Cat water fountains differ in bowl material, pump access, filter requirements and the space they occupy. This guide retains the older models covered on this site and highlights what to check before choosing one.
October 2026 update: This is a legacy model comparison, not a new hands-on test or a statement of current stock. Check the exact model number, capacity, replacement pump and filter availability with the manufacturer and retailer before buying. A fountain still needs regular cleaning and fresh water.
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Legacy Cat Water Fountain Comparison
The table below comes from the earlier version of this guide. Its scores are historical editorial ratings, not current test results. Use the model list as a starting point and confirm the specifications of the particular version offered for sale.
| Product Image | Name | Water Capacity | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | PetSafeDrinkwell Ceramic | 70 oz. | 9/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | PetSafeDrinkwell Seascape | 70 oz. | 10/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | PetSafeDrinkwell Pagoda | 70 oz. | 8/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | Drinkwell 360 | 128 oz. | 6/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | Drinkwell Big Cat Waterer | 288 oz. | 8/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | Pioneer Pet Big Max | 128 oz. | 8/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | LED + UV Sterilization Automatic | 60 oz. | 7/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | Cat Water Fountain YOUTHINK 2.1L | 70 oz. | 9/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | Pioneer Pet Raindrop | 60 oz. | 6/10 | Check Price Amazon |
 | PetSafeDrinkwell Platinum | 168 oz. | 4/10 | Check Price Amazon |
Nine Cat Water Fountain Models
The notes below describe the models previously covered. Before choosing, compare how easily you can reach the pump for cleaning, the bowl size and material, replacement parts, and the manufacturer’s current care instructions.
For meal dispensers, see our best automatic cat feeders.
PetSafeDrinkwell Ceramic Avalon Fountain
The PetsafeDrinkwell Ceramic Avalon is a classy automatic cat fountain for medium to large cats. It has dual waterfalls streaming freshly filtered and oxygenated water. Your feline buddy will love choosing between the upper and lower water reservoirs. It has a replaceable activated charcoal filter which is great for removing odors, foam, and gross tastes while sieving fur and other impurities. You will be happy to know that this fountain comes apart for easy cleaning. You can stuff everything but the pump into the dishwasher and call it a day. It is also quiet and uses 12V of power.
Key Features
- Beautiful design that compliments any home décor.
- Dual waterfalls and circular design make it easy and fun for kitty to drink from any angle.
- Ceramic bowl; clean regularly according to the model manual
- Dishwasher safe
- Confirm the capacity of the exact Avalon model offered
PetSafeDrinkwell Seascape Ceramic Cat Water Fountain
Listing check: The older retailer review link in this section contains a different model name in its address. Confirm the product shown before relying on it for Seascape reviews.
The PetSafeDrinkwell Seascape Ceramic fountain is elegant in design. It holds 70 ounces of water which is constantly filtered and oxygenated. This fountain is dubbed the whisper-quiet because of the low tone water filter that is both comforting and enticing to cats. It has detachable and replaceable foam and charcoal filters. Moving water does not prevent bacterial or algae growth; clean the bowl and pump according to the manual. It is top-shelf dishwasher safe.
Key Features
- Elegant design that goes with any home décor
- Replaceable filters require regular maintenance
- Ceramic material makes it easy to clean and maintain
- Makes drinking water enjoyable for your kitty.
View retailer listing — verify model
PetSafeDrinkwell Pagoda Cat Water Fountain
The PetSafeDrinkwell Pagoda kitty fountain could be exactly what your feline friend needs for the following reasons. The activated carbon filter is intended to reduce odors and taste, while the foam filter catches hairs and debris. Filters do not replace cleaning. Your little fluffball will be drawn to the gentle trickle of the dual free-flow water. The fountain design will look sophisticated in any home setting. When you need to clean the fountain, don’t fret, it is dishwasher-friendly except for the pump. Ceramic is durable and non-toxic.
Key Features
- Confirm the capacity of the exact Pagoda model offered.
- Effectively cleans and oxygenates water using two different filters
- Has a sophisticated design that will look great in any part of your house
- It is quiet due to the submersible low voltage pump.
Drinkwell 360 Cat Waterer
The Drinkwell 360 Pet fountain is an impressive stainless steel fountain made for multiple-pet homes. Perhaps the most impressive attribute of this fountain is the multiple waterspouts. You can have anywhere from one to five water streams. This comes in handy if you have more than one cat so each one can drink without feeling like they’re sharing.
Additionally, the Drinkwell 360 has an activated carbon filter as well as a foam filter. These filters rid the water of bad taste, odors, fur, and impurities while the water streams ensure the water is as aerated as can be. Check that your cat is comfortable using it and keep an alternative water bowl available.
Key Features
- Made of stainless steel material that is durable and easy to clean.
- Holds a gallon of water.
- Multiple water streams keep water fresh, oxygenated and interesting to your furball.
- Can be used in a multiple-pet home for both cat and dogs of any size.
- Has a control cap for adjusting the flow, splash and noise emitted from the water.
- Can be cleaned in the dishwasher excluding the pump.
Drinkwell Big Cat Waterer Fountain
Listing check: The older retailer link in this section uses the same product ID as the Platinum link below. Confirm the actual model; do not assume it is the Big Pet fountain.
The Drinkwell Big Pet Fountain is essentially for big pets that take lots of water. The fountain contains a 3.78-liter reservoir and a 12.7 cm deep receiving bowl. This means at any given time, there are approximately 2.25 gallons of water available for your beloved cat. The design includes an ingenious receiving ramp that curbs splashing and reduces noise made by the stream.
The Drinkwell Big Dog fountain has a charcoal filter and a foam filter to keep the water as fresh as possible. As the water falls down the stream, it is oxygenated and refreshed ready for drinking. When it is time to clean, dismantle the fountain and stick everything in the dishwater except the pump and reservoir.
Key Features
- Has a rubber anti-slide bottom to keep it in place on slippery floors.
- Comes with an anti-bite cable
- The charcoal filter and foam filter are replaceable
- Water flow is adjustable
View retailer listing — verify model
Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain
The Pioneer Pet Big Max fountain is a unique-looking stainless steel fountain that does not incorporate the typical flowing stream. It consists of a top and bottom bowl with a pump that pushes water into the top bowl which then overflows into the second bowl. Kitty has the option of drinking from either of the bowls. This fountain was created to accommodate a large cat or multiple feline friends thanks to the large bottom bowl that can accommodate more than one drinking pet.
The pump contains a charcoal and foam filter that keeps the water pure and free of fur and debris.Because the water is constantly swirling with a gentle trickling sound, your fluffball will keep coming back for more water. It is recommended that you clean the fountain weekly and the pump monthly. Replace the charcoal filter at least once every month or more often if possible.
Key Features
- Holds 3.78 litres of water
- Made of stainless steel material which is sturdy and easy to clean. You can hand wash it or use a dishwasher for everything except the pump.
- It is quiet and economical thanks to the submersible 2-Watt pump
- Requires routine cleaning; a fountain is not a treatment or guarantee against illness.
For a practical daily equipment routine, see our feeding setup guide.
Cat Water Fountain YOUTHINK 2.1L Ceramic Pet Water Fountain
This particular fountain was made for smaller dogs or medium cats in single-pet or multiple-pet homes.The design vaguely resembles the fountains found outside ancient Victorian homes.It has replaceable super-fine foam filters and activated charcoal filters to ensure that the water flowing through them is fresh and purified. Your little furball has the option of drinking from the upper-level bowl, lower level bowl or from the softly trickling water.
This fountain has a submergible super-quiet pump that is powerful enough to keep the water constantly swirling.Cats and pets, in general, are drawn to moving water because it gives the impression of being fresh. This is why your feline friend will likely drink more water more often from a fountain like this rather than from a typical bowl.
You are advised to clean the fountain once a week and the filters and pump once or twice a month. The durability of the fountain depends on how well you maintain it.
Key Features
- Comes with charcoal and super-fine foam filters for optimal purification of the water.
- The model name specifies 2.1 litres; confirm the listing and manual match.
- The round shape makes it easy for kitty to drink from any angle
- Check which removable parts, if any, are dishwasher-safe in the exact model manual.
Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Pet Drinking Fountain
For the Pioneer Pet Raindrop, confirm the capacity, material and replacement filter and pump specified for the exact model. Compare the space it needs with the place where you intend to use and clean it.
The spout, when centred properly, makes the filtered water cascade quietly down the surface of the upper bowl. Your kitty can drink her water from the faucet or from the lower level bowl but he/she will probably end up licking the surface of the upper bowl where the water is flowing. The flowing water does not make the surface self-cleaning; the bowl and pump still need routine maintenance.
You are advised to clean the unit every week and dismantle it once a month to clean the pump and replace the filters. You can hand wash it or stick it in the dishwasher minus the pump.
Key Features
- Has charcoal and foam filters for purifying the water.
- Carries 1.7 litres of water.
- Classy raindrop design makes it fit in any home setting.
- Stainless steel bowl; inspect and clean all surfaces regularly.
- It is low voltage
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Cat Fountain
The PetSafeDrinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is great for both cats and dogs of all sizes. It is made from BPA free plastic material which is durable and aesthetically pleasing. This fountain carries 1.3 gallons of water including an in-built reservoir that has a 5-litre capacity; check the water level daily rather than relying on a fixed refill interval.
This fountain comes with a carbon filter and an additional pre-filter to ensure that the water is free of fur and other impurities. It has a no-splash ramp that aids in the smooth flow of water and keeps the fountain as quiet as possible.
Key Properties
- It has no-slide rubber legs
- Carbon filters and pre-filters purify the water and the tap-like faucet oxygenates it making it fresh and appealing to your beloved furball.
- Comes with an Anti-chew cable.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
Choose a fountain you can clean thoroughly and maintain with readily available parts. Confirm the exact model on arrival, follow its care instructions, and check water level and pump operation daily. Retailer listings may change over time, so compare the product name and specifications before ordering.