Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

7 Best Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountains – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Grant Piper

By Grant Piper

Vet approved

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

cat drinks fresh water from an electric drinking fountain

Stainless steel cat water fountains have a number of benefits over an old-fashioned water bowl. They keep water moving to prevent grime and dirt from settling into it. They are easy to clean. They entice cats to drink thanks to the pump systems. Stainless steel water fountains are the future of cat watering technology. But how do you know which ones are the best? What features are more desirable than others? There are many different products on the market, and this guide will help you cut through the junk and get to worthwhile items.

Here are seven of the best stainless steel cat water fountains available right now, including a helpful buyer’s guide to help you make the best choice for you and your favorite feline.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Top Picks in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
  • Sleek modern design
  • Durable stainless steel
  • Advanced filtration system
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel
  • Very affordable
  • LED light included
  • LED light included Multiple flow levels and modes
  • Third place
    Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain
  • Two different modes
  • Double filtration system
  • Quiet pump
  • PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel
  • Weighs just 1.6 pounds
  • Two sizes available depending on your needs
  • Affordable
  • POLAME Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel POLAME Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel
  • Super easy to clean
  • 5-liter capacity
  • Multiple modes to cater to your cat’s preferences
  • The 7 Best Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountains

    1. Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain – Best Overall

    Hepper Cat Water Fountain

    Size: 4.72 L x 7.28 W x 7.28 H inches
    Capacity: 2 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    The Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain is the epitome of the modern stainless steel cat water fountain. This product is made from durable materials and sports a sleek modern design. It holds two liters of water and works to keep it running continuously. Cats prefer to drink from running water rather than stagnant water due to natural inclinations. The constantly moving water helps keep it clean and fresh for longer, which will make your cat more likely to remain hydrated.

    This fountain also features an advanced filtration system. The filters on the Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain are made from coconut shell, activated carbon, and ion exchange resin. The result is water that is cleaner than ever before, which both you and your cat can appreciate.

    This fountain is truly the whole package. Great design. Durable materials. Excellent filter. Great pump system. It sets the standard and leads the way in terms of stainless steel cat fountains. Oh, and it is also affordable. No overpriced sticker shock to be found here. You will have to buy replacement filters periodically.

    All in all, we think it’s the best overall stainless steel cat water fountain.

    Pros
    • Sleek modern design
    • Durable stainless steel
    • Advanced filtration system
    • Continuous pump action

    Cons
    • Filters require replacement packs


    2. Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain – Budget Buy

    Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

    Size: 7.64 L x 7.52 W x 5.91 H inches
    Capacity: 3 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    Some cat fountains can be pricey. But a budget does not have to bar you from getting a clean automatic water fountain for your cat. The Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel is available for a very affordable price. The best part is that this fountain still has most of the features present in other, more expensive products, including a filtration system, multiple flow levels, and an LED light. The light is nice because it can be decorative or used to light up the area around your cat’s things for nighttime drinking. It holds 3 liters of water and has multiple different dispensation modes that can be tailored to your cat’s specific preferences.

    The only downside of this fountain is the fact that it sometimes leaks and splashes. This can lead to getting some water on the floor, which is frustrating for some users.

    Pros
    • Very affordable
    • LED light included
    • Multiple flow levels and modes

    Cons
    • Some spillage and leakage reported


    3. Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain 4.0 L

    Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain 4.0 L

    Size: 9.45 L x 9.45 W x 4.53 H inches
    Capacity: 4 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    The Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain 4.0 L is perfect for households with multiple cats. Some water fountains just don’t hold enough water for numerous cats, which can cause you to have to refill them over and over again. This fountain has one of the largest capacities available, at 4 liters. The extra capacity allows your cats to drink for longer without running out of water. In addition to that, this fountain is a sleek modern design with a bubbling sphere at the center. It has two different modes for dispensing water. It comes with a double filtration system. It is also very quiet. The combination is a large fountain perfect for multi-cat homes and comes with all of the features you want out of a stainless steel cat fountain.

    The only drawback to the Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain 4.0 L is some reported pump issues. Some people reported that the pump failed after a few weeks of work, which is a concerning but not widely reported problem.

    Pros
    • Large water capacity
    • Two different modes
    • Double filtration system
    • Quiet pump

    Cons
    • Some issues with the pump reported


    4. PETLIBRO Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

    PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

    Size: 8.2 L x 11 W x 3.5 H inches
    Capacity: 2 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    Some people like to travel with their cats. Cats that are used to drinking from an automatic fountain might not like having to go back to a stagnant bowl if you are moving or on vacation. The PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel is the perfect portable automatic stainless steel cat water fountain. It is very short at only 3.5 inches tall. It weighs just 1.6 pounds and can easily be packed away into a suitcase or bag for your kitty. This fountain comes in two sizes: 2 liters and 3 liters. The 2-liter option is smaller and easier to take with you on the go, but the capacity is not very large.

    This fountain does come with some downsides. The motor is kind of loud, the filter replacements are a little pricey, and the reservoir is covered. The covered reservoir keeps the water out of sight, which is bad if the power cord comes loose or the pump burns out. This fountain works best as a backup or a portable fountain for people who like to travel or go RVing with their cats.

    Pros
    • Very small and perfect for traveling
    • Weighs just 1.6 pounds
    • Two sizes available depending on your needs
    • Affordable

    Cons
    • The pump is noisier than the competition
    • Filters can be pricey to replace
    • Reservoir is covered, which can be problematic if you lose power


    5. POLAME Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

    POLAME Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

    Size: 7.6 L x 7.6 W x 5.9 H inches
    Capacity: 2.5 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    Cleanliness is very important for pet owners. No one wants their cats drinking from grimy water or yucky bowls. Some water fountains are hard to clean and require irritating deconstruction processes, which take time and effort. The POLAME Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel makes cleaning this water fountain a snap. It can be taken apart or put back together in just 15 seconds. The fountain is dishwasher safe. All you have to do is pop the filter out and put the solid stainless steel pieces into the dishwasher to clean it. It has 2.5 liters of capacity, is a good size, and has multiple flow modes to get your cat to drink its fill. This is the perfect fountain for people looking for a product that works great and is easy to clean. Easy to clean is actually the top review about this product.

    Pros
    • Super easy to clean
    • 5-liter capacity
    • Multiple modes to cater to your cat’s preferences

    Cons
    • Pump burn out reported


    6. MISFANS Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

    MISFANS Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

    Size: 9.4 L x 4.4 W x 7.6 H inches
    Capacity: 3.2 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    Many stainless steel cat water fountains are bland and colorless. They all look vaguely similar, and none of them look particularly stylish. If you want something that is going to stand out and add some unique flavor to your cat area, look no further. This new design merges function and form into something unique looking. The MISFANS Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel features a small window at the front where you can see the water. This is both a stylish touch and a functional way to see how much water is left in the fountain. In addition to that, this fountain holds 3.2 liters of water, is quiet, and has a double spigot design. The result is a water fountain that looks and works great.

    This design is very new, so there are no reports on its longevity or durability. Be aware of that before buying. The new design certainly looks great, but it has not been out long enough to get a good bead on its longevity.

    Pros
    • New, modern, stylish design
    • Double spigots and window are great twists
    • Large capacity
    • Quiet pump

    Cons
    • New product doesn’t have any longevity reports so there is a chance it could crap out earlier than expected


    7. Tomxcute Cat & Dog Water Fountain

    Tomxcute Cat & Dog Water Fountain

    Size: 8.85 L x 4.13 W x 3.47 H inches
    Capacity: 3.2 liters
    Power Source: Power cord

    The Tomxcute Cat & Dog Water Fountain is made out of clean 304 stainless steel that is durable and easy to take care of. The fountain holds a generous 3.2 liters of water that is filtered through a double filtration system. The fountain comes with handy lines that help you see how much water is left and when the water levels are getting too low. The pump is very quiet and clocks in at around 20 dBs which is hardly audible. The quiet pump is good for people who are sensitive to additional sounds at home.

    The constant movement of clean water helps cats drink. This is helpful for cats that are picky about the status of their water. This fountain can also be used for dogs. It is large enough and has a wide enough bowl that dogs, especially small dogs, will love drinking from this as well. That makes it ideal for a house that has both dogs and cats that can peacefully share a clean filtered water fountain.

    The biggest downside is the fact that a small minority of users reported pump failure. Those with reported issues reported pump failure after 3 months which is a bummer. Otherwise, this water fountain is extremely highly reviewed.

    Pros
    • Large fountain perfect for cats and dogs
    • Very quiet pump
    • Double filtration system keeps water fresh for longer

    Cons
    • Reports of pump failure

    ]

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the  Best Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain

    Cleanliness

    One of the most important factors of a cat water fountain is its cleanliness. You don’t want to get a waterer that gets grimy or filled with dirt, dust, or bugs. A good fountain should be able to keep itself clean and easily cleanable. If a fountain is hard to take apart and clean, it can add a lot of headaches to your weekly routine, especially if you live in a house or have an area where your waterer easily gets dirty or grimy.

    One of the reasons we feature stainless steel fountains is that stainless steel is easy to clean. Other waterers made from plastics or resins will be harder to clean over time than stainless steel.

    cat drinking water
    Image Credit: rihaij, Pixabay

    Capacity

    Water fountains come in a variety of different sizes when it comes to their capacity. The smallest fountains hold between 1 and 2 liters of water. The larger fountains have capacities that range from 2 to 4 liters. If you have multiple cats or a cat and a dog, you might want to get a fountain with a larger capacity to keep the water levels up throughout the day. Don’t ignore the capacity because it is an important characteristic of these fountains.


    Noise Level

    Many of these water fountains are very quiet, but they all make some level of noise. The noise is often a low humming sound which is the pump running and filtering the water. Fountains with tall spouts will also have the sound of the water falling into the bowl. Many people find these sounds soothing, but not everyone will want additional noise in their house. Many products list the noise level of their water fountains, so be sure to look at that if you are concerned about additional noise.


    Power Source

    Another thing to consider is the power source. Many of these water fountains require an outlet nearby to plug them in. Some of them run on batteries. Depending on where your waterer is located in your house or whether or not you want it to be portable might sway your decision in this regard. Some people also have cats that will play with or chew on the power cord, so you might want to consider a battery-powered option in those cases.


    Filters

    Some water fountains come with filtration systems in them. That is great for keeping the water fresh and clean for your cat. However, it also comes with an additional level of maintenance and monetary upkeep. Filters need to be replaced periodically, which means opening up the fountain and swapping out the filter. Replacement filters cost money, so look up the price of replacements before making a final choice. You don’t want to be saddled with an additional monthly bill that you weren’t prepared for due to expensive filter replacement packs.

    grey and white kitten drinking water at the pet drinking fountain
    Image By: Patcharida, Shutterstock

    Why Choose Stainless Steel?

    There are a number of different types of cat waterers on the market, but many of the best ones are stainless steel. Stainless steel is affordable, easy to clean, and durable. These characteristics make stainless steel an ideal material for a cat waterer. Many of the water fountains on this list are dishwasher safe and will hold up for years thanks to the durability of stainless steel. You can easily wipe down stainless steel to remove gunk and streaks. It can also stand up to some wear and tear in case your cats bat at the fountain or knock it over.

    Stainless steel also won’t break down and leach plastic into your cat’s water supply like other waterers, which is important to many pet owners. For these reasons, you should seriously consider getting your next cat waterer in stainless steel.

    How Often Do I Need to Replace the Water?

    Just because you get a large-capacity water fountain doesn’t mean that you can leave the water sitting for days or weeks on end. Many manufacturers suggest replacing the water every day or every other day. This will help keep the water as clean as possible and will prevent sludge and dust from building up inside the fountain’s pump system.

    If you buy a cat water fountain with a filtration system inside, you might be able to push back the replacement cycle to a couple of times per week, but you should not leave the water sitting for more than two days at a time before dumping it and refilling it.

    hepper-cat-paw-divider

    Conclusion

    Whether you are looking for a large-capacity water fountain, a classic fountain, a stylish fountain, or a portable fountain, there are numerous outstanding stainless steel options on this list to satisfy your needs, and we hope our reviews helped you find the right one for you.

    For the best overall option, we like the Hepper Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain. If you’re on a budget, you might like the Wonder Creature Crystal Cat Water Fountain. And our third option, check out the Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain 4.0 L.

    No matter which you choose, these stainless steel fountains are modern, full of great features, and largely affordable. The result will be something awesome that your cat will love. These fountains make drinking easier than ever and will help keep your cat’s water clean and refreshing.


    Featured Image Credit: Reshetnikov_art, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database