If you are in a rush and want to skip ahead to our number one choice for Battery Operated Cat Water Fountain, look no further than the HoneyGuaridan Dual Power Design Cat Water Fountain. If you prefer a corded water fountain, our favorite is Veken Pet Fountain.
Dehydration in cats can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked. Looking for a creative way to encourage kitty to stay hydrated? How about cat water fountains?
A cat water dispenser can prove to be an excellent way of providing your dearest pet with a continuous flow of fresh, clean water.
In this article, we’ll review the following products:
Best Battery-Powered Cat Fountains
- Petmate Fresh Flow Water Fountain
- HoneyGuaridan Dual Power Design Cat Water Fountain
- Dog H2O DH025 Cat Water Fountain
Best Corded Cat Fountains
- PetSafe Drinkwell PWW00-14402 Mini Pet Fountain (also available on Chewy.com!)
- Veken Pet Fountain
- Wonder Creature water fountain
What Is A Cat Water Fountain, And How Does It Work?
A cat fountain is a water dispenser that provides a continuous flow of fresh water for your cat to drink.
It can either have a free-falling stream or recirculating water.
Fountains dispense clean water by passing it through a filter that removes dirt, hair, and food debris.
Benefits Of Cat Water Fountains
Prevents Bacteria And Fungus Build-Up
Cats generally dislike standing (not flowing) water. One research study suggests that evolutionarily they learned to associate stagnant water with bacteria.
An evolution is usually right! Standing water is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
Water circulation in a fountain prevents the build-up of germs keeping water clean and safe.

Clean Water
Most pet water fountains come with a replaceable filter that purifies and removes any odors and tastes that may stop your pet friend from drinking.
Filters also catch debris like dirt, hair, and food, making the water healthier for your loved one
Encourages Hydration
We’ve already established that cats just don’t like drinking from stagnant water sources. Providing your cat with running water is a fun way to encourage them to stay hydrated.
Proper hydration has many health benefits. A few of them are:
- improved digestion
- increased nutrient absorption
- aid in flushing out toxins, reducing their precious kidneys’ burden
- reduced risk of contracting feline urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The amount of water a cat needs depends on their size and diet.
As we covered in a few other articles, cats primarily on a dry food diet will require more water than those eating mostly wet food.
Bigger Capacity
This is a benefit for both you and your pet.
Cat water fountains generally hold more water than the traditional bowl. This is particularly useful during summer when kitty needs more water.
And it’s convenient for you since you won’t have to continually refill it. Especially if you have multiple pets.
Appeals To Both Tap And Bowl Drinkers
If you own multiple cats, you know that they don’t necessarily have the same tastes.
Some may prefer drinking from bowls, while others like it straight from the tap. A cat water fountain has both a reservoir and a running stream of water to drink from, making all of your cats happy.

Battery Vs. Corded: What Are The Pros And Cons?
Cat water fountains can come as corded, battery-powered, or both.
Corded Cat Water Fountains
A corded fountain requires connecting to the power source for the pumps to work. The majority of cat water dispensers in the market are corded.
If you go with a corded cat fountain, I’d recommend going with a fountain that has a long cord. It will free you from restrictions on where to place the dispenser.
Pros
✔ Cheaper than battery-powered fountains
✔ No fear of batteries running out of power
Cons
❌ Functional only when there’s power.
❌ Limit to where you can place the fountain.
Battery Operated Cat Fountain
Some pet parents don’t like the idea of water being plugged into an electric outlet. If that’s you, battery-powered fountains are ideal for you, as they are cordless.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there aren’t many options in the market and you’ll have to choose from a small range of products.
Fortunately, we found and selected the best for you, so you don’t have to put in the work.
Pros
✔ Works even when the power is out
✔ Can be placed anywhere, especially the outdoors
Cons
❌ A bit more expensive than corded ones
❌ Requires purchasing batteries every once in a while
Corded & Battery-Powered Water Fountains
Some cat water fountains can function as both corded and battery cat water dispensers. Such products combine the positive attributes of the two for an even better outcome.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Cat Water Fountain
Filtration
There are three common types of filtration in a cat water fountain:
- Mechanical filtration uses a sponge surrounding the pump to purify water as it passes through.
- Activated charcoal filtration, consists of filters made from carbon; an element used to absorb toxins and impurities. Currently, this is the most common type of filtration cat fountains have.
- An ultraviolet filter uses ultraviolet (UV) lights to kill harmful microorganisms like bacteria and parasites.
Capacity
The larger the fountain capacity, the more water available for your pet.
If you have multiple pets, make sure to get a fountain with an appropriate water capacity. So you’ll avoid refilling it several times a day.
Noise
Most cat water fountains are fitted with super silent pumps to enable quiet operation. Neither you nor kitty will be disturbed by the noise.
Material
Water fountains can be made from glass, plastic, ceramics, or stainless steel.
If you go with a plastic one, make sure that it is durable and free of toxins like BPA that are harmful to kitty.
Ease Of Cleaning and General Hygiene
If your fountain isn’t easy to clean, chances are you won’t clean it often.
Ideally, look for products that are dishwasher safe.
Ceramic is generally considered the most hygienic material, although plastic and stainless steel aren’t far behind.
Longevity
It’s essential to invest in something that will last.
Keep in mind, however, that some of the parts like the filters will require replacing from to time
Aesthetics
Yeah, I know! This might seem like something not worth considering, but I think it needs to be.
Why not go for a water fountain that flatters your interior décor? At least that way, you won’t get sick of seeing it. Plus, it can be a way to entice that stylish kitty of yours to use the dispenser more.
Are water fountains safe for cats?
Yes, they are!
Cat water fountains are a safer and more hygienic option for kitty dearest than water bowls. They provide a continuous flow of fresh, clean water and help prevent bacteria and fungi’ growth.
The only thing you’ll have to be careful of is that your kitty doesn’t chew the wires of corded water filters. But this applies to any other appliance in your house as well. A great way to help with that is by providing her with teething toys.
What’s The Best Battery Operated Cat Fountain?
Petmate Fresh Flow Water Fountain
A battery-operated water fountain with 12.94 x 9.2 x 10-inch dimensions. It uses a circulation system to keep water fresh and non-stagnant. This product can hold up to 75 ounces (2.13 liters) of water to keep your pet hydrated.
Petmate water fountain has multiple drinking points.
Your cat can choose to drink from the bowl at the top or the one at the bottom. How? Water is pulled from the bowl to the vessel at the top. The water collected in the top plate flows through the hole in the bottom and back into the water bowl, ensuring a continuous flow.
This fountain is manufactured with energy conservation in mind. The water pump turns off automatically for a while before resuming operation to conserve battery life.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
Can be used both indoors and outdoors. | Can be noisy |
Battery saving technology | Doesn’t come with the batteries |
Multiple drinking points | More expensive than others |
HoneyGuaridan Dual Power Design Cat Water Fountain
This battery operated pet fountain has 88 ounces (2.5L) of water capacity.
The charcoal filter purifies the water, removes hair, dirt, and food debris, whereas the carbon water filter removes foul odors and tastes.
HoneyGuaridan has dual power support. It uses a backup battery to ensure the dispenser remains operational even when power is lost.
The dispenser has 3 impressive smart working modes.
1. Infrared induction: The fountain dispenses water only when it detects the cat within 0.5 meters
2. Continuous mode: Water flows nonstop for 24 hours
3. Intermittent mode: water flows for 1 hour 30 minutes before shutting down.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
3 smart working modes | No overflow design |
Large water capacity | |
Dual power support | |
Pack of 3 carbon filters | |
Transparent design to know the water level | |
Easy to disassemble | |
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor |
Dog H2O DH025 Pet Water Fountain
Here comes another fully battery operated cat water fountain. It measures 13.4 x 11 x 5.1 inches. The bowl is translucent with a visible water level and has 3 water softening filter pads to keep water as fresh as possible.
This cat water dispenser has a programmed timer to regularly filter and aerate the water, minimizing saliva and slime build-up on the water surface. Push the button for a 90-minute cycle or twice for the 45-minute cycle
Do you have many pets? This fountain has a large drinking area to cater to both your cats and dogs. It also includes 3 dental care tablets to help protect against plaque and tartar build-up for healthier gums.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
Dishwasher friendly | Batteries not included |
Ideal for multiple cats | Sometimes a red light blinks and no water flows even with brand new batteries. |
Food grade and BPA-free materials | |
Dishwasher friendly | |
Easy to disassemble | |
Dental care tablets included | |
Ideal for indoors and outdoors |
Best Corded Cat Water Fountains
PetSafe Drinkwell PWW00-14402 Mini Pet Fountain
A corded cat drinking fountain with 8.5 x 6.2 x 11.75-inch dimensions.
It is made from high-quality BPA-free plastic, and all parts except the pump are top-shelf dishwasher safe.
The automatic water fountain holds up to 40 ounces (1.13L) of water.
It includes a replaceable carbon filter that removes bad taste and odors.
Guess what? You also get a 1-month filter supply.
The fountain allows you to customize water flow by adjusting the pump for a free-falling stream of fresh water.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
Customized water flow | Filter clogs easily |
Dishwasher safe | |
Affordable + 1 month filter supply included | |
BPA free plastic |
Veken Cat Water Fountain
A low budget corded cat water fountain measuring 7.48 x 7.48 x 5.91 inches.
It’s fitted with an ultra-quiet and low consumption pump with the manufacturer estimating 2.5 to 4 years of durability.
Veken pet fountain uses a triple filtration system. It comes fitted with 3 replacement filters, each having a cotton layer, activated carbon, and an ion exchange resin to provide healthy and hygienic water.
It has a water capacity of 2.5L/84oz, which is excellent for small to medium-sized pets. This water fountain is made of high quality & BPA free plastic resin that is non-toxic, durable, and easy to clean. There’s also a silicone mat that catches splashing water from kitty.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
Low power consumption pump | Can only be used indoors |
Triple filtration system | |
Large water capacity | |
BPA free and High-quality material | |
Very affordable |
Wonder Creature water fountain
A corded cat water fountain with a high-grade, durable, easy to clean stainless steel top, which is dishwasher safe.
The top features a LED light that decorates the room in the evening and makes the dispenser always easy to see for your cat.
The fountain’s low voltage pump is durable, with the manufacturer estimating 2.5 to 4 years of use.
This dispenser has a water level window with an LED light that reminds you to refill. The pump shuts down automatically when the water level is low to prevent it from running dry.
It comes with 3 round carbon filters. Each filter comprises cotton layers, coconut shell activated carbons, and ion-exchange to purify water, remove hair, dirt, and food debris. The purchase also includes two cleaning brushes for the tube and the motor.
Pros ✔ | Cons ❌ |
Low voltage pump | Filter needs frequent replacement |
High quality stainless steel top | |
Intelligent pump | |
LED indicator light | |
BPA free | |
3 drinking modes |
Conclusion
Who takes the award home for the best cat water fountain?
If I had to pick the best I’d go with HoneyGuaridan Dual Power Design Cat Water Fountain. This cordless cat water dispenser is simply unmatched. It has the privilege of having a dual power support system to start with. Power or no power. It doesn’t matter. You can plug it into the electrical outlet or use its batteries instead.
The fountain is transparent, meaning you can easily monitor the water level.
Do you have multiple cats? With its 2.5L capacity, consider your many feline friends quenched. Not to forget its 3 smart working modes that can be adjusted according to kitty’s needs. All these at an affordable price.
However, if you don’t care about the battery capabilities and are just looking for a corded cat water fountain, I’d recommend you go with Veken Pet Fountain.
Another excellent quality 2.5L fountain. It’s affordable, it comes with three replacement filters and it comes from an established brand you can count on.