Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Your cat will want to drink more water with these vet-recommended running water picks.

If you're a cat owner, you likely already spoil your feline friend with plenty of interactive toys, cat houses, and stylish cat collars. But what about the latest tech? From the Litter Robot to automatic pet feeders and cat water fountains, there are plenty of tools to keep your cat healthy and happy and make your life easier, too. Cats are fairly self-sufficient creatures — cat parents know that with a bowl of dry food and a clean litter box, they should be fine if left alone while you're at work for the day or even if you go away overnight. But if your kitty has ever knocked over their water bowl or refused to drink still water for any number of reasons, you might be concerned about whether they're really consuming enough water throughout the day.

You may catch your cat pawing at their water bowl to create some form of movement, and you might’ve thought they were simply playing with it. The truth is, regardless of cat breed, they are naturally drawn to and generally prefer to drink moving water. According to Dr. Maureen K. Murithi, a veterinarian who works with Hepper.com, "cat water fountains are a valuable asset to cat parents, since cats are not so inclined to drink water. Cat fountains encourage cats to drink water; they work to stimulate the cat’s animal instinct to drink running water, similar to streams and rivers in the wild."

Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with ExcitedCats.com, reminds us that it can be a struggle to get your cat to drink enough water, which isn’t a positive when it comes to preventing health conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. "Cat water fountains can really increase a cat's water consumption because they filter the water to ensure your kitty always has fresh, clean water available," she explains. "Drinking enough water can go a long way in keeping a cat healthy."

With these benefits in mind, you may be ready to add a cat water fountain to your home. Keep reading for all of our top picks, plus helpful expert tips and answers to FAQs, so you can feel confident about choosing the right water fountain for your cat.

It's unanimous: All of the experts we interviewed said they preferred stainless steel out of all the other materials that cat water fountains can be made out of. It's one of the cleanest, meaning you won't have to wash it as often as other cat water fountain types (like plastic).

One of the most innovative we've seen on the market, we love the sleek design of this Cheerble cat water fountain. It comes with a glass water dish with a stimulation stone inside, mimicking the sound of a stream, plus a stable fountain base, water bottle, and non-slip pad.

Quality water is what your cat will get with this Petlibro find. It features a 5-level filtration system that uses ion exchange resin and coconut shell activated carbon to keep water super clean. The stainless steel version, which comes in Metal (pictured) and a Lavender Steel color, has a higher price point than the plastic options (blue, green, orange, and purple), but pros largely prefer the material for cleanliness. Choose from two drinking modes — one that looks like a faucet and the other where the water comes up. Regardless of your cat's preference, buyers love how quiet it is.

Not only is this cat water fountain adorable, it also promises to keep water clean while enticing cats to drink water. While not all of it is made of ultra-clean stainless steel, the plastic pieces in the product are also BPA-free. Of all the water fountains we found, this one holds the most. An energy-efficient pump will keep the triple-action water filter cleaning the water of impurities.

Experts told us ceramic is another great option for cat water fountains. Though ceramic might be more fragile than stainless steel, vets told us it's just as clean. This ceramic cat fountain allows water to softly bubbles over the tower to entice cats to sip, while pumping water to help prevent bacteria from growing.

Well, 63,000 people can't be wrong. And that's how many people reviewed this cat water fountain on Amazon alone. It has garnered over 4 1/2 stars after tens of thousands of reviews, and boasts an ultra-quiet pump, large capacity, and a circulation system. The set also comes with three replacement filters made of activated carbon, ion exchange resin, and non-woven fabric, which all work together to keep the water clean.

Budget-friendly and oh-so sleek, we love the way that this cat water fountain features a fully transparent design. Being able to see the water inside the vessel and outside the fountain will sure entice cats. Cats will find the faucet mode fun. If they're too scared though, simply adjust it or remove it entirely to make water flow more gentle.

✔️ Size for your space: Cat water fountains are pricier than your ordinary water bowl, so it’s important to understand your options. Dr. Murithi suggests considering the size of the fountain and where you plan to put it, because some may take up a lot of space.

✔️ Low noise: “Opt for fountains that don't make a lot of noise. Noisy ones may deter cats and can become a nuisance,” Dr. Murithi says. “You may want one with a quiet motor for more skittish cats as well,” Dr. Bonk agrees.

✔️ Filter options: “Opt for fountains that contain filters that help in trapping toxins and impurities, making the water safer to drink,” says Dr. Bonk. Dr. Murithi also notes that filters in water fountains help to trap chemicals, which can predispose cats to fewer infections. Some fountains come with one or more filters to get you started, while others are sold separately. Consider how often you'll need to replace them and how accessible or costly the replacement filters are before making your selection.