The Best Automatic Water Dispenser For Cats
Keeping your pet healthy is your top priority, and a big part of that is helping them stay hydrated. And let's be honest. Between work, family obligations, and life in general, it can be easy to forget to fill up the water bowl. Plus, most cats prefer running water anyway. That's why automatic water dispensers are a fabulous addition to your home.
What to Look For
To ensure you choose an automatic water dispenser for your cat, it’s essential to focus on a few key details, including how many cats you have, where you’ll set it up, and your overall style. The Veken Pet Fountain is an excellent example. Its adorable flower fountain design holds enough water for any multi-cat household. Meanwhile, the affordable Petmate Replendish Waterer takes up very little space, making it ideal for apartments and RVs. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Veken Pet Fountain
Adorably quiet
This cute pet fountain from Veken holds up to 84 ounces of water to keep refills to a minimum. It also uses a triple-filtered system to keep your pet’s water safe and clean from bacteria, mold, and other gunk. Best of all, you can adjust it between flower fountain, bubbler, and gentle flow to ensure your cat’s comfort.
Pros:
- The motor is quiet and won’t disrupt everyday living.
- It’s easy to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Running water encourages your cat to stay hydrated while the filters keep the water clean.
Cons:
- The pump can clog with cat hair, so you must clear it out frequently to keep it running efficiently.
Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain
Strong and sanitary
The sturdy Tomxcute cat water fountain uses a double-filtration system and a steady water stream to help your cat stay healthy, hydrated, and happy. With a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant stainless steel body and a high-quality pump, you can rest assured that it will last a long time. Plus, you can take it all apart for convenient cleaning. In fact, since steel is non-porous, you can disinfect it without the worry of chemicals leeching into the material.
Pros:
- The design is similar to a sink, making it easy to transition cats who like drinking from faucets.
- It’s very quiet, so it won’t scare your pets or interrupt your life as it runs.
- This fountain works perfectly for flat-faced cats that struggle to drink from regular bowls.
Cons:
- There’s no warning when the water levels get low. It starts to sputter and make loud noises.
NPET Cat Water Fountain
Clean and clear
If you want to provide your cat with clean drinking water while maintaining a sleek look in your space, NPET’s cat water fountain is for you. Its transparent build helps you keep an eye on the water levels, and you can adjust the height of the faucet based on your cat’s preferences. Meanwhile, the three-stage filter keeps hair, dirt, and other debris out of the way.
Pros:
- This fountain features a motion sensor; it’ll turn on only when your cat is nearby.
- You can visibly see when it needs cleaning or a refill.
- We found that the gentle running water sound entices cats to drink.
Cons:
- There are lots of little nooks and crannies that you have to clean thoroughly to avoid algae or mold.
PetSafe Multi-Tier Pet Fountain
Raised for comfort
Almost all cats stay hydrated better with a fountain than with a bowl, but elderly cats are especially prone to dehydration. PetSafe’s multi-tier pet fountain can help. Its raised dish allows your kitty to drink comfortably without bending their neck too much, and the gentle water flow and ramp ensure it doesn’t make too much noise.
Pros:
- All of the pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
- Your cat can choose to drink from either tier, allowing them to stay comfortable while providing enough space for multiple cats.
- The ramp piece keeps the water flowing quietly.
Cons:
- It’s smaller than many other options, so you have to clean and refill it often.
Petmate Replendish Waterer
Affordable and effective
You can save money while keeping your cat hydrated with Petmate’s Replendish waterer. It comes in several sizes, so you can choose one that fits your home. There’s also a high-quality filter included to keep the water clean and clear. What’s not to love?
Pros:
- We found that cleaning and refills are a breeze.
- The large tank options are perfect for keeping your cats hydrated while you’re out of town for work or vacation while the filter keeps the water clean.
- Unlike fountains, it doesn’t make any sounds, so it never scares your pets or disrupts your life.
Cons:
- It can clog up occasionally, so you may need to open it up and clear the filter to fill it up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose a fountain over a regular water bowl?
In nature, cats’ instincts tell them that standing water is dangerous. For that reason, many of them won’t drink from water bowls or dishes. And while you can leave a faucet running or hydrate their food, a fountain is the best way to ensure they drink enough to stay properly hydrated.
Where should I put my cat’s water dispenser?
You should always place your cat’s water fountain away from their food, litter box, and busy areas in your home. Following those guidelines will help your pet trust that the water is as clean as possible while ensuring they feel safe enough to stop and drink.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.