When it comes to keeping cats hydrated, the debate usually comes down to Catit vs PetSafe vs AquaPurr. All three brands are popular, but which fountain truly meets the needs of your cat—and your lifestyle?
As a cat parent, you already know hydration is no small matter. Dehydration in cats can lead to urinary blockages, kidney disease, and chronic discomfort. That’s why choosing the right fountain is less about “gadgets” and more about your cat’s long-term health.
I’ve tested (and spoken to dozens of cat parents who own) all three fountains. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Catit Flower Fountain | PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum | AquaPurr Cat Fountain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cute flower design, compact, plastic build | Large reservoir, bulky, traditional spout | Sleek, stainless steel, modern minimal |
| Capacity | 3 L (100 fl oz) | 4.9 L (168 fl oz) | Continuous flow, unlimited (connects to tap) |
| Filter | Carbon + foam (replace monthly) | Carbon filter (replace monthly) | Optional inline filter, no replacement required |
| Cleaning | Many small parts, tricky | Several big parts, dishwasher safe | Few parts, quick wipe-down |
| Noise | Moderate hum | Louder motor | Near silent (no motor) |
| Water Freshness | Stagnant if pump slows down | Good but needs frequent refill | Always fresh, flowing from source |
| Power Source | Plug-in pump | Plug-in pump | No electricity needed |
| Maintenance | Weekly cleaning + filter | Weekly cleaning + filter | Minimal, no refills, no filters |
| Price Range | $30–$40 | $70–$80 | $90–$120 (one-time) |
| Best For | Budget cat parents | Multi-cat households needing capacity | Long-term health, busy owners |
1. Catit Flower Fountain 🌸
The Catit Flower Fountain is easily one of the most recognizable products in the cat fountain market. Its flower design has made it a favorite among Instagram cat parents.
Pros:
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Affordable entry-level option (around $30).
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Cute design encourages cats who like novelty.
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Easy to find replacement filters.
Cons:
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Plastic build can scratch, holding bacteria over time.
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Requires frequent filter replacement (~$10/month).
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Smaller capacity (3L) means refills every few days.
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Pump can get noisy and clog with cat hair.
Story snippet: My friend Anna got this for her kitten Luna. At first Luna loved batting at the little streams, but after a few weeks, Anna noticed a slimy film building up inside the pump housing. Cleaning day became a 30-minute routine. For someone with a busy job, it quickly became a hassle.
Verdict:
Best for cat parents who want an affordable fountain and don’t mind the upkeep. Great for a trial, but not ideal for long-term convenience.
2. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum 💧
The PetSafe Drinkwell has been a household name for years. Known for its large reservoir, it’s especially marketed for multi-cat homes.
Pros:
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Large 4.9L capacity—less refilling.
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Dishwasher-safe components (except the pump).
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Widely available replacement parts.
Cons:
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Bulky design takes up space.
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Motor noise is noticeably louder than Catit.
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Requires frequent cleaning and filter changes.
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Still prone to biofilm buildup.
Story snippet: One of the vets I spoke to uses PetSafe at her clinic. She loves the capacity but admitted the motor hum bothers some cats. “It keeps water available,” she said, “but I still have to assign staff to clean it every few days. If we skip, it smells like an old fish tank.”
Verdict:
Great if you have multiple cats and don’t mind the noise. Better for cat parents who want high volume but can commit to maintenance.
3. AquaPurr Cat Fountain 🐾
The AquaPurr is the newcomer that’s turning heads—especially with vets. Unlike traditional fountains, AquaPurr connects directly to your faucet, meaning fresh, flowing water 24/7.
Pros:
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Unlimited fresh water (tap-to-fountain design).
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No filters to replace, no stagnant water.
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Stainless steel bowl = hygienic, durable, vet-recommended.
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No motor, no electricity = silent + eco-friendly.
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Minimal cleaning—just a quick rinse of the bowl.
Cons:
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Higher upfront cost (~$100).
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Requires setup near a sink or tap.
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Some cats may need a few days to adjust.
Story snippet: When Max, my 9-year-old cat, started showing signs of early kidney stress, my vet pushed me to get AquaPurr. At first, I thought it was overkill. But within weeks, Max was drinking more than ever—and the daily chore of refilling, scrubbing, and replacing filters disappeared. Now it feels like I upgraded both our lives.
Verdict:
Best for long-term thinkers. If you value convenience, health, and truly fresh water, AquaPurr outperforms both Catit and PetSafe.
Which One Should You Choose?
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Budget-conscious? → Go with Catit Flower Fountain.
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Multiple cats & don’t mind cleaning? → PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum.
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Busy lifestyle, want the healthiest option? → AquaPurr Fountain.
Final Thoughts
The truth is: all fountains are better than a stagnant water bowl. But if we compare Catit vs PetSafe vs AquaPurr, the winner really depends on your priorities.
For me—and for most vets I’ve spoken with—AquaPurr wins because it eliminates the two biggest cat-hydration problems:
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Stagnant, bacteria-laden water.
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Owner burnout from cleaning, refilling, and replacing filters.
If hydration is the key to your cat’s health (and long life), the fountain you choose is more than just a gadget—it’s a silent lifesaver.