A source of clean running water encourages pets to drink—which can play an important role in long-term health, especially for cats. After three years of testing, we still think that the Catit Flower Pet Fountain is easier to maintain and easier for pets to drink out of than any other electric fountain we found.
How we picked
Easy to clean
We preferred models with dishwasher-safe parts that are easy to assemble and disassemble.
High water capacity
We favored larger water fountains that need fewer refills.
Low noise level
We opted for quieter water fountains that won’t disturb pet owners in the middle of the night.
A nice silhouette
We selected aesthetically-pleasing models that won’t look out of place in most homes.
The Pet Fountain was the easiest to operate because it’s simple to clean, a cinch to maintain, and very quiet. Its smooth surfaces, lack of crevices, and the small number of parts made cleaning and reassembling a breeze. While not explicitly dishwasher-safe, our test unit survived a trip on the top rack, and many people who’ve reviewed it indicate that it holds up over time as well. It holds enough water that you'll need to fill it only once or twice a week and replace the filter about every month. We also like that it runs silently, so long as it’s not running low on water. Like with almost every model we tested, the pump on the Catit fountain makes grinding noises when it's running low on water, but the sound isn’t as grating as it is with most other models. ;
Things you didn’t know about pet fountains
Just like you, it’s important for your pets to be well hydrated. A pet plastic drinking fountain offers many benefits for your furry friends as well as for you – they provide your dog or cat with access to fresh, clean water at any time while giving you peace of mind when you’re out and about.
1. Pet fountains improve the taste and smell of water
Cats and dogs both have an incredible sense of smell – indeed, depending on the breed, a dog’s sniffing power is around 10,000-100,000 times more superior than ours! So, even though we may not detect them, there are chemicals in tap water, which can give it a not-so-pleasant aroma which our cat’s and dog’s sensitive noses pick up straight away. Pet fountains will not only entice your furry friends, but most include filters that remove impurities from tap water and improve the taste and smell, again encouraging your four-legged friends to drink more.
2. They keep things cool
Did you know a pet fountain can keep the water 1-2 degrees cooler than a traditional water bowl? By keeping everything cool, flowing, and full of oxygen, your closest companions will be fully refreshed!
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘the dog days of summer', and the hottest time of year is when dogs and cats risk becoming dehydrated, so the cool water will coax them to keep topped up. Encouraging pets to drink is especially important for cats, as they aren’t inclined to drink much – in the wild, they’d get most of their water intake from their food. Regular drinking helps prevent health problems as well as an unpleasant vet bill. It aids digestion and helps flush out toxins that may build-up, which can cause kidney or urinary tract disease – research shows this can sadly be a leading cause of death in older cats.
3. They help you say goodbye to constant refills
Pet fountains can hold anything from one to over six litres of water. Pets need different quantities of water, depending on their size and the type of food they eat. By offering up to six litres, your four-legged friends will never go thirsty – they can dip in and out as they please, whether you’re at home or out and about. Not to mention the fact it means you don’t have to keep refilling the bowl every five minutes – especially if you have several fluffy friends!
4. They’re more hygienic than a traditional water bowl
Pet fountains not only do their bit to help prevent parchedness, but the circulating water can also stop any nasty build-ups in their tracks, keeping water clean and safe. What’s more, the filters in pet fountains will trap dirt and fur and any other nasties, and remove any chlorine and grotty odors.
