How to Choose a Cat Water Fountain

A pet water fountain keeps water moving and is simple to refill. Choosing one comes down to tank size, material, noise, how it is powered and how often you are willing to change the filter. This guide compares the ROJECO cat water fountains on those points so you can pick the one that fits your home.

Quick picks

Compare the fountains

Fountain Tank Material Power Noise Filter
2L stainless steel 2L (67oz) 304 stainless steel and ABS 5V adapter 20dB or below Activated carbon and sponge
3.2L stainless steel 3.2L (108oz) 304 stainless steel and ABS 5V adapter 20dB or below Activated carbon and sponge
Wireless pump 2.5L (84oz) ABS and PC 5V adapter Down to 30dB Replacement filter and pre-filter sponge
3.2L wireless 3.2L 304 stainless steel and ABS 4000mAh rechargeable battery Pump less than 20dB 4-layer filter

1. Tank size

A bigger tank means fewer refills. The manufacturer cites an adult cat drinking 240 to 350ml a day, so a full 3.2L tank lasts a single cat roughly one to two weeks. A 2L tank suits one cat or a small space. Top the water up when it runs low and follow the cleaning schedule on the product page.

2. Material

The 2L, 3.2L and 3.2L wireless fountains use 304 stainless steel with ABS, which is easy to wipe clean. The wireless pump fountain is made of ABS and PC. Our guide Stainless Steel vs Plastic Water Fountains goes through the differences.

3. Noise

The manufacturer lists the 2L and 3.2L fountains at 20dB or below, the pump in the 3.2L wireless fountain at less than 20dB, and the wireless pump fountain at down to 30dB. If the fountain sits in a bedroom or a quiet living room, compare these figures.

4. Plug-in or wireless

The 2L, 3.2L and wireless pump fountains run from a 5V adapter. The 3.2L wireless fountain has a 4000mAh lithium-ion battery rated for up to 50 days of standby, measured at 30 discharges a day. It has three working modes (sensor, timed and continuous) and a 150° radar sensor that works within 2.5 metres. Read Wireless Water Fountains: Are They Better? for the trade-offs.

5. Filters

Every fountain here uses a filter that you replace every 2 to 4 weeks, and the 2L, 3.2L and wireless pump models ask you to soak a new filter before fitting it. Spare filters are sold separately, for example the 2L fountain replacement filter and the wireless pump fountain replacement filter. Browse every spare in our accessories collection.

6. More than one cat

The 3.2L wireless fountain is listed as suitable for multiple cats and medium to large dogs, and the wireless pump fountain has a dual bowl design. Our guides Best Water Fountain for Multi-Cat Homes and How Many Water Fountains Does a Multi-Cat Home Need? help you plan.

7. Want food and water in one?

The 2-in-1 feeder and fountain pairs a 5L food tank with a 3.5L gravity-fed water fountain. Read 2-in-1 Feeder and Fountain: A Buyer's Guide to see whether it suits you.

Keeping it clean

Wash the fountain regularly with warm water and mild soap and change the filter on schedule. See How to Clean a Pet Fountain Step by Step and Signs Your Cat's Water Fountain Needs Cleaning. Browse every model in the pet water fountain collection.

Frequently asked questions

Which fountain is the quietest?

The manufacturer lists the 2L and 3.2L stainless steel fountains at 20dB or below and the pump in the 3.2L wireless fountain at less than 20dB. The wireless pump fountain is listed at down to 30dB.

How often do I change the filter?

Every 2 to 4 weeks, as listed on each product page. Soak and wash a new filter before fitting it where the page asks you to.

How long does the wireless battery last?

The 3.2L wireless fountain lists up to 50 days of standby, measured at 30 discharges a day. Real running time depends on how often your cat drinks and which mode you use.

Is stainless steel better than plastic?

Stainless steel is easy to wipe clean. Which one suits you depends on your budget, noise and power needs. The comparison table above shows each fountain's material.

Can one fountain serve two cats?

The 3.2L wireless fountain is listed as suitable for multiple cats and the wireless pump fountain has a dual bowl design. Some homes prefer one fountain per cat, so read our multi-cat guides above.