Staff, Courtesy of Pioneer Pet
Have you ever come home to your pet’s bone-dry water bowl, or even worse, a bowl contaminated with hair, dirt, and icky slime at the bottom? A water fountain ensures your dog or cat has access to fresh, clean water all day—it can even prompt them to drink more often. Plus, as a pet parent, it gives you peace of mind that your pet has access to clean fresh water any time of day or night whether you are at home or away.
Our pets’ wild ancestors relied on a moisture-rich diet to stay hydrated. But pets that eat dry kibble don’t get enough moisture from their food and they’re not equipped with the necessary thirst drive to make up for it by drinking water. What’s more, animals are naturally inclined to avoid drinking standing water, which is more likely to be full of harmful microorganisms.
Cats and dogs rely on their powerful senses of smell to decide if a water source is safe for drinking. Their biological adaptations—from the slits on the side of their nose that allow them to exhale while retaining a scent to their 80 to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our unimpressive 6 million)—mean that they can detect impurities in their water even when their bowl still looks clean.
An ordinary water bowl must be cleaned daily, or it will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which is why a pet water fountain is a great alternative. It keeps the water moving through a filter so it won’t develop stale tastes or odors, nor will pathogens have a chance to settle in and take over. Best of all, pet water fountains are surprisingly easy to maintain.
The majority of my recommendations are suitable for cats or dogs. You can find a fountain here that matches your schedule, the size and number of pets you have, and even your home decor aesthetic, all at a reasonable price.
Best Pet Water Fountains
The Expert: I’m a pet product tester for over 10 years and a proud pet parent to two dogs, Matilda and Cow, plus my first-ever cat, Sabrina. Each of my four-legged family members has unique needs, and finding high-quality gear that they can share—without blowing my budget—is always a challenge.
What to Consider With Pet Water Fountains
Capacity
Cats and dogs need to drink about an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Keep in mind that fountains lose water to splashes and evaporation, so you’ll need to refill your fountain before it empties. If it runs dry, it can burn out the pump. Seek out a higher-capacity fountain than you think you’ll need to get your pet through a few days at a time without refilling.
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Materials
In general, fountains made of plastic are the least expensive (starting at around $25), but they can develop tiny scratches over time that harbor bacteria. With regular washing in hot, soapy water by hand or in the top rack of your dishwasher (if dishwasher-safe), plastic fountains should last at least a few years before needing to be replaced.
Ceramic does not scratch as easily as plastic, and it’s usually dishwasher safe. However, it is still prone to developing biofilm, a clear, slimy residue that contains a colony of bacteria. Just make sure to sanitize each part every time you change the filter. Replace your ceramic fountain if it develops cracks, which can trap bacteria.
Stainless steel is the most resistant to bacterial buildup. However, it can still develop biofilms. As with any material, stainless steel should be run through the dishwasher often or sanitized regularly with hot, soapy water.
Type of Filter
The majority of cat and dog water fountains use an activated carbon filter. Carbon filters help keep your pet’s water smelling and tasting fresh but won’t eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, or heavy metals. However, the constant moving helps keep biofilm from building up in your pet’s water bowl, so using a fountain will still allow you to clean it less often.
A few fountains use a multilayered filter that includes an ion-exchange resin layer. This layer can actually remove minerals from hard water. Hard water has been linked to an increase in kidney stones in cats and may also make small dogs and cats more prone to rust-colored tear stains. If you live in an area with hard water on tap, or your pet has a history of urinary issues, you’ll want to look for a fountain that uses filters with an ion-exchange resin layer.
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