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Good, better, best: Cat water fountains your pet will love

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If your cat isn’t drinking out of his water bowls or has lately become obsessed with the faucets on your sinks, buying a cat fountain could help solve the problem. Cats are naturally attracted to moving water, and fountains can keep water circulating constantly without wasting it the way that leaving a faucet running does. But cat water fountains come in many different models and designs, and they don’t all offer the same quality. These three cat fountains are all excellent choices for your cat. They include important features like quiet motors and dishwasher-safe elements, and their designs can help encourage your cat to drink, stay hydrated, and stay cool.

Good: NPET Cat Water Fountain

The NPET Cat Water Fountain offers a great value and an eye-catching design. The round shape eliminates any corners and allows the fountain to fit into smaller spaces. The fully translucent water tank makes it easy to check the water level at a glance, ensuring the levels never run low. Its 1.5-liter capacity is ideal for both single- and multi-cat households, and dogs can use this fountain, too. The three-layer filter consists of a sponge, an ion-exchange resin layer, and an activated-carbon layer. Together, those layers filter out debris, soften hard tap water, and remove bad tastes and odors for clean, appealing water.

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This cat fountain offers great adjustability. The faucet can be placed in different positions, including a tall mode, a short mode, and a fountain mode. The tall mode can attract your cat’s attention, while the fountain mode is quieter and ideal for nighttime. This electrically powered fountain features a silent motor and is available both with and without a plug adapter. Amazon reviews praise this cat fountain’s ability to keep cats interested and encourage them to drink.

Why we like it:

  • Can fit into small spaces
  • Easy to check water levels
  • Good for multiple pets (including dogs)
  • Has a three-layer filter
  • Has three modes and is easily adjustable

Better: Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain

Ideal for multi-cat households, the Cat Mate Plastic Dog & Cat Fountain features multiple-height drinking stations, so all your feline friends can refresh themselves in comfort. Its 2-liter capacity means you don’t have to constantly refill it, and it can easily supply multiple cats and dogs. The fountain is equipped with dishwasher-safe bowls, so cleaning it is easy.

This cat fountain features an isolated pump system that allows it to operate quietly. Its 10-foot power cord gives you plenty of choices about where to position the fountain. A low-voltage power supply helps save you money while keeping the water clear, moving, and cool. A polymer-carbon filter continuously purifies the water, and replacement cartridges are available as needed.

Why we like it:

  • Good for multiple pets (including dogs)
  • 2-liter capacity means fewer refills
  • Dishwasher-safe bowls for easy cleaning
  • Quiet operation
  • Low-voltage power supply is energy efficient

Best: PetSafe Sedona Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain

The PetSafe Sedona Ceramic Dog & Cat Fountain is stylish and elegant, making a functional and beautiful addition to any home. This ceramic cat water fountain features a 100-ounce capacity, so it will easily keep multi-pet households supplied and is suitable for both cats and dogs. The impact-resistant plastic bowl creates a large drinking area, so it’s a good choice for larger cats or cats with flat faces who need to get close to the water surface. The bowl is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

This cat waterfall is powered by a low-voltage system, and its submersible pump is super quiet, ideal for even the most timid pets. The ceramic tower encloses an activated-carbon filter that helps keep water clean. Replacement filters are available as needed.

Why we like it:

  • Aesthetically pleasing design
  • Good for multiple pets (including dogs) and large cats
  • Dishwasher-safe bowls for easy cleaning
  • Low-voltage system and submersible pump create a quiet environment
  • Has an activated-carbon filter

When choosing a water fountain for your cat, consider how easily it can be cleaned. Even with filters, these water fountains need to be frequently cleaned to help keep the water appealing and safe for your cats. Features like easily removable designs and parts that can be cleaned in the dishwasher can make deep cleanings faster and simpler. If you’ll be using the fountain in a high-traffic area, like near a living room where you watch TV or in a bathroom off your bedroom, then it’s important to choose a model designed for quiet operation. Whether you just want to encourage your cat to drink or she has a health issue that makes staying hydrated extra important, any of these three cat water fountains can be a satisfying solution.

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Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
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