PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain Review (2026): Getting a Cat to Actually Drink More Water

Cats are famously prone to drinking too little water, which is part of why urinary and kidney issues are so common in older cats, and the PetSafe Drinkwell fountain is one of the most recommended tools for encouraging more drinking. After running it for a picky drinker for several weeks, the difference in how often the cat visited the water bowl was noticeable.

Who it's for

This is aimed at cat owners whose cat seems to drink very little from a standard bowl, since moving water tends to attract cats more than still water sitting in a dish. If your cat already drinks reliably from a bowl, a fountain is a nice extra rather than a necessary upgrade.

What we liked

• The moving, filtered water noticeably encouraged more drinking for a cat who previously ignored a standard water bowl most of the day.
• The carbon filter keeps water tasting fresh between changes, which seems to matter to cats that are picky about water taste.
• The submersible pump runs quietly, which avoided the concern about a noisy fountain putting a nervous cat off using it.

What could be better

• It needs a real weekly cleaning routine to prevent buildup, which is more maintenance than a simple bowl.
• The pump will eventually need replacing, typically after six months to a year of continuous use.

Key specs, explained

The replaceable carbon filter removes odors and improves taste by filtering water as it circulates, similar in concept to a home water filter pitcher, and needs replacing roughly monthly for best results. Using a submersible pump rather than an external one keeps the fountain quieter overall, since the water itself helps dampen the sound of the motor running.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How often does the fountain need cleaning? A full cleaning of the reservoir and pump is recommended weekly, with filter changes roughly monthly depending on water hardness and use.

Q: Will the noise scare off a nervous cat? Most cats adjust within a few days, but placing the fountain somewhere quiet at first, away from foot traffic, helps a nervous cat get comfortable with it.

Should you buy it?

For a cat that doesn't drink enough from a standard bowl, this is a reasonably priced way to encourage healthier hydration habits.

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