Ensuring your cat always has access to fresh water is essential for their health and well-being. This can, however, be a challenge for many cat owners who lead increasingly busy lives and may even spend long periods of time away from home.

That’s where a smart water fountain can be a great solution. They provide a continuous flow of clean, filtered water, encouraging your pet to drink more while reducing the hassle of you needing to constantly refill their bowl.

This guide explores everything you need to know about smart water fountains for cats, including how they work, their benefits, and key features to look for. We also look at the best smart water fountains you can currently buy.

A smart water fountain is an advanced hydration system designed to provide fresh, circulating water for cats. Unlike traditional water bowls, these fountains use a pump and filtration system to keep the water moving, preventing stagnation and the buildup of bacteria.

Many automatic cat water fountains include smart features such as:

• Built-in filtration to remove impurities.

• Motion sensors that activate when your cat is near.

• Adjustable water flow settings to suit different drinking preferences.

• Quiet operation to avoid startling sensitive cats.

• App connectivity for monitoring water levels and filter status.

These high-tech water dispensers help ensure your cat always has access to clean and fresh water, promoting better hydration and overall health – as well as saving you time and effort.

Smart cat fountains operate using a circulation system powered by an electric pump. The pump keeps the water moving continuously, preventing stagnation and ensuring a fresh taste.

Most models include a multi-stage filtration system, which typically consists of:

1. A pre-filter to catch hair and debris.
2. A carbon or charcoal filter to remove chlorine, odors, and contaminants.
3. A sponge or mesh filter to trap fine particles and bacteria.

Some smart water fountains also have UV sterilization or antibacterial coatings to provide an extra layer of protection against germs.

Many WiFi-enabled fountains allow owners to monitor water levels and filter status via an app, ensuring their pet never runs out of water. They also give useful insights into your cat’s drinking habits, so you can check they are staying hydrated.

Top-end models even have cameras and two-way voice systems that connect through the app so you can see your cat, and talk to them, when you are away from home.

A smart water fountain can be a great addition to your home, as they help your cat stay hydrated and healthy, and they provide convenience, time-saving, and peace of mind for you. 

Here are the most important benefits of these smart hydration systems:

Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, which can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and dehydration. This problem can often be traced to them not wanting to drink the stagnant, sometimes stale, water from a traditional drinking bowl.

The flowing water in a smart pet fountain, on the other hand, attracts cats and encourages them to drink more, helping to prevent these health issues.

A traditional water bowl can quickly accumulate dust, pet hair, and bacteria. Smart cat fountains filter out dirt, debris, and impurities, ensuring your cat always has access to clean, oxygenated water.

Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining kidney function and preventing urinary tract diseases in cats. Smart fountains encourage consistent water intake, which helps flush toxins from the body and reduces the risk of bladder infections and kidney stones.

Unlike a standard water bowl, which requires daily refilling and cleaning, a smart cat fountain can hold larger volumes of water, reducing the need for frequent refills.

Some models even send alerts when the water level is low, ensuring you never forget to top it up.

Many automatic water fountains have large water reservoirs, making them ideal for households with multiple cats. The constant flow ensures all pets have equal access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.

Different cats have unique drinking preferences. Some enjoy a gentle trickle, while others prefer a steady stream. Many smart fountains feature adjustable flow rates, allowing you to customize the drinking experience to match for your cat’s preference.

Some WiFi-enabled fountains provide real-time updates via an app, letting owners:

• Monitor their cat’s water consumption.

• Receive low-water level alerts.

• Track filter replacement schedules.

When looking at the range of smart cat water fountains, please keep in mind these important features:

When you’re deciding which smart water fountain to buy for your cat, be sure to choose one with a multi-stage filtration system that includes:

• Carbon filters to remove chlorine and odors.

• Foam or mesh filters to trap hair and debris.

• UV sterilization (optional) for extra protection against bacteria.

One of the main benefits of a smart water fountain for your cat is that it saves you time by not having to constantly keep refilling their water bowl.

Therefore, be sure to look for a model that has a large water reservoir (75 fl oz/2.2 liters or more) which reduces the need for constant refilling.

A noisy water fountain may scare off timid cats. Look for a model with a low-decibel pump that operates quietly – one that runs at less than 35dB.

Some models come with an auto shutoff feature to prevent the pump from running dry. WiFi-connected fountains can also send alerts to your phone when the water level is low.

Opt for a BPA-free plastic or stainless steel fountain, as these materials are safer, easier to clean, and more resistant to bacteria buildup.

Cats have different preferences when it comes to drinking water. Choose a fountain with adjustable flow speeds, such as a gentle stream or bubbling effect, to suit your cat’s taste.

A good smart water fountain should have removable, dishwasher-safe parts for hassle-free cleaning.

Most smart water fountains run off the mains power source. However, it is a good idea to look for a model which has a battery backup, so that the fountain will keep working during any power outages.

Some models do run off only batteries, which will need replacing or recharging. If your fountain has app or wifi connectivity, it will let you know when the batteries are running low, when the power is out, and also tell you that the battery backup is in operation.

Taking all of these important features into account, here are what we consider to be the Top 6 Smart Water Fountains For Cats. Each is the #1 choice in its particular category:

The Veken Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain is a 95-ounce (2.8-liter) automatic pet water dispenser designed to provide fresh, filtered water for cats simply yet super-efficiently. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability and hygiene, while the large capacity minimizes the need for frequent refills.

Pros:

• Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The fountain’s stainless steel material is more hygienic and easier to clean than plastic alternatives. ​
• Large Water Capacity: With a 95-ounce capacity, it reduces the frequency of refills, ensuring pets have access to water for extended periods.
• Two Flow Modes: You can choose between Gentle Fountain or Waterfall.
• Advanced Filtration System: The fountain has a five-stage filtration system for super-clean and fresh water that lasts up to 3 weeks before the water needs replacing. ​
• Ultra-Quiet Operation: The pump operates in near-silence, making it suitable for indoor environments without causing disturbances.
• Easy Maintenance: The stainless steel components are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process. ​
• LED Light: An LED light feature enhances visibility, making it easier to monitor water levels and encouraging pets to drink.

Cons:

• LED Light May Be Unnecessary: Some users might find the LED light feature superfluous for their needs.

The PETLIBRO Dockstream RFID Smart Water Fountain is a 101oz (3-liter) automatic water dispenser designed for multi-cat households. It features RFID collar tags and app monitoring to track the individual hydration habits of up to 5 cats.

Pros:

• Individual Hydration Tracking: Utilizing RFID collar tags, it monitors each cat’s water intake, promoting better health management. 

• App Integration: The accompanying app provides real-time alerts for low water levels and irregular drinking patterns, ensuring timely maintenance. ​

• Pump-Free Design: Its innovative design eliminates the need for a traditional pump, reducing noise and maintenance requirements. ​

• Quiet Operation: Operating at a noise level below 23 decibels, it ensures a peaceful environment for both pets and owners. ​

• Stainless Steel Basin: The durable stainless steel basin is easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth, promoting hygiene. ​

• Large Capacity: With a 101-ounce capacity, it’s perfect for multiple cats, and reduces the need to refill the water for several days at a time.

Cons:

• Exclusive RFID Compatibility: The fountain only works with PETLIBRO’s RFID collar tags and does not support microchips or third-party tags.

The DownyPaws Cordless Cat Water Fountain is a 101oz (3 liter) battery-operated water fountain equipped with a motion sensor. Made of stainless steel, it can be used indoors or outdoors, and its parts are dishwasher-friendly.

Pros:

• Cordless Design: The wireless operation allows flexible placement without the need for the fountain to be placed near a power outlet. ​

• Motion Sensor Activation: Equipped with a motion sensor, the fountain activates when pets approach, encouraging them to drink more water. ​If you prefer, there is a timer setting which dispenses water for 20 seconds at 15-minute intervals.

• Stainless Steel Construction: The use of stainless steel enhances durability and is easier to clean compared to plastic alternatives. ​

• Indoors or Outdoors: Because it is battery-powered and made of stainless steel, you can place the fountain in the best location for your cat – inside or outdoors.

• Large Water Capacity: With a 101oz (3-liter) capacity, it reduces the frequency of refills, ensuring pets have access to water for extended periods. ​

• Easy to Clean: The design facilitates straightforward, super-fast disassembly and cleaning. ​

• Battery Operated: The rechargeable battery lasts up to 30 days before it needs recharging, and also eliminates the need for constant power supply and reduces cord-related hazards. ​

• Quiet Operation: The fountain operates at 30dB, which is the same level as a whisper, minimizing noise that could potentially disturb your cat or you.

Cons:

• Battery Maintenance: Regular recharging is necessary, with it generally taking a few hours to recharge the battery.

The Giotohun Automatic Cat Water Fountain is a 67oz (2 liter) automatic water dispenser designed to provide a continuous flow of fresh water for cats. Its compact design and quiet operation make it a suitable addition to indoor environments without breaking the bank!

Pros:

• Great Price: In spite of its low price, this is a great model with some excellent features that match much higher-costing models. 

• Quiet Operation: Designed to operate in near-silence, it ensures a peaceful environment without disturbing household activities.​

• Easy to Clean: The fountain’s components are straightforward to disassemble and clean.​

• Compact Design: Its space-saving design fits well in various indoor settings without occupying much room.​

• Water Level Indicator: Features a visible water level indicator, allowing pet owners to easily monitor and refill as needed.​

• Safe Materials: Constructed from non-toxic, pet-safe materials, ensuring the well-being of your furry companions.

• LED Light: The light encourages your cat to drink at night, helping keep them hydrated 24/7.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity for Multiple Pets: While suitable for single-pet households, the 67oz capacity may require more frequent refills in multi-pet homes.

The PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain is a 84oz (2.5 liter) automatic water fountain equipped with app monitoring to give you real-time information about your cat’s drinking habits and insights into their health. It runs quieter than a whisper, at only 23dB, and it’s easy to disassemble and clean in the dishwasher.

Pros:

• App Monitoring: The accompanying app allows pet owners to track their cat’s daily, monthly, and yearly water consumption, aiding in health monitoring. ​

• Quiet Operation: The fountain operates quietly, with noise levels around 23 dB, ensuring minimal disturbance in the household. ​

• Easy Maintenance: Users find the fountain easy to clean and disassemble, including the pump, simplifying regular upkeep. 

• Water Level Monitoring: The app provides real-time water level updates, allowing timely refills and ensuring pets always have access to water.

• Filter Replacement Reminders: The system sends alerts for filter changes and cleaning schedules, promoting optimal fountain performance.

• Stainless Steel Tray: The stainless steel tray enhances durability and hygiene, and reduces the risk of bacterial growth and of cat acne. ​

• Attractive Design: The fountain’s sleek and modern design complements various home decors.

Cons:

• Wi-Fi Compatibility: The fountain only connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so if your home runs on 5GHz, you may need to adjust your router settings. If you’re not sure what GHz your WiFi is, check out this great article on How To Find Out If You Have 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi Network.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Pet Fountain has a two-level open bowl design, which makes it great for older cats who might struggle to stoop down to drink from other water fountains. This also makes it the perfect choice for cats who suffer from mobility and health issues such as arthritis. 

Pros:

• Hygienic Ceramic Material: The fountain is made from high-quality ceramic, which is more hygienic and easier to clean than plastic alternatives.​
• Dual Free-Falling Streams: Features two free-falling water streams that entice pets to drink more, promoting better hydration.
• Elevated Design: The raised drinking dish is ideal for senior pets or those with arthritis, as it reduces strain on the neck.​
• Open Bowl Design: Ensures that pets have access to water even if the power goes out, providing a reliable water source.​
• Replaceable Carbon Filter: Includes a carbon filter that removes bad tastes and odors, keeping water fresh.​
• Dishwasher Safe: The ceramic components are dishwasher safe, making cleaning convenient and straightforward.​
• Quiet Operation: Designed to operate quietly, minimizing noise that could deter pets from drinking.

Cons:

• Weight: The ceramic construction, while durable, makes the fountain heavier than other models.​

• Water Capacity: With a 70oz capacity, it may require more frequent refilling in multi-pet households.

If you’re still wondering whether a smart water fountain is worth the investment and how it can benefit your cat’s health – well, here are some of the most common questions along with helpful answers.

A smart water fountain for cats works by using an electric pump to keep water circulating continuously, preventing stagnation and encouraging cats to drink more. Most automatic cat water fountains have a built-in filtration system that removes hair, debris, and impurities, ensuring the water stays fresh and clean.

The flowing water mimics a natural water source, which many cats prefer over still water in a traditional bowl.

Some high-tech models include motion sensors, adjustable water flow settings, and even WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring.

Yes! Smart water fountains provide a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water, preventing stagnation and reducing bacteria buildup. This is a great advantage, as cats are more attracted to flowing water, which encourages them to drink more and stay hydrated.

Unlike traditional bowls, these fountains require less frequent refilling and keep water cleaner for longer.

Most automatic pet fountains include a multi-stage filtration system that removes hair, debris, chlorine, and other contaminants. Many models use charcoal or carbon filters to improve taste and odor, ensuring your cat gets the cleanest water possible.

Keep in mind that regular filter replacements are necessary to maintain your fountain’s effectiveness.

Yes, many smart pet water dispensers are designed for multi-cat households, with larger reservoirs and wide drinking areas. However, it’s important to choose a model with sufficient water capacity and easy-to-clean components to ensure proper hygiene for multiple pets.

Most automatic cat fountains operate quietly, with low-decibel pumps designed to avoid disturbing both pets and owners. Some high-tech models even have ultra-quiet motors that are barely noticeable.

If noise sensitivity is a concern, look for a fountain with a silent pump and adjustable flow settings.

Most cat water fountains require electric power and need to be plugged into an outlet. However, some models feature a battery backup to ensure continued operation during power outages.

Always check the power source before purchasing to ensure it suits your home setup.

To maintain fresh and hygienic water, it’s recommended to clean the fountain at least once a week. Some models have dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning.

Filters should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Most cats are naturally drawn to flowing water, making the transition to a smart water fountain easy. However, if your cat is hesitant, try placing the fountain next to their old water bowl and gradually phasing out the bowl. You can also experiment with different water flow settings to find what they prefer.

For cat owners who want to encourage better hydration and reduce maintenance, a smart pet fountain is a great investment. The continuous filtration, automatic water circulation, and ease of use make them a convenient and hygienic option.

They also help prevent kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and dehydration, making them beneficial for your cat’s long-term health.