Cats have a naturally low thirst drive, and many indoor cats drink less than is ideal. Adequate water intake supports urinary and kidney health, and kidney disease is one of the most common chronic problems in older cats. For a cat that prefers moving water, a fountain is a practical welfare tool rather than a gadget. It is not a cure for a cat that is not drinking, though, and you should always keep a plain backup bowl because pumps fail.
Why water intake matters for cats
Cats evolved from desert animals and tend to rely on moisture in food rather than drinking large amounts, so cats on dry diets in particular can run low on water. Resources from the Cornell Feline Health Center and the Merck Veterinary Manual: cat owner resources explain how hydration links to urinary and kidney health. Some cats drink more readily from a flowing source than a still bowl. None of this replaces veterinary care.
Fountain or bowl?
A fountain is not automatically better than a bowl. It helps the subset of cats that are drawn to moving water, keeps water cooler and a little fresher between top-ups, and can hold more than a small bowl. The trade-offs are noise, cleaning, filter costs and a pump that can fail. For some cats a large, clean bowl in the right spot works just as well. Try a fountain if your cat already likes drinking from taps or moving water.
Quick picks
Prices below were checked in June 2026 and are indicative only. Stock, price, warranty and specifications change, so treat them as a starting point and confirm on the retailer page before you buy.
| Category | Product | Price guide | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel | $138-$184 | Cats and dogs; 360° streams; stainless and easy to clean | A single small cat who will not drink from a stream |
| Best budget | PetSafe Drinkwell Cat & Dog Fountain | $101-$135 | Solid entry level; multiple sizes; replaceable filters | Households that need cordless operation |
| Best cordless | PETKIT EverSweet Max 2 (UVC) | Price to confirm | Cordless wireless pump, 3L reservoir, UVC sterilisation, very quiet | People who dislike app-based products |
| Best Catit option | Catit 2.0 or Catit PIXI fountain | Price to confirm | Strong NZ availability; triple-stage filtration; suits most cats | Dogs (capacity is small for most dogs) |
| Plain alternative | Heavy ceramic or stainless bowl, refreshed daily | $0-$15 | Cats who prefer still water; a backup when a pump fails | Any cat not drinking enough — that is a vet question |
What to check before buying in NZ
- Filter availability. Confirm replacement filters are sold in NZ and what they cost over a year.
- Pump reliability and noise. A noisy or failure-prone pump gets unplugged. Check recent reviews.
- Power and cord type. NZ plug or USB; cordless models avoid trailing cables but need charging.
- Cleaning. Fountains need regular cleaning to stay hygienic; pick one that comes apart easily.
- Capacity. Match reservoir size to the pet and the length of your absences.
The picks in detail
PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Stainless Steel
Best for: Households with cats and dogs, or multiple cats. The 360-degree streams suit several pets at once and stainless steel is easy to keep clean.
Skip if: A single small cat who will not drink from a stream; try a different flow style or a bowl first.
Stainless construction, adjustable streams, a filter system with NZ-available replacements.
NZ plug; Petdirect warranty and returns; confirm replacement filters are stocked; Pet Perks price needs the free membership.
Price checked Petdirect.co.nz, June 2026. Re-verify before buying.
PetSafe Drinkwell Cat & Dog Water Fountain
Best for: A solid entry-level fountain, available in multiple sizes, with replaceable foam and carbon filters available from Petdirect.
Skip if: Households that need cordless operation.
Replaceable foam and carbon filters, a quiet pump, easy disassembly for cleaning.
NZ plug; Petdirect warranty and returns; filters confirmed available at Petdirect.
Price checked Petdirect.co.nz, June 2026. Re-verify before buying.
Heavy ceramic or stainless bowl, refreshed daily
Best for: Cats who prefer still water, and as an essential backup bowl alongside any fountain in case the pump fails.
Skip if: Any situation where the cat is simply not drinking enough. That is always a vet question, not a product one.
Heavy enough not to tip, wide and shallow, easy to clean daily.
Available everywhere in NZ; no power; no filters.
Non-affiliate option
Sources and further reading
Changes in how much your pet drinks can be an early sign of illness. If you notice a clear change, contact your vet.