How to Save Money When Buying Smart Pet Water Dispenser

If you have a cat, chances are you’ve struggled at one point or another to get them to drink enough water (that is, water that doesn’t come directly from the sink faucet). For those with H2O-averse pets, we rounded up the best cat water fountains to help make hydrating more enticing by providing fresh, flowing water around the clock to support their overall health. After recruiting an eight-person panel to rigorously test 16 popular models—with crucial help from 15 willing felines—we’ve determined the top option for most cat owners is the Petlibro Dockstream Cordless Fountain. It’s a whisper-quiet pick with a wireless pump and built-in rechargeable battery, so you can place it anywhere in your home.

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Here are all the models that earned top marks based on our testing:

If you’ve ever wondered why cats are notoriously bad at drinking water, “blame their wild ancestors,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, DVM, director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet. “Cats evolved as desert dwellers, relying on the moisture in their prey for hydration.” Their bodies are built to conserve water—hence, the low thirst drive. Even so, they tend to be drawn to moving water, which is why fountains are so effective: They’re “VIP hydration stations,” Lippman adds. And because dehydration can cause digestive, kidney and urinary tract issues, a reliable water fountain is also an investment in your pet’s long-term health. (Note: Wet cat foods are another vet-approved way to meet this hydration quota.) From basic stainless steel models to high-tech options that monitor how much your cat is drinking, here are the very best cat water fountains that we’ve tested.

We’ve tried out a lot of top-rated cat fountains over the last year or so, and none has impressed us as much as the Petlibro Dockstream Cordless Fountain. Featuring a 2.5-liter capacity, this best-selling model has a removable spout that empties into a water basin made from stainless steel, a durable material that’s recommended by vets for its allergy-friendly and antibacterial properties. During testing, we also appreciated its ultra-quiet operation, wireless pump and how easy it is to take apart.

The main appeal of this fountain, arguably, is its wireless design. Equipped with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 30 days, the device doesn’t have to be next to an electrical outlet, allowing you to place it wherever you want. (The battery-powered design also means that if the power goes out, the model will continue to run.) When running on battery power, the model enters radar induction mode: To conserve energy, water doesn’t flow until it senses your pet up to 31.5 inches away, prompting it to power on and dispense water for 42 seconds; just note that the back of the fountain can’t detect pets, so consider placing that side against a wall. If you keep the fountain plugged in, water flows continuously from the spout into the basin, which locks in place for extra security.

We also really appreciate this model’s wireless pump, which means the water reservoir and the base are separate pieces. “This makes it a bit easier to clean, but more importantly, the power source goes into the base and isn’t submerged in the water like with some other water fountains,” says executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who tested this model with her three cats. “With water fountains that have power sources in the reservoir, I always get overly concerned that something is going to go wrong and the cats are going to get electrocuted.” Giving you further peace of mind, the device automatically shuts off when water levels are low, preventing the pump from burning out.

Based on testing, this model has only a few downsides. First, the power button and charging port are located on the underside of the fountain, “which looks nice aesthetically, but you have to pick the whole thing up to access it,” notes Boyers. Additionally, the brand recommends replacing the four-layer activated carbon filter every two weeks, which is relatively frequent—though you can probably get away with going three or four weeks if you run the device on battery mode. But ultimately, we think this is an all-around great model that checks all the most important boxes.

Long-term testing notes: Boyers continues to use the Petlibro Dockstream with her cats, whom she says prefer drinking out of this fountain over their other water sources. She still appreciates how easy it is to clean, and it’s “much easier to maintain than others I’ve used in the past.” She adds, “The filter works great, and I never see any stray fur or particles floating around in between deep cleans.” And as noted during testing, it remains quiet: “I can definitely hear the water flowing—but it actually sounds soothing, and it’s not annoying or intrusive.”

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Whether your cat has a contact allergy to plastic or you simply don’t like the look of the material, stainless steel is a top choice among vets: “It’s durable, easy to clean and less likely to cause allergies,” says Lippman. (It’s also resistant to bacterial growth.) Out of all the stainless steel versions we’ve put through their paces, we’ve been most impressed by this one from Rellaty. “It’s sleek, holds a good amount of water and doesn’t make a lot of noise,” says senior sleep and mattress editor Bridget Chapman, who’s been testing it for a year.

Whereas most cat fountains hold around 2 liters of water, this one has a generous 3.2-liter capacity, making it a great option for households with multiple cats and owners who don’t want something they have to refill all the time. It also gives your cat options: When running, water streams out both sides of a T-shaped faucet in the middle of the reservoir, so they can either drink from the spout or the basin. Though it’s not the absolute quietest model we’ve tested, it makes little noise. “And if you do hear it, it’s a bit soothing to listen to, like a gentle babbling brook in the background,” Chapman adds.

What’s more, all the pieces (except for the pump and filter) can go in the dishwasher. While you do have to wash the T-shaped faucet and motor by hand, the fountain comes with a small brush to help you get into the crevices. The only thing we don’t love about this fountain is the life of its activated carbon filter, which the brand suggests changing every two to three weeks. It’s also worth noting that this device is relatively light, weighing in at 1.5 pounds, which extra-playful cats might be able to move around even when it’s filled.

Long-term testing notes: Chapman, who’s been using the Rellaty with her cat for over a year now, says that while it only makes a soft, soothing sound, this model does get a bit louder when the water gets low—which is actually a helpful indicator. She also says that while this fountain is mostly dishwasher safe, it’s quicker to wash the parts by hand, though washing all six parts can be a nuisance. While her main gripe is that the filter needs to be every two to three weeks, Chapman says that the Rellaty is still “definitely worth the cost.”

If you just want something simple, this inexpensive fountain from Giotohun is a reliable, no-frills option that gets the job done. With a dark, translucent plastic body and a faucet-like metal spout, this model dispenses water just like a sink, emptying fresh H2O into a 2-liter tank below. Thanks to an unfussy design that’s made of just a handful of removable parts, it’s a breeze to disassemble, clean and put back together. (Just make sure you have a straw cleaner—a brush isn’t included.) Equally as important, our tester reports it’s cat-approved: “This is definitely Sandy’s new favorite method of water intake,” says SEO content strategist Dawlat Chebly.

Beyond that, this fountain is pretty basic—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It has a relatively standard multi-part filtration system, which includes an activated carbon filter, a high-density cotton layer and a sponge filter. To ensure your pet’s water stays clean, the brand recommends changing the carbon filter every two to four weeks. That said, it does have one non-essential feature: There’s a built-in LED light to help you see when water levels are running low and to help your pet drink in the dark. Even with the light, though, it can be difficult to spot dirt and grime on the fountain’s dark body, so just make sure you stay up on your regular cleanings (or check out the brand’s pink version). One more potential downside: Because of the sink-like design, this fountain does make more of a trickling noise than other models we’ve tested, though we don’t find it to be too disruptive.

Long-term testing notes: Chebly says she has continued using the Giotohun after intial testing: “Sandy loves it!” The one big difference since that is that adding water is now “ten times easier.” Chebly says, “I realized instead of having to open the lid and make a watery mess every time, I can just pour more water in from the top and it'll just be added to the cycle. Now I only really need to pick up the machine when I clean it once every two weeks.”

After plastic and stainless steel, ceramic is the third most common material for a cat fountain, as it’s attractive, hygienic and easy to clean. (Like stainless steel, it’s less likely to form scratches, which can harbor bacteria.) If you’re drawn to those qualities, I’ve personally been using this multitiered model for a year, which has more than proven its durability.

Like many non-plastic models, this fountain is pretty basic: It has an activated carbon filter that lasts between two and four weeks, holds around 2 liters of water and dispenses water, and nothing more. It also, as is typical for ceramic fountains, has some heft to it. When empty, this model weighs nearly 6 pounds, which can make it more difficult to refill; I recommend using a jug and pouring water into it rather than carrying the whole thing over to the sink. If you have a cat with playful or destructive tendencies, though, you’ll appreciate the weight. My cat, Paulie, can be a troublemaker—he’s single-handedly deconstructed two fountains in his lifetime. With this ceramic model, he’s never even tried to move it around the floor.

What’s more, my year-old fountain is showing no signs of wear—it looks brand-new, especially right after it’s cleaned. But about that cleaning process: Though the two ceramic pieces require nothing more than a quick rinse, the motor is, frankly, a pain to wash. To open it, the brand recommends using pliers, which I’ve found to be a necessary tool. Due to this difficulty, it can be tempting to neglect the motor during your weekly cleanings, though you’ll pay a price if you do. Every time I’ve put it off, my fountain has clogged, causing the bubbling water to turn into more of a sad trickle. (Thankfully, your cat still has access to the water.) Once you take it apart and clean its crevices, though, the fountain resumes bubbling in no time. Like many models on this list, the activated carbon filter needs to be replaced every two to four weeks.

If you want to keep tabs on your cat’s water intake, the cordless Eversweet Max—Petkit’s newest model—tracks the frequency at which your cat drinks and the duration of every visit, giving you a comprehensive look at your pet’s hydration habits. Not only is this information interesting to read through on the brand’s user-friendly app, but it can also help you stay on top of your cat’s overall health.

Featuring a single spout that dispenses water into a water tray just below, this large-capacity model has a few thoughtful design touches. Namely, the tray—which feels high-quality and sturdy—is made from coated stainless steel that’s designed to resist biofilm from building up, plus it can hold up to 120mL of water in the event that the machine powers down. It also (like the Petlibro, our top pick overall) can run on battery power, allowing you to place it anywhere you want. That said, while testing this model in my home, I personally preferred using it plugged in. On battery mode, the fountain pumps water intermittently at a frequency of your choice; on normal mode, you can choose between Standard (a continuous water flow) or Intermittent. Additionally, while the brand says the battery can last up to 83 days on a single charge, that’s only if it pumps water very infrequently—we’re talking a few seconds every hour. If you want the battery to last 60 days, for example, water can only flow for 25 seconds before stopping for 29 minutes.

But again, what makes this fountain truly noteworthy is its smart features. The app, which is easy to set up and navigate, gives you tons of information: remaining filter life, the number of times the water’s been purified and electricity consumption, as well as your cat’s drinking record, which notes the time of day your cat visited the fountain and how long they stayed. You also can set up regular reminders in the app to clean the fountain or refill its water, plus it’s set up to automatically notify you when water is running low or you need to change the multi-layer filter. It’d be nice if this model had a motion sensor to detect when your cat approaches it to signal it to power on if it’s sleeping (like our top pick overall), considering this is the most expensive fountain we tested—but otherwise, this is one versatile, advanced pick.

Regularly replacing the filter is a necessary part of cat fountain maintenance, with most brands recommending you do so every two to four weeks. It’s also a dreaded step, since it’s easy to forget to keep replacement filters on hand—plus, they’re an added cost. That’s why Petkit’s Eversweet 3 Pro is a standout model: If you run the fountain on smart mode, where the water pumps intermittently every few minutes, the four-layer filter can remain effective for eight weeks or longer. And on Normal mode, the filter should last a full month, which is still a pretty good lifespan. This model also makes virtually no noise, and all the parts detach easily for a seamless cleaning experience.

After you set up the fountain (which took me less than 10 minutes), download the app and connect to it via Bluetooth, you can customize the water flow, choosing between Normal, Smart and Sleep mode. The default for Smart mode is three minutes on, three minutes off, but you can change the cadence—and as you adjust the water flow time and the sleeping mode time, the app tells you how many days the filter will remain effective. Also in the app, you can set up reminders to clean the fountain on a set basis, which I’ve really appreciated while testing this model, plus it notifies you when water levels are low (meanwhile, the fountain shuts off automatically). Additionally, the wireless pump regularly sanitizes the water with a UVC light, which research has shown to be highly effective at killing microbes like bacteria, fungi and viruses.

During testing, I noted just a few downsides. First off, the water tray—which I wish were made of stainless steel like the water container—is relatively shallow, so if you ever lose power, your cat has access to only 60mL of water. Additionally, a USB wall adapter is not included, so you need to double-check you have one on hand or purchase one separately.

Long-term testing insights: I’ve kept using the Eversweet since testing, and it continues to run smoothly. Over the past few months, I’ve really come to appreciate how easy it is to clean, thanks to its wireless design. With other fountains I've owned, I’ve found myself tempted to put off cleaning, which partly defeats the purpose of using a fountain the first place. With this one, I’ve stayed on top of the routine maintenance.

Compared to simple water bowls, of course, cat fountains are objectively more annoying to clean, as you typically have to take apart multiple pieces and navigate cords. But some models are less of a pain—and none have earned higher marks in this regard than the Pioneer Pet Raindrop fountain. Over the year that our tester has used this device, she’s consistently praised how straightforward it is to clean.

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While she found this fountain a little tricky to set up (it took a minute to get the pump and activated carbon filter situated), once you figure it out, assembling and disassembling it is a breeze. After all, it’s made up of just two stainless steel parts, both of which can go in the dishwasher. (The pump, meanwhile, needs to be washed by hand.) And if you prefer to hand-wash everything, the pieces have no crevices or hard-to-reach areas. To clean it, “you just remove the power cord and filter, wash it out and then reassemble,” says tester Boyers, who also appreciates the fountain’s slight profile. “It’s very minimal and low to the ground, so it blends in seamlessly and doesn't feel intrusive.” (The brand also sells a larger model that can hold twice as much water, and it’s just as sleek and easy to maintain.) Compared with other fountains on this list, though, it can be a little loud, especially when the water is low.

Other Cat Water Fountains We Tested

We’ve tested a lot of cat water fountains over the past year, including a few models that we think are worth considering and others that didn’t impress us quite as much.

Cat Water Fountains We Recommend

Catit Flower Fountain: Even if you’ve never shopped for a cat water fountain before, chances are you’re familiar with this longtime best-selling pick. Multiple staffers have used this basic fountain, which is quiet and easy to assemble and clean; it’d be a solid option for budget-minded shoppers who aren’t drawn to the Giotohun Cat Water Fountain.

Petkit Eversweet Solo 2 Cat Water Fountain: This plastic model is basically a less high-tech version of the Petkit Eversweet 3 Pro: Though it holds 0.65 liters more water, it doesn’t have a stainless steel container or a pump equipped with UVC light to help kill bacteria. Even without those features, this model really impressed our tester, director of features and special projects Kim Peiffer, with its ultra-quiet operation, compact design and useful app that notifies you when water levels are low. If you like the look of the Eversweet 3 Pro but don’t want to drop $80, this version is currently $40 less.

Petkit Eversweet Solo SE Fountain Pump: This model used to be our top pick overall, thanks to its quiet operation and wireless pump design, but according to the brand, it’s being discontinued. It’s also available on Amazon and at other retailers, and we still believe it’s a good option worth the investment, especially if it’s on sale.

Petlibro Dockstream RFID Smart Fountain: What sets this model apart from the rest is its ability to track multiple cats’ drinking habits. Your pets, though, will need to wear the included collars to help the fountain distinguish between them. Because many vets are against putting collars on cats, especially if they aren’t breakaway (and these are not), we’re somewhat hesitant to recommend this model. That said, this fountain could be extremely valuable if you have multiple cats, particularly if one or more has an ailment like chronic kidney disease—though we’d advise checking in with your vet first.

Cat Water Fountains We Don’t Recommend

Veken Automatic Pet Fountain: While our tester (and her three cats) like the Veken’s generous 2.8-liter capacity, wide drinking area, sturdiness and minimalist aesthetic, it faltered in two other aspects: For one, it’s tricky to transport when filled (it gets quite heavy and the matte plastic is slippery to hold); secondly, its filtration wasn’t as effective as our top recommendations.

Cat Mate 3-Level Pet Fountain: Not only did we find this fountain somewhat difficult to set up, but our tester also struggled to get it to power up a few times. It’s also relatively lightweight—which is great when you’re refilling it but not so great if you have cats who like to move their fountain around.

Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain: While this model is sturdy and easy to clean, our tester found it to be somewhat loud, plus the filter wasn’t the most effective at capturing debris.

Petsafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain: A lot of pet owners like this ceramic, pagoda-style fountain, but we found it to be loud—so loud, one of our testers had to unplug it at night because it was making so much noise.

Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum Fountain: While one of our testers thought this was a solid large-capacity fountain that would make sense in multi-cat homes, another tester had big issues with it: They reported that on top of being bulky, the fountain leaked and was frustrating to refill.

How We Tested The Best Cat Water Fountains

To determine the best cat water fountains, we started by identifying the most popular models from trusted brands in the pet space, such as Petkit, Petlibro and Pioneer Pet. This involved reading through dozens of customer reviews on e-retailers like Chewy, Amazon and Petco, as well as pet-specific Subreddits, where you can find tons of cat owners speaking passionately about all their favorite (and least favorite) products.

Following this research, we landed on 16 models worth trying out between eight of our cat-owning testers and their 15 felines. While the most recent round of testing for this article was conducted in January , we’ve been using some of these models for over a year now. Read about each of our testing criteria below:

Setup: Upon receiving each device, testers unboxed the fountain, read through the instruction manual and assembled the unit, noting whether setup was easy or complicated.

Design: Our testers evaluated the overall design of each fountain, considering the quality of the materials used, the number of water access points, the length of the cord, and whether there were any helpful extra features like a wireless build, built-in carrying handles, USB plugs and windows to view water levels. They also observed how well each fountain stood up to cats’ pawing, and how well each blended in with testers’ respective decor.

Performance: While running the models, testers paid close attention how well water flowed through each one, the noise level during operation (especially if the model was marketed as being quiet), any additional features or settings, and how quickly their cats responded to the fountain. Testers also noted each water fountain’s capacity and any special water flow options, like bubbling or multiple pools.

Maintenance: Lastly, our testers determined how easy each fountain was to clean, from deconstruction to handwashing, if necessary. They also noted whether the parts were dishwasher safe and whether cleaning brushes were included. Finally, they assessed how easily dirt came off the filters and the duration of their lifespan.

How To Pick A Cat Water Fountain

Could your cat use some help in the hydration department? Here are the factors to consider if you’re torn between models.

Material

Cat fountains are typically made from BPA-free plastic, ceramic, stainless steel or a combination of those materials. Many of today’s more technologically advanced fountains are constructed from plastic, which is lightweight and affordable. That said, the material “can scratch easily, which might harbor bacteria,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, DVM, director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet. Additionally, “some cats have sensitivities and will react to plastic in the form of skin irritations or gastrointestinal disturbances,” says Dr. Rebecca Shumaker, DVM, founder of Monarch Veterinary Services in Greenwich, Connecticut. Stainless steel—a favorite material of vets—is comparatively easier to clean and more durable, plus it’s less likely to cause allergies. Ceramic is another great option, as it’s attractive and hygienic, though it’s breakable.

Design

You’ll encounter plenty of design options when shopping for a cat water fountain: Some have sink-like faucets that water streams out of, while others push water that bubbles up through a single hole. While these styles offer similar benefits, some cats prefer one kind of fountain over another. Also, when shopping for a fountain, it’s smart to consider each model’s weight—particularly if your cat has especially playful or destructive tendencies. The heavier the fountain, the less likely your cat will be able to move it around the floor, leaving a wet trail—or worse, a deconstructed fountain—in its wake.

Capacity

Most cat fountains can hold anywhere from 2 to 3 liters of water, which is appropriate for the majority of households. If you have multiple cats, though, you might want a larger model so you’re not stuck constantly refilling the fountain. That said, you really should change the water every few days to ensure it stays fresh, regardless of its size. Just like humans, cats don’t like to drink dirty water.

Ease Of Cleaning

If you invest in a cat fountain and then neglect to regularly clean it, you’re pretty much defeating the purpose of having one in the first place. “Regularly cleaning the fountain prevents bacteria, mold and slime from building up,” says Lippman—and not only do slimy fountains tend to clog, but cats aren’t likely to drink dirty water. Therefore, it’s essential to pick a fountain that you can actually see yourself washing once a week, which is the frequency most vets recommend. If you don’t trust yourself to keep up with this, look for models made with few pieces (bonus if some of those are dishwasher safe). When thinking about maintenance, it’s also important to consider the fountain’s filter lifespan, as well as the cost of replacement filters.

Additional Features

Cat water fountains have become significantly more advanced over the past few years. These days, you can find models that track how often your cat drinks, for example, or that use UV light to kill bacteria. While these additional features can be valuable, just keep in mind that they typically raise the overall price of the model.

My Expertise

I’m Amanda Arnold, Forbes Vetted’s senior home and kitchen editor and the author of this piece. I oversee the site’s pet content, which includes guides on everything from self-cleaning litter boxes to dog food delivery services. In addition to being thoroughly researched and expert-backed, many of these stories include testing insights from pet parents on the team. To that—and, perhaps most importantly—I’m a cat owner myself and often draw inspiration from my go-to product tester, my cat Paulie.

For this article, I consulted three veterinarians:

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