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Water is vital to both humans and pets, of course. But while we have a multitude of options to help quench our thirst, from trendy Stanley tumblers to Owala water bottles , our furry friends don't have the same luxury -- or do they? For plenty of pets, a simple water bowl is standard. Materials can range from stainless steel to plastic, but the design typically consists of just a bowl and nothing more.
Yes, there may have been a slight fluctuation in this variation on the market, but believe it or not, there are even more innovative options available. For cats and dogs, filtered water dispensers yield pretty good results when searched for on Google or Amazon. That's because, like our own fun tumblers and cups, we've come to realize that our pets deserve the best, too.
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Thankfully, I was able to get my hands on Petcube's water fountain , which is recommended for cats and small dogs. The Petcube fountain was announced at CES 2025 and hit the market in March. Before this, I used a Veken automatic water dispenser , and while I liked it, I wanted something more elongated in size to better fit against my kitchen cabinet, and I needed something wireless. The Petcube fountain comes in two variations: ceramic or stainless steel, and it's not cheap. The stainless steel model retails for $80, while the ceramic model sells for $100; however, both are on sale for at least $25 off ahead of Black Friday on Petcube's website . Amazon also has these fountains for similar prices.
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Petcube Ceramic Water Fountain for $90
The Petcube is a sleek way to wirelessly filter your pet's water.
Like others on the market, it requires the purchase of water filters, just like a Brita pitcher. These are periodically replaced (Petcube suggests every 28 days) to keep your pet's water filtered and fresh. The filters are $10 for a three-pack, so there is an investment in routine use.
The ceramic and stainless steel tray pieces are dishwasher safe, and both of these materials are better than other alternatives at fending off germs that can accumulate in water over time. They help prevent the gross, filmy residue that I had seen in my other water bowls before. My cat, Otis, is a big fan of the fountain aspect, preferring to drink directly from the stream in the same way a person would sip from a water fountain. He also isn't protesting the addition of the water feature, which he also likes to play with. The other cats in the household love the fountain, too.
A close up of the ceramic drinking tray.
Petcube's fountain is exceptionally sleek (and totally cordless), featuring a narrow oval shape that's perfectly wide enough to prevent whisker fatigue. It also features a transparent water tank, so it's easy to see when water needs to be added. What's particularly unique is this system's set of light cues. Several colored lights correspond to different signals, such as "refill the tank," "purification mode on," "fully charged," "battery low," and "need to charge." This makes it easy to keep up with maintenance.
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I will say that I am slightly disappointed with the actual pressure of the spout. It doesn't push as much water out as my Veken fountain, and it's a bit lackluster, in my opinion, but that's more of a gripe than an actual complaint. Otis still drinks water from it either way.
Petcube says the water purification system with UV-C light is 99.7% effective in preventing bacteria growth, and advertises at least 20 days of nonstop power. There's also a pumpless design, which is a significant upgrade for me coming from alternatives. There are no complex pieces to clean or manage, as this fountain uses a magnetic connection to direct water to the surface.
Not having to worry about a cord getting tangled, knocked, chewed, or broken is a massive plus with cats.
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Otis (and I) love the flow adjustment via motion sensor, which helps the 57 oz capacity tank last over a week for him. I do wish the sensor were programmed to remain on for a tad longer, though. It runs for about 15 seconds after activation, and it just isn't long enough by the time Otis gets settled in front of the bowl to drink. It is whisper-quiet, though, at less than 30dB. The filters offer four layers of sorting and easily pop into the Petcube fountain.
Otis was not in the mood to model, so his brother Louie gladly stepped in.
If you're interested in the extra level of smartness, the Petcube fountain syncs with the Petcube app, where you can create a pet profile and add other Petcube products. The app tracks when the filter needs to be changed and when the unit needs to be cleaned, too. The great thing is that all of this is just optional. The fountain does not require an internet connection, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi to operate. While the Petcube app is designed to enhance the experience with tracking and maintenance reminders, the fountain is fully functional without the app, so it's not needed if you don't want it.
Why I recommend this product
The Petcube water fountain is an elevated and more intelligent way to provide your pet with clean drinking water. It's cordless and sleek, making it both stylish and practical, and it offers enhanced features like LED lights for easy management. It also gives pet owners the option to interact with the Petcube app. It's a better way to offer your furry friend filtered water, though there are plenty of other options on the market if you're not sold or looking for something different.
The pressure and duration of the spout are not as intense or long-lasting as I'd prefer, but the Petcube fountain is an overall excellent choice if you need something cordless and oblong in design.
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