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.

Installed carbon and cotton filters purify the water from dust, animal hair, and particles of dry food. The filtration system removes heavy metals and excess salt to keep your cat free of kidney and intestinal disease. The stylish design of the devices will allow you to fit the equipment into the design of any kitchen.

Requirements for outdoor use

A drinking bowl for dogs and cats is often needed outside if the animals live or just walk in the yard of their own home. It is especially necessary in the summer, when the four-legged need for drinking increases. The requirements for sippy cups installed outdoors are the same as for home devices. You just need to change the water and wash all the parts of the structure more often. Dust, grass, leaves from trees and shrubs, and insects can get into the containers. It is better to place the drinking bowl under a canopy so that as little debris as possible gets into it.

Electric drinking bowls are completely safe for animals. Cats and dogs drink from them with interest and pleasure. Frequent consumption of clean water prevents diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and joints. The main thing is to promptly clean the automatic bowl and change the life-giving moisture in it.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic drinkers

Automatic drinkers are sold in every pet store. They are easy to use and do not require constant water changes. However, even such a practical device has its drawbacks.

Advantages:

Pets receive round-the-clock access to purified water.
If there is no liquid in the tank, the drinkers automatically turn off.
An interesting design attracts cats and encourages them to consume the required amount of water.
Availability of multi-level filtration systems.
In automatic drinkers, water does not stagnate and is constantly saturated with oxygen.
If the tank is large enough, you won't have to constantly add water.
Automatic devices are easy to operate and save the owner’s time.
The fountains are universal and suitable for pets of all ages and sizes.

Flaws:

When the power is turned off, the automatic drinker stops working and access to water becomes impossible.
It is necessary to periodically change cartridges and clean the tank.
Loud noise from the device may scare away pets.
High price compared to conventional drinkers.

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.

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

Automatic waterer for cats - types and design features

Water bowls for cats differ in their operating principle:

electric drinking fountain - water circulation is carried out using an electric pump;
automatic drinking bowl - water supply occurs according to the principle of communicating vessels.

Electric versions of fountains have filters that purify the water during circulation. Water flows out of them in different ways:

waterfall and stream - water flows down the surface of the product;
fountain - streams shoot up;
A spring is a free-falling stream of water.

Automatic drinkers without an electric pump have a simplified design - a vertical sealed vessel is attached to the bowl. Such models often have a collapsible design, making them convenient to take on a trip.

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.

Owner reviews

Marina, owner of the Siamese cat Mi-Mi

“I bought my pet an excellent drinking bowl in the shape of a fountain. My pet was wary of the device the first day, but then she got used to it and now drinks only from there.”

Veronica, owner of the cat Dymka

“My pet refused to drink water from a simple bowl, although I changed it daily. He liked the faucet half open, but I can't keep it open all the time. To ensure that the cat consumes enough liquid during the day when I am not at home, I installed an automatic waterer. It’s a very convenient device, it’s inexpensive, and my Dymka immediately liked it.”

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.

The best drinking bowls

If you look at the ratings of the most popular drinking bowls for cats, they most often include:

Feed-Ex is an inexpensive model, the price of which is 1000-1200 rubles. The drinker has a durable plastic tank and an internal carbon filter. The pump motor operates silently, moisture does not overflow or splash.
Feed-Ex “Spring” is a device with a convenient bowl suitable for both one and several cats. A 3-liter tank lasts for several days.
Citytek Pets Uni is quite expensive (2800-3200 rubles), but a unique device, equipped with a 1.8-liter capacity and a replaceable double filtration system. In addition to the drinking bowl, it has a container for dry food.
Citytek for cats is a drinking bowl with a body made of eco-plastic and a pump for regulating the pressure of the streams. The device does not operate without noise; its operation is accompanied by a murmur. For some cats, this sound arouses interest and even appetite. The weight of the device with water is approximately 2500 g. Animals can move it, but are unlikely to drop it.
Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum is an expensive (RUB 5,800-6,200) unit with a 5-liter internal tank. Suitable for large cat families. It has carbon filters that are responsible for high-quality water purification, and a silent pump that regulates the flow pressure. The water flows quietly, babbling along the gutter, attracting the cat, and pours out of a spout similar to a water faucet. The device has several operating modes, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and its parts are dishwasher safe.
Drinkwell l D 360SS-EU-45 : device material is stainless steel, its capacity is 3.8 liters. The price is quite high and is about 9000-10000 rubles. The tank has two types of filters: carbon - eliminates unpleasant tastes and odors; foam filter - copes with small debris: wool, food particles. This protection keeps the fluid and pump clean. They are replaced every 2-4 weeks. If there are a lot of pets or the animal suffers from excessive drooling, then it is recommended to change the filter material more often.
Drinkwell 360 (the main material of the product is stainless steel) is a drinker consisting of a large bowl with a cone in the center that covers the pump. The device has 5 rings with spouts; they are attached to the cone, simulating the flow of water like from a water pipe.

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.

Operating instructions

In order for four-legged animals to constantly consume fresh water, it is necessary to properly operate the device. It should be poured depending on the volume of the tank. Constant monitoring of the technical condition of the device will significantly extend its service life. If the device operates continuously, then approximately once every 7 days it needs to be turned off, disassembled and washed.

Turned it on and forgot: is it true?

The operation of the automatic drinker must be monitored. The tank needs to be replenished - turning on the device with an empty container leads to breakdowns or to someone becoming thirsty.

Cleaning

The new product is thoroughly washed and dried. Subsequently, the drinking bowl must be cleaned once a week. For cleaning, use products that are used for washing dishes and a sponge. The pump should be cleaned of limescale with a vinegar solution. The filters included in the kit must be changed once a month. If an animal becomes infected, the device is discarded after the disease so that it does not recur.

Water should be poured into drinking bowls at room temperature!

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

Making a drinking bowl with your own hands

In some cases, you can do without significant expenses, but at the same time provide your pet with an automatic source of clean, fresh water. And to do this, it’s enough to make a drinking bowl yourself.

Drinking bowl with wooden elements

This is the most primitive and easy-to-make model, which requires a minimum of items:

plastic bottle;
metal bowl;
a pair of wooden planks.

Construction algorithm:

It is recommended to make a platform, support and holders for the tank from the boards. Cut a hole in the support so that the neck of the bottle can be firmly fixed.
The wooden parts need to be cut using a jigsaw, grooves and tenons.
The blanks need to be assembled together and secured with PVA glue.
Prepare the bottle: first remove the labels, wash thoroughly and fill with drinking water.
Seal the container with a lid, turn it upside down and insert it into the support above the bowl. To make the structure more rigid, you can secure the bottle to the holder with an elastic band.
The lid can be opened to allow some of the water to pour into the bowl.
As the moisture in the drinker runs out, it will come from an improvised reservoir.

Drinking fountain

This device is somewhat more complicated and to assemble the structure you will need:

2 flower pots. For the lower tier you will need a more voluminous one, preferably ceramic. For the top tier, a smaller plastic container is suitable. The diameter of the top of the second pot should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the first container.
Small pump for an aquarium.
Aquarium tube.

Manufacturing process. You can make a device using the following scheme:

A pump is placed at the bottom of the ceramic pot.
A hole for water is cut in the bottom of the second pot and the installed pump is covered with it.
When the ceramic tank is 2/3 filled with water, the pump is connected to electricity. Water will flow upward through the holes in a fountain.
You can attach a special tube with a suitable diameter in the hole of a smaller container.

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.

How to choose a drinker

Among the variety of devices, you can get confused. But, knowing the basic criteria, problems with selecting a suitable drinking bowl are unlikely to arise:

A well-known brand, a trusted manufacturer - high-quality devices are produced by Western European companies. High-quality materials are used for manufacturing, so they last quite a long time. A drinking bowl of dubious quality from an unknown manufacturer can cause a deterioration in your pet’s well-being.
Number of cats - a large fountain is suitable for a nursery, and for 1-2 pets a drinking bowl into which a trickle of water falls is sufficient.
The material of the product – plastic models are less durable and light, cats often move them, spilling water. Metal and ceramic devices are more stable and heavier.
Availability of consumables - before purchasing the model you like, it is advisable for the buyer to make sure that in the future there will be no difficulties with purchasing filters, other spare parts and replacing them.
Noise level - the quieter the device operates, the better, not only for the pet, but also for the owner and household members.
The preference of the animal - in this matter everything is individual, but there is generalized data. Representatives of active breeds (Bengals, Abyssinians, Ocicats, Orientals, Egyptian Mau) prefer to quench their thirst from fountains. For long-haired cats, drinking bowls with a dome that protects against water splashing are more suitable. This will protect your pet's coat from getting wet.
Device design – if the owner is partial to stylish and original devices, then there is something to choose from here too. Models with colored lighting look most impressive.