-flowing water source can well be rooted in the DNA of cats and dogs, who, in the wild, would have drunk from streams or rivers. Flowing water also releases chemicals, which ensures a pet knows where to go for a drink, and flowing water also just tastes a lot fresher than water that’s been sitting in a bowl all day.
Cats have a very low thirst desire when compared to dogs and don’t always drink as much water as they should (especially when eating dry cat food that has little or no water). And when your cat doesn’t drink enough water, it can lead to health issues like a urinary tract infection or simple dehydration.
The goal is for your cats to drink a reasonable amount of water each day to prevent these health issues. And giving cats a fresh, moving source of water by providing them with a drinking fountain can encourage them to drink more.
Why You Should Trust Us
We care about your comfort and the well-being of your pet. There are various suggestions and options on water fountains online, it could be confusing picking one for you, considering which type of cat or dog you own (big-boned or small) and your budget. We have also considered that you would love a water fountain with a nice design that fits well in your home. We have found the best quality water fountain to suit you and prevent you from making the mistake of going for a cheap or less suitable water fountain that you won’t enjoy using.
How We Picked
Material
Material is very important for durability, but a substandard material can cause conditions such as allergies or skin irritation. We searched for durable and less irritation-prone materials.
BPA-free plastic is generally used in these fountains and is a good option, but stainless steel or ceramic may be better for allergies or irritable pets and have increased durability.
Small Pump/Quiet
Sound is a major factor, as some people enjoy the sound of flowing water, but others with sensitive ears may prefer a quiet model. Another thing we consider is the motor sound. Some water fountains can be noisy when they run low on water.
Easy to Clean
You’ll want to wash your pets’ water fountain once every couple of weeks. The best ones make this task easy. We searched for fountains that had simple designs, didn’t have a lot of parts that could store dirt, and were easy to break down when it was time to clean. Most of the water fountains suggested here are easy to clean. However, it is important to know how, as some may be dishwasher-safe and others require hand-washing.
Price vs. Quality
No one wants to spend money on something that might turn out to do more harm than good. With many choices in the market and all revolving around the same price, price is not a good judge of quality in this case. That is why we consider the best water fountain to be one that fulfills its use for a good price.
Low Maintenance
Most water fountains have a carbon filter that needs to be replaced once a month. We prioritized a low-maintenance water fountain so you don’t have to break the bank to provide your pet with clean, fresh water at all times.
Water Capacity
The water capacity of the water fountain is critical if you have a large pet or multiple small pets. If the water fountain has a small tank, you might have to fill it more regularly, and it might feel more like a task than a helping hand. With a bigger water capacity, you can hydrate your multiple pets or bigger pet with just one or two refills a week.
How We Picked
Material
Material is very important for durability. Besides, substandard materials can cause conditions such as allergies or skin irritation. We searched for durable and less irritation-prone materials.
Small Pump/Quiet/Noise
Sound is a major factor, as some people like the sound of flowing water, but others with sensitive ears may prefer a quiet model. Our suggestions contain both.
Easy to Clean
Most of the water fountains suggested here are easy to clean. However, it is important to know that, while some may be dishwasher-safe, others require hand-washing.
Cost-Effectiveness
Nobody wants to spend money on something their pet might not like. As a result, we consider the best water fountain to be one that serves its purpose well at an affordable price.
Care and Maintenance
Each water fountain has its own unique setup, but first, you would need to disconnect the fountain from any light source. Then read through the manual to learn how to disassemble it easily. After your first few practices, you would easily get the hang of it. Just make sure to be careful.
Before cleaning, it is good practice to be aware of the type of material used on the fountain material and whether you could use a dishwasher or would need to hand wash. Knowing this will help you avoid unnecessary damage and teach you how to clean the bowls.
Checking the pump is clean
You need to do this as often as you can to ensure that your pet gets fresh, clean water. However, the intervals at which you check the pump are dependent on how exposed it is to dust or debris. Most pumps are hidden from plain sight, so you might need to disassemble the fountain to see them.
Preventing spillages or leaks
To prevent spillages or leaks you might consider placing an electric fountain near an outlet, but also away from foot traffic, and keep it close to a sink so it’s less of a trip to clean and refill it
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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