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After owning numerous models, tons of research, and observing my Maine Coon cat, I’ve found that the Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Water Fountain is the best cat water fountain.
- Stainless steel for highest level of cleanliness
- Simple, functional, encourages drinking.
- Large 128 oz capacity
- Low maintenance
- Requires filter replacement.
But the best cat water fountain for my Maine Coon may not be the best for your cat. So in this post, we talk about other great fountains in different categories, with a full buying guide at the end!
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain 168oz
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 168 oz
PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Fountain
- Ceramic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 70 oz
NPET WF050 Pet Water Fountain, 1.5L
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 50 oz
- Plastic, Stainless-Steel Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 71 oz
- Overall Best Cat Water Fountain
- Runner Up Automatic Cat Water Fountain
- Premium Pick Cat Fountain
- Best Pet Fountain on a Budget
- Best Cat Fountain for Small Cats
- Smart Automatic Cat Water Fountain
- Looking for a Motion Sensor Cat Water Fountain?
- Want a Cool Modern Looking Cat Fountain?
- What is the Best Water Bowl for Cats?
- How to Choose the Right Cat Water Fountain
- Maine Coons and Water
Overall Best Cat Water Fountain
- Huge capacity and drinking area
- Stainless steel
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Variable flow speed
This model is the overall best cat water fountain because of the hygienic nature of its stainless steel construction, how easy it is to use and clean, and the simple nature of it.
To be honest, I simply wanted my cat to drink more clean water from a nice sanitary place. This fountain accomplishes that very well!
It’s not the cheapest pet drinking fountain, but you should not skimp when it’s on something as important as drinking water.
Super Hygienic
Stainless steel is a superior material for eating and drinking as it’s non-porous, non-toxic, durable and easy to clean, and does not retain odors.
Using stainless steel also eliminates the chances your cat will develop cat acne!
Cat acne is definitely a thing where your cat develops bumps around their chin. The bumps can be red, or whiteheads and blackheads.
Easy to Use and Elegant
The Pioneer Pet Big Max comes in just a few pieces, and it fits together well… definitely not cheap feeling or looking.
Fill it with water (or bottled water), choose a flow rate from the pump via a switch, and it’s on.
Water gurgles up onto plateau area, then runs down in a stream. Your cat drinks from the top or in the stream. The best cat fountain should be simple and functional.
Another thing noteworthy is how no-frills it is. To be blunt – it’s kind of basic and lacks features that some other models have here.
And that’s fine!
To quote your dad, “Less features just means less parts to break and less electronics to replace.”
Maintenance
The only maintenance is:
- Changing a carbon filter every month – which is like no work
- Cleaning non-electronic parts every week (white vinegar or place in dishwasher)
- Keeping the water level topped up
The last step reads like a joke, but you should keep an eye on the water level. If too low, the pump could get damaged running without adequate water.
Maine Coon or Large Cat Sized Capacity
Pioneer Pet also made this fountain adequately large, at a 128 oz water capacity. No more constant refills, which is perfect for my Maine Coon and other large, thirsty cats.
For smaller cats that don’t drink as much, Pioneer Pet makes a similar stainless steel 60 oz version. But our previous fountain was a 168 oz mega unit, so 60 oz wouldn’t do 🙂
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 10/10
- Performance 7/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Noise 10/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 8.6
What We Liked:
- Huge capacity and drinking area
- Stainless steel
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Variable flow speed
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cleaning and maintenance
Runner Up Automatic Cat Water Fountain
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 168 oz
This was the automatic cat water fountain we used before switching to the stainless steel Pioneer Pet FYI.
It’s the runner up simply because of the plastic construction and how it required weekly cleaning by talking it apart and soaking in vinegar, then scrubbing.
My cat loved everything else about it, because it not only encourages drinking more water, it’s also a source of daily entertainment! Definitely a one of the best cat water fountains out there.
The Waterfall Effect
The main draw is the long falling water stream, similar to a sink…
And a pool of water on the bottom, similar to a toilet. (Which some cats will explore, so keep the lids shut!)
Most cats not only drink more from this, they may even stare at the movement and stick their paws in to play! It’s toy plus water fountain, really.
Jumbo Sized
We can’t talk about the Petsafe Drinkwell Premium model without mentioning the size! Benefits of the jumbo size:
- You fill it up once with filtered water and don’t need to refill for quite some time.
- The tank is large and clear so you can tell easily when to refill. This is rare, believe it or not.
- The higher the fountain, the more time the stream falls!
- Your cat does not need need to bend over or hunch down to drink – good for senior cats or those with mobility problems. Elevated cat bowls operate on this idea too.
Convenience
Compared to the Pioneer Pet, the Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum fountain is full of features I missed.
This model is equipped with an adjustable switch to adjust water flow, so you can simulate the exact condition your cat wants.
The filter system is actually 2 step – there’s a pre-filter for large debris in the water, and the activated carbon filter for odors and taste.
Super easy to change the filters every month as well.
The LED model has a nightlight so you and your pet can see it in the dark.
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 10/10
- Performance 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 6/10
- Noise 7/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 8
What We Liked:
- Large capacity and drinking area
- Water stream affect
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Variable flow speed
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cleaning and maintenance
Premium Pick Cat Fountain
- Ceramic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 70 oz
For fans of the above PetSafe brand and their Drinkwell Platinum fountain above, but not digging the plastic construction, this ceramic version may be just the model for you. It certainly is the thousand reviewers who give it a 4.5 star rating!
In fact, the PetSafe Drinkwell Seascape Ceramic Pet Fountain addresses most gripes anyone may have above the Platinum. (At least, all of mine). It’s a great contender for my next fountain purchase actually. Just one point stops me from wholeheartedly recommending it to everyone – the price.
Ceramic Construction
This whisper-quiet fountain is constructed of hygienic ceramic vs plastic. Ceramic, as we know is a top tier material for utensils and drinking accessories because of its non-porous and non-toxic nature.
Basically it doesn’t absorb odors or flavors and is not going to expose your cat to potentially dangerous chemicals like plastic can!
Classy Premium Design
To me this is among the best cat water fountains to display in your house. It looks lovely and is reminiscent of an art installation. A nice upgrade from the all-business look and feel of the Platinum fountain, in my opinion.
The Seascape Ceramic Pet Fountain is also quite simple in construction, which means it’s easy to clean. This was one point that dragged the Platinum fountain down. And many cat owners echo this sentiment, too.
Trusted Brand Performance
As a PetSafe product, naturally the performance is very good. I’m a fan of the super quiet motor and water flow. 2 filters keep the circulating water fresh and attracts your cat to drink up more!
With 2 spots to drink (the basin and ball), Fluffy can lap up without neck strain.
A downside (and this may not matter to you) to this cat fountain is it’s normal size – this is not a jumbo or extra large capacity mode.
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 10/10
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Noise 10/10
- Price 6/10
- Overall Rating 8.6
What We Liked:
- Ceramic construction
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Design
- Easier to clean with less internal parts
- Extremely quiet
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Best Pet Fountain on a Budget
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 100 oz
For an inexpensive model, the plastic Catit Flower Water Fountain packs a lot of punch…
This automatic cat waterer fountain rocks features from more expensive models, including flow and a 100 oz capacity, while being exceptionally simple to clean and easy to live with.
(This model is also one of my top spill proof cat water bowls because there is limited standing water for naughty cats to splash out.)
2022 Update: Catit also recently released a model with a stainless steel upper, which solves the biggest issue for me!
Mini Waterfall Effect
The Catit Flower Water Fountain is the one to get if you desire the waterfall effect of the Petwell Drinkwell platinum, just a bit smaller in scale!
The free flow is just a few inches, but this might be the feature to get your cat to drink.
But what if it’s not and your finicky cat wants a pool or bubbling water instead? This cute flower automatic fountain accommodates with 3 stream variations.
Easy to Live With
I can get behind how easy to clean this fountain is:
- The whole thing is basically 4 parts that stack together
- Each component has expansive flat areas for easy cleaning
- No right angles, corners, and crevices or random parts to get moldy and scummy
- This model is also very quiet. You set it, forget it, and will not even realize it’s on after while.
How Much Water Capacity in the Catit Water Fountain?
At 100 oz, the Catit Flower Water Fountain holds a bit less than our Pioneer Pet Big Max – our overall winner. The Catit is pretty large, just refill it and forget it.
Filter
Though keep an eye on how hard all that water is working this model’s little one piece filter. There isn’t a pre-filter at this price range.
People mentioned needing to change it more often than the other models.
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 10/10
- Performance 6/10
- Ease of Cleaning 6/10
- Noise 7/10
- Price 7/10
- Overall Rating 7.2
What We Liked:
- Price
- Water stream effect
- Different water output options
- Easy to clean
What We Didn’t Like:
- Filter is only 1 layer
Best Cat Fountain for Small Cats
- Water stream effect
- Replaceable 2-filter system
- Adjustable flow
Another one of the best water fountains for cats is this isYoung LED Cat Fountain.
This model is a great balance of price, features, and compact size, all in an attractive plastic package.
If you want benefits of more expensive fountains and Fluffy doesn’t drink that much water, this could be your cat drinking fountain.
Filter System and Capacity
The isYoung LED Water Fountain scores points here with their 2 filter system.
- A net to catch big debris like hair or other nasties
- An activated charcoal carbon filter for freshness
At this price point, the two filter system is standard, so just change the filters every month or so. Filters are easily found online.
At 51 oz, this is the smallest tank capacity on the list and you will be refilling it more often.
But for single or smaller cats, it’s a fine replacement to the sink.
Cat Drinking Fountain with Freefalling Water
The sweet waterfall feature of the expensive Drinkwell Platinum is here too on the isYoung LED Water Fountain too.
And the adjustable stream falls for a respectable amount of time!
At least compared to the Catit’s tiny drop.
When your cat sees this, they can’t help but investigate. Again, this cat drinking fountain is part toy, part hydration device.
Kitty can drink from two areas: the stream and the pool that collects.
As mentioned, you can play with different flow rates of the water and keep it dynamic for your cat – since it changes the sound of the water hitting the below.
Snazzy Night Mode
Are you – or your cat – easily amused by bright lights and pretty things? Then the cool LED during night mode will impress you 🙂
The LED plus gurgling water sound makes for a pretty soothing vibe. If placed in a kitchen or somewhere, it’s a spiffy nightlight too.
Realize the point of the LED is to look cool and alert you so you don’t step on it at night. It’s not for your cat, he can see fine in the dark! 😀 (You can turn off the LED as well.)
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 6/10
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 6/10
- Noise 9/10
- Price 10/10
- Overall Rating 7.8
What We Liked:
- Water stream effect
- Replaceable 2 filter system
- Adjustable flow
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic construction
Smart Automatic Cat Water Fountain
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 67 oz
The PETKIT Eversweet 2 is the “smartest” automatic cat water fountain. Love the futuristic design!
If you can forgive plastic construction and a lower water capacity, this super quiet cat drinking fountain is easy to clean and live with everyday.
Cat Drinking Fountain That Communicates With You
This water fountain for cats touts itself as “intelligent” and I have to agree. It’s so fail-proof!
It’s intelligent enough to alert you when the water needs topping up or when filter needs replacing via different color LED’s turning on.
If you don’t add water, the PETKIT Eversweet 2 turns itself off near empty, thereby sparing the pump and motor.
Smart Mode
Cats are not always drinking water. During the down times, why don’t we have a “sleep mode?”
This cat fountain does have that feature!
It’s called “smart mode” detects ambient light so it knows when it’s night time. At that time, it will adjust the water stream and circulate less.
Therefore saving you electricity, reducing noise, and minimizing normal wear and tear on the fountains parts.
The Filters
The PETKIT Eversweet 2 has 3 filters. Three!
- Top mesh screen
- Carbon filter plus an “ion exchange resin”
- Foam filter around the pump
Overall the design of this automatic cat water fountain is great at separating the pump from fur and other stuff since the pump is located at the bottom of the unit.
The water is pushed up, filtered twice, and bubbles like a brook onto the top where Fluffy drink it. Just once drinking location.
So no, this is not a waterfall fountain. But your cat is just as likely like to stare at it deeply 😀
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 5/10
- Performance 8/10
- Ease of Cleaning 5/10
- Noise 10/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 7.4
What We Liked:
- Design
- Large, elevated drinking area
- 3 filter system
- Sleep and auto-shut off modes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic construction
Looking for a Motion Sensor Cat Water Fountain?
- Plastic Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 50 oz
I recommend the NPET WF050 Pet Water Fountain, 1.5L with Faucet Kit, as one of the best motion sensor cat drinking fountains.
The NPET WF050 is a a very competent pet water fountain, with a decent capacity and a quiet pump. Your cat also will enjoy filtered water from its multiple filtration systems.
It’s perfect for those who don’t want the fountain’s motor and pump running all day, thanks to a connected motion sensor you can place in a nearby area.
As your cat approaches the fountain, water starts running. Users who have purchased say that the motion sensors are sensitive and works exactly as described. It runs for about 30 seconds, then stops.
Others also said the act of the water flowing and stopping is actually intriguing to their cat and encourages them to drink more! One of the best pet water fountains, for sure.
To me the, downsides are its plastic construction.
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 8/10
- Performance 9/10
- Ease of Cleaning 9/10
- Noise 10/10
- Price 9/10
- Overall Rating 9/10
What We Liked:
- Actually motion activated
- 3 water output modes
- 3 filter system
- Easy to assemble
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic construction
Want a Cool Modern Looking Cat Fountain?
- Plastic, Stainless-Steel Construction
- Replaceable filter
- Capacity 71 oz
For you design-savvy buyers out there looking for a cat fountain, the PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain is a great pick. The fountain may for for your cat to drink, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look cute right?
The PETLIBRO is soothing to look at and reminds me of a nice spa day with the slightly opaque tank. But as one of the best cat drinking fountains, it is more than just good design, it’s a super easy to live with and most buyers are really happy with it.
While not 128 or 164 oz water capacity, the 70 oz tank is enough for small to regular sized cats.
The frosted look elevates it from totally clear dispensers that can seem a little cheap. It’s more than a design choice though, and allows you to see the water level for refilling!
Design Meets Function
Water streams out of the dispenser’s outlet pipe or bubbles up with the whole operation being virtually silent. Reviewers said their cats enjoyed drinking from the stream and the large stainless steel top case.
About that top case though – I’m super glad a stainless steel option is available, or I would not include it. As we know by now, stainless beats plastic for the sanitation, the potential leaching out of toxins, and for avoiding chin acne.
Great Performance
On the utility front, many owners say the PETLIBRO is one of the best cat water fountains because it is easy to assemble, simple to clean, and they do like the quad (!) filter systems. Most common complaint was a short wire to plug into the wall. Just use an extension chord, if that comes up!
Rating Breakdown:
- Assembly 10/10
- Performance 5/10
- Ease of Cleaning 5/10
- Noise 10/10
- Price 8/10
- Overall Rating 7.6
What We Liked:
- Design
- Stainless steel top
- Wide drinking area
- 4 filter system
- Quiet operation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plastic construction
What is the Best Water Bowl for Cats?
The Americat Stainless Steel Bowl is my best pick for a water bowl for cats. It’s deep with tall sides to help decrease spills, constructed with heavy 304 series stainless steel not used in other cat bowls.
How to Choose the Right Cat Water Fountain
Like any pet product, the selection is vast, and the best one for your needs depends on you or your cat’s finicky tastes.
The best cat fountains should be easy to live with and encourage water drinking. In my cat water fountain reviews above, I made sure to highlight the following things.
Materials
The ideal materials for a water fountain will be stainless steel or glass. Those materials, along with glass, are non-porous and do not absorb odors or flavors. They are also the most sanitary, durable, and safe.
Try to stay away from plastic water fountains- the possibly hazardous chemicals in it range from bisphenol A (BPA) to phthalates. Not good for children and not great for your fur-children as well.
Plastic is also porous, can harbor smells and tastes, and can be less durable.
Easy to Clean
Kitty water fountains accumulate mildew over time, and it’s essential to remove this for safety and sanitation.
Ideally, you’ll be cleaning the cat fountain regularly, so make sure the unit you choose does not have hard to reach areas or parts. If it is dishwasher-safe, that’s another bonus.
Filtered
You use a filter for your water in the home, refrigerator, or dispenser, right? Then why should it be different for your cat?
Filters for cat water fountains come in a few flavors, from the usual carbon filters, to larger units that physically catch miscellaneous debris or hair. All models above include filters.
Circulating Water
In my opinion, the best cat fountains have moving water. Your cat is not likely to drink from a dish with stale water. Nature tells him harmful bacteria or other nasties are lurking in it.
Who knows how long the water’s been sitting out there? Cats are very hygienic, but I doubt you would drink from a tepid still pool of water, either.
Another pro-tip from nature: don’t drink the water near food. Your little killer heeds this call as well, because in the hunting days… Well, hunting is messy and violent – and water nearby may be compromised.
What’s the answer to all this? A circulating kitty water fountain with a filter, placed away from the the feeding area!
Maine Coons and Water
When reviewing these kitty water fountains, I’ve mentioned my Maine Coon playing or amusing herself with the water.
If you have a Maine Coon around, you should know that that breed and water are definitely a thing. They’re obsessed. Splashing, dipping their paws in, making a mess, and occasionally drinking it.
Which means you and your Maine Coon will have extra fun with your water fountains!
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
