"Best Ceramic Pet Water Fountain" - Pets Radar Review, June 2025
Below is an excerpt from the Pets Radar Best Pet Water Fountain Review, June 2025.
By Megan Milstead Contributions from Dr. Beth Turner, Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM, Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS last updated
Best Ceramic Pet Water Fountain - Pets Radar Review
If your cat has a tendency to tip over their water bowl, this spill-proof fountain will be your new best friend. Made from high-quality, sturdy ceramic, it’s not going anywhere – and I've accidentally walked into it many times to prove it!
Out of all the fountains I’ve tested, this was by far the easiest to set up and operates at a whisper-quiet volume. Not only is it practical and simple to use, but the cordless design looks sleek and minimalistic in my kitchen, and you only have to charge it once a week or so. However, the manufacturer says it can last up to 60 days, depending on usage.
(Image credit: Megan Milstead, www.petsradar.com)
You can choose between two settings: a timer or a sensor. I currently have it on the sensor setting and love how it picks up movement from a meter away, so it doesn’t frighten or put off my cats. I clean the bowl out once a week to keep the water fresh, but it only takes about 30 seconds.
Reason to buy: Spill-proof, high-quality, cordless design, easy to install, filters water
Reason to avoid: Needs cleaning once a week as fur gets stuck on the tray
How we tested the best pet water fountains
To find the best pet fountains, I researched major websites and independent retailers, narrowing it down to just six options. After reading customer reviews and assessing the materials, I tested most of these models myself – just handing the Enabot Smart Fountain to our writer Adam to try. I know that pet fountains can be expensive, so I followed a strict criteria:
- Set-up: No one has time (or wants) to spend hours setting up a pet fountain, so I've included details on how easy these models were to install.
- Noise level: As someone with sensitive hearing, nothing would bother me more than a noisy pet fountain humming in the background of my day. You can be reassured that all five of these models are pretty much silent – except for the gentle splashing of water.
- Quality: Pets are renowned for pushing over their water bowls, so I ensured that the fountains are well-made and built to last.
- Size: I included a range of sizes to suit every home and pet.
- Appearance: Some pet fountains look clunky and unattractive, and that’s not something I'd want to spend lots of money on.
With so many pet water fountains on the market, it’s difficult to choose the perfect one for you. But there are certain key features which you need to look out for. These will not only ensure that you’re buying a pet water fountain that will encourage your cats and dogs to drink but go a long way to making your life easier too.
1. Easy to clean
Over time, a pet water fountain – just like a bowl – is going to get a little grubby. Pet saliva, dander, and fur will begin to clog the filter and you may find you get some build-up over time. So look for a pet water fountain that is easy to dismantle and clean.
2. Good stability
One of the issues with standard bowls is that there is a danger they could tip, sending water across your floor. When you’re using a pet water fountain, you’re dealing with even more water so you’ll want to keep spillage to a minimum. Opt for a stable fountain. If it’s a light model, then see if it has grip patches on the base. Suction cups are fine on a heavier fountain.
3. Time-saving features
Yes, a pet water fountain’s main purpose is to ensure your dog or cat is getting sufficient amounts of water, fresh and clean on demand but consider the practicalities too. A large capacity fountain means you have to refill it less frequently. Dishwater-proof pieces make cleaning easy. You could also look for a pet water fountain with an alarm or light to indicate when water levels need topping up or a filter needs to be replaced.
You can read the full review on the following link: Pets Radar Water Fountain Review 2025
