TOP 9 best automatic waterers for cats

Sergey Semikolenov

I tell you how profitable it is to buy in online stores

All cat owners love their pets very much and try to make their life at home better and more comfortable. For this purpose, expensive toys, scratchers, electronic toilets, etc. are purchased. Many of these things are marketing products, play on our love of furry and coldly meet animals. But there are really important and necessary devices for every cat owner, according to veterinarians.

Today we will talk about automatic drinkers and how they help solve the problem that the animal drinks little water. We studied all the intricacies of the devices, compared different models from companies, evaluated the functions and ease of use of each device, and prepared a rating of the best automatic waterers for cats in 2021.

How does a cat water bottle work?

An automatic drinking bowl is a modern small device that helps increase a cat's water intake. The presence of a pump ensures constant water recirculation and oxygen saturation. A liquid that is in constant motion is more attractive to pets, it does not have the smell of stagnant water, and its taste is much softer.

Device material

Most often, plastic, light metals, porcelain, glass or ceramics are used in the manufacture of automatic drinkers. Devices made from these materials differ in strength, weight and practicality. And now in more detail:

Plastic drinkers

Plastic drinking bowls are much cheaper than metal and ceramic ones, but they are inferior in design and practicality. Scratches can form on the surface of the plastic, in which, if not carefully cared for, pathogenic bacteria and fungi will multiply. It is better to choose large models with rubber feet to avoid tipping over.

Metal drinkers

Thanks to their heavy body, metal drinkers are much more stable and durable than plastic ones. They are less susceptible to germs and better maintain the freshness of water. However, when corroded, metal devices become dangerous for pets. A good choice are stainless steel drinkers with an additional antibacterial coating.

Porcelain, ceramic and glass devices

These automatic drinkers are resistant to capsizing, have a stylish design and a durable body. However, due to their rough surfaces, porcelain and ceramic appliances are at risk of mold. Therefore, it is better to opt for a drinking bowl with special enamel. Do not use dishes that are cracked or chipped. With proper care, any material will last a long time and will not harm your pet. The main rule is not to use raw tap water and change it more often.

The best water bottle for cats with a filter: Xiaomi Kitten&Puppy Pet Water Dispenser

If your pet loves tap water

Pros: the project of a watering station for cats, presented on the Xiaomi crowdfunding platform, immediately appealed to pet owners and received the necessary funding in the shortest possible time. The smart filter drinking bowl is produced by the Kitten&Puppy brand and is a small white fountain with dimensions of 18 x 18 cm. The weight of the device is 1.2 kg.

In addition to the cat water bowl itself, the delivery set includes a Micro USB-USB cable, a power adapter and a water filter, which is installed in the upper removable part of the water bowl. It has a convenient silicone tab to open the top cover. The fountain pump is mounted on top and receives power through connectors on one side of the device.

The body of the automatic drinking bowl for cats consists of two parts: the main bowl and a transparent container that can be taken out. The latter has a volume of 2 liters, a mark indicating the maximum permissible liquid level and a special system with a float, thanks to which an indicator on the external panel will indicate the need for topping up.

There is an indicator on the front panel of the automatic drinker that displays the degree of filter contamination. Through the transparent window, the user can see the remaining liquid in the reservoir. The entire structure of the gadget is located on four anti-slip feet. The noise level during pump operation does not exceed 40 dB.

After turning on the device, the liquid begins to circulate in a circle. In addition to purification through the filter, the water is enriched with oxygen, making the drinking process more healthy and refreshing. The place where the pet will drink is like a bowl, and the babbling water will attract the animal. During filtration, the water will be constantly cleaned of any particles of dust, dirt or animal hair.

The automatic drinking bowl will help to attract those cats who prefer to lap up water from an open tap in the kitchen.

Cons: no smart functions or connection to a smart home system.

Criteria for choosing a drinker

When choosing an automatic device for providing animals with water, you must be guided by the following criteria:

It is advisable to choose a drinking bowl from a reputable manufacturer. Today, the best drinking bowls are produced in Western Europe. They are made from safe materials and have the best price-quality ratio. The cost of devices is from 1,200 to 10,000 rubles.
When choosing a device, you need to understand how many animals it is intended for. It is better to buy a large fountain for the nursery, and for one pet a small bowl with a falling stream will be enough.
It is also necessary to take into account the material from which the drinker is made. Light plastic can be easily moved and knocked over by animals. If there are a lot of pets, then it is better to choose a metal or ceramic heavy device.
You should also consider the availability of replacement filters. When buying a drinker, you need to make sure that these consumables for this device model are on sale and that they are easy to replace yourself.
We must not forget about the noise level from the operating device. It is better to check this parameter in the store and make sure that it will not interfere with household members.
You need to choose a drinking bowl for your pets based on their preferences. Most often, Bengals, Abyssinians, and all active breeds love to drink water from a fountain; apparently, the babbling sound reminds them of the stream from which their wild ancestors drank. For long-haired cats, it is better to buy a model with a dome, in this case the liquid does not splash and the fur remains dry.

The best water fountain for cats: ELS PET

A good device for your pet to drink more water

Pros: the gadget is ideal for indoor cats who love to drink running water from the tap. The small tower of the automatic drinker with a height of 22 forms a spring stream, which attracts animals, makes them want to play with it, and most importantly, drink more. If you have a problem that the cat does not drink water from the bowl, even if the water has just been changed, then you should consider purchasing the ELS PET fountain water bowl. The price in online stores on Yandex.Market is about 2,600 rubles.

On the top cover of the automatic drinker there is a wheel that regulates the water pressure of the fountain. The installed backlight will help the cat find water at night in the dark and the device looks much more impressive with it. The motor that recirculates water in the gadget can be easily disassembled and cleaned, so even after a year of use it will not make noise or transmit unnecessary vibration to the bowl.

The device holds up to one and a half liters of liquid, which is enough for several days if the cat is left alone. All parts are made of safe ABS plastic. The set includes a lid that covers the main bowl.

Cons: the fountain drinker is white, and the wire is black: perfectionists may have questions.

Caring for drinking bowls

In order for pets to drink truly clean water, automatic devices should be operated correctly and their technical condition monitored.

To do this you need:

Before first use, thoroughly wash all parts of the drinker with dishwashing detergent and dry them completely.
Place the device on a flat, hard surface in a place where it will not disturb anyone and, preferably, away from other electrical appliances.
Once every few days (depending on the volume of the tank and the number of pets), pour clean drinking water (preferably bottled) at room temperature into the drinking bowl.
If the machine operates continuously, then once a week it must be turned off, completely disassembled and thoroughly washed all components, including the filter.
Do not connect the drinker to the electrical network if there is no water in the device or there is some kind of breakdown.

The best automatic waterer for cats according to user reviews: Imac Pet Fountain

A bowl with a fountain that cannot be turned over

Pros: The automatic watering fountain for cats is entirely made in Italy. It is worth noting that this country has very strict environmental requirements, so all companies use materials that are safe for nature, humans and animals in the production of their products. The Pet Fountain device is no exception in this case.

The shape of the automatic drinking bowl for cats resembles a large sea stone, which has been polished for many years by the waves running over it. The dimensions of the device are approximately 30 x 30 cm, and there are two colors to choose from: light gray and blue. The drinker is connected to the network using a two-meter cable. The power of the pump and, as a result, the intensity of the fountain’s operation is regulated at the bottom of the structure. A special float will remind you that the gadget is running out of water.

The volume of the automatic drinker is 2 liters. During operation, a small fountain forms in the center, and the water smoothly flows into the tank, where it passes through a large-area filter and returns for circulation. The murmur attracts pets. Thanks to this, they consume more fluid, which is especially important for cats on a diet of dry food.

Users note the quiet operation of the device, and significant advantages include the stability of the structure, thanks to which cats cannot turn the gadget over.

Cons: none identified

Bowl with automatic waterer for cats: Homepet

Cheap drinker designed to last for several days

Pros: the most budget-friendly water bottle for cats in the ranking of the best models of 2021. You can purchase it in online stores for less than 300 rubles. The design consists of a plastic bowl and a 0.6 liter flask. The device does not require a network connection and is easy to use: water is poured into the flask, a bowl is placed on top and the structure is quickly turned over.

The water in the reservoir will fill your pet's bowl for several days, so you can leave it for a few days and go to the country without risk for your cat. Also suitable for automatic emptying of small dry food.

Cons: Requires a fair amount of dexterity to pour water into the container without spilling it by turning it over.

Mr. Cat recommends: DIY cat water bowl

In order not to spend money on purchasing an expensive device, you can easily make a water bowl for your cat yourself.

Bottle and bowl model

The simplest model will require a plastic bottle, a metal bowl and wooden planks.

A platform, a holder for a container with water and a support are made from wood. The hole in the support is cut so that the neck of the bottle is firmly fixed.

All wooden blanks have grooves and tenons cut with a jigsaw. Then they are assembled into a single structure and fastened together using PVA glue. Next, pour water into a clean bottle, close it with a lid and place it upside down in a support above a metal bowl. To make the structure rigid, secure the bottle to the holders with an elastic band.

The lid is opened and some of the water is immediately poured into the bowl. As the liquid in it runs out, it gradually enters the container from the bottle.

Drinking fountain made from flower pots

You will need two flower pots. The lower one is large and better made of good lined ceramics. The second one is smaller, made of high-quality plastic. The diameter of its upper part should be slightly smaller than the bottom of the first tank.

A small aquarium pump is placed at the bottom of the ceramic pot, it is covered with a plastic bowl, in the bottom of which a hole is cut for water. After the ceramic container is two-thirds filled with water, the pump is connected to the electrical network, and the water rises upward through the hole in a fountain.

You can attach a special aquarium tube of a suitable diameter to a plastic pot in the hole.

The best automatic waterer for cats with two types of nozzles: Feed-Ex Spring PW-03

Suitable for shy pets

Pros: a distinctive feature of the automatic drinker is the presence of two replaceable nozzles included. The first one imitates a fountain and is primarily suitable for those pets who like to play with the tap and drink water from it. The second nozzle allows water to flow over the surface of the body - this option is chosen by owners whose cats prefer to lick running liquid.

Continuously circulating water is saturated with oxygen. Passing through a carbon filter, the liquid is cleaned of particles of uneaten food, wool and house dust. With a scheduled filter replacement once every 1.5 months, a cat (Persian, Ragdoll, British, Scottish Fold, Canadian Sphynx) will always drink clean and fresh water, which will protect it from intestinal infections. The water pressure is adjustable, so even the most timid cat can be trained to use the water bottle.

Power is supplied through a low-voltage adapter, so the device is absolutely safe for animals. The volume of the automatic drinking bowl is one and a half liters - this is enough for several cats in the house or for a small breed dog. The gadget operates very quietly, and the two-meter wire allows you to conveniently place the drinking bowl in the kitchen.

Cons: the pump must be cleaned once a month so that it supplies water evenly and does not hum.

Types of automatic drinkers

Wild cats often lived in arid places - steppes and deserts, lacking clean water. Moisture in greater quantities entered the animals' bodies with the blood of their victims. Such animals are accustomed to endure thirst for a long time.

Other cat species were forest dwellers. Such predators chose a stream as a source of moisture and often settled on a tree near it. They covered the key with leaves, digging it up for drinking. The sound of running water was their signal to return to the house.

The descendants of these cats prefer to drink running water, and the bowl of liquid is usually “digged” before dipping their face into it.

Pets, especially those whose diet is dominated by dry formula, need plenty of clean water. Its deficiency can lead to unpleasant consequences, for example, urolithiasis and kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to organize a proper drinking bowl for the cat that attracts attention, and from an early age to teach him to drink often and in large quantities.

Today, industrial devices with circulating water are produced for cats. These are automatic drinkers, powered by electricity or batteries. They are safe for pets, since the voltage consumption does not exceed 12 volts. They can be equipped with lighting and a bactericidal lamp, and equipped with a timer to regularly turn off the water supply.

Drinking bowl

This is an ordinary deep cup, into which a stream of water falls freely from a height or flows down a special chute. Usually the pressure of the supplied liquid can be adjusted. Such drinking bowls are convenient when there are one or two pets in the house.

Two-bowl drinking bowl

It consists of two containers located one above the other. The small upper bowl has holes through which liquid flows freely into the large lower bowl.

The pump is used submersible, the device operates silently. This drinking bowl is convenient when there are kittens or many pets in the house, since the large volume and stability of the device allows everyone to drink at once.

Drinking fountain

In this case, there are also two containers, but above the top there is a small dome in the form of a hemisphere. Water is pushed upward by a pump from the middle part of the device, flows down the round walls and falls into the lower bowl.

The best water bottle for cats and kittens with light: Xiaomi Furrytail Smart Cat Water Dispenser

With a five-stage filtration system

Pros: The automatic drinking bowl for cats has a water capacity of 1.88 liters, which can satisfy the cat’s needs for a week. Even if the owner is on a business trip or a long trip, the animal will receive fresh drinking water 24 hours a day.

The design of the automatic drinker uses a fine-pored filter that removes wool, small debris and other foreign objects. An optional activated carbon cotton filter is designed to remove sand, rust and microparticles. Natural coconut shell activated carbon enhances the filtration of residual chlorine and other harmful substances in tap water. A special ion exchange resin softens the water quality and removes calcium and magnesium ions from the liquid, which cause stones in cats.

The automatic drinker operates in slow flow mode: even at night the device will not disturb you, since it operates absolutely silently. A drinking tray accessible from all sides has been implemented for pets, which allows them to drink clean water at any time. Constantly filling the saucer, the water, saturated with oxygen, slowly flows into the tank. Then it is cleaned by filters and returns to an endless circle of circulation.

The design of the automatic drinker is easy to disassemble for cleaning and replacing the filter, and also allows the device to be stable so that the cat does not turn it over. The manufacturer uses safe ABS plastic, which does not emit unpleasant odors or toxins and is recommended for use by veterinary clinics. The light indication shows when the water in the automatic drinker is running low. Judging by the reviews, many users use the gadget as a night light.

The minimalist design and white color will suit the interior of any apartment, and will also create the best conditions for maintaining the water balance of pets.

Cons: The cat may pull out the top cup.

The best inexpensive waterer for cats: Feed-Ex Lotus PW-01

Device from the market leader in automatic animal feeders

Pros: budget and most affordable drinker in 2021. It helps the cat drink more water, which is extremely important for its health, normal functioning of the kidneys and intestines. The best purchase option for pets whose diet is dominated by dry food. The price in online stores is 25% lower than that of similar competitor models.

The device is designed for a volume of 1.5 liters. The design consists of two bowls that are inserted into each other. Water comes from a small fountain, is saturated with oxygen and falls into a large bowl with sides 9 cm high. The drinking bowl is very convenient and is suitable for both large cats (for example, Maine Coon) and several pets at once. A sealed aquarium pump is installed inside the gadget, which operates very quietly and is not audible even at a distance of 20 cm.

A multi-level carbon filter will clean the water from debris and dry crumbs. A 2-meter long cable is enough for convenient placement of the device in any kitchen. Many veterinarians recommend an automatic waterer for cats to maintain the health of pets.

Cons: let's go

The best water bottle with USB connection: Drinking fountain for cats

With high sides for protection against splashes

Pros: The automatic waterer for cats of different breeds is designed with a deep understanding of the needs and requirements of pets. The height of the device is more than 18 cm, so pets can drink liquid without bending over. Water is supplied through three fountains, so the gadget can be considered for purchase by owners of several cats or small dogs.

The “triple spring” attachment of the automatic drinking bowl allows picky pets to determine which side is more convenient for them to drink from, which facilitates the process of getting used to the device. It is worth noting the presence of high sides that prevent water from spilling and splashing on the floor. The tank volume is 2.5 liters.

This supply will last for 10 days, so you can go away for the weekend, leaving your pet at home, with full confidence that he will have clean and fresh water. A transparent window on the front panel will help you monitor the liquid level.

The heart of the device is a multi-stage filter. In appearance it resembles the Aquaphor system. After passing through four levels, the water is purified from debris, heavy metals, unpleasant odors and bacteria. Also, excess salts are removed from the water, which is extremely important for the prevention of diseases of the urinary system.

The fountain drinker works from a USB cable: it can be connected to a computer or via a power supply to the electrical network. The safe design ensures that your pet will never be shocked. Energy consumption is almost unnoticeable - 10 rubles per month when working 24/7. Blue neon lighting pleasantly highlights the floor-mounted drinking bowl with USB connection.

Cons: not installed.

Features of choice

There are many models of automatic drinkers available on the modern pet products market. To choose a high-quality and durable device, you need to focus not only on cost, but also on dimensions, case materials, availability of replacement cartridges, as well as operating volume. And now in more detail:

Dimensions of the automatic drinker. The larger the volume of the device, the more water it will hold. For one or two pets, a medium tank or bowl will be sufficient. If there are three or four cats in the house, then you should think about purchasing a multi-level system or a fountain.
Case materials. It is better to choose stable drinkers made of heavy materials, such as ceramics, porcelain, metal, etc. They are more difficult to move or knock over. But plastic devices are not so practical and are more likely to get scratched.
Noise produced. Devices that are too noisy can scare away pets and discourage them from approaching the drinking bowl. And the owner may be uncomfortable from extraneous sounds. Therefore, it is better to opt for a device with an operating volume of up to 40 dB.
Cost of replacement cartridges. Filters for water purification need to be changed 1-2 times a month, so they must be affordable. Buy drinking bowls from well-known manufacturers so that you don’t have to look for cartridges in different pet stores later.

The average cost of popular automatic drinkers varies from 2 to 6 thousand rubles. A high price does not always mean quality, so it is better to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the device.