10 best automatic drinkers for cats and dogs from AliExpress

Automatic waterers and feeders are the best solution to the problem for those who often have to leave their pets alone. Most often on sale are automatic drinking fountains in the form of fountains, powered by the network, or portable models with a drip water supply system. All devices function in a similar way: you need to pour liquid inside (or put food), if necessary, insert a plug into the socket and indicate to your pet where the bowl is. Some drinkers are designed for water only, others are also suitable for feeding dogs and cats.

AliExpress has a large selection of automatic drinkers. Unfortunately, Chinese manufacturers do not yet produce devices with a timer for time-programmed feeding and dispensing a certain number of servings. But there are many other interesting models on the site, the most popular of them are presented in the rating. Here you can find not only classic fountains, but also automatic drinkers with unusual design, lighting and other additional functions. All of them are universal, suitable for cats, dogs, birds and other pets. Thanks to such devices, the animal will eat well and drink a sufficient amount of water, even if the owner is late at work or goes on a business trip.

Rating of the best automatic drinkers

Choosing a device on your own can be quite difficult. We have compiled a list of the best automatic waterers for cats, based on customer reviews and ratings:

PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet FCB-REEU / FCB-EU-45

pros

• convenient control of the water supply system;
• low noise level;
• carbon filtration of water;
• nice body design.

Minuses

• the plastic case is easy to tip over;
• expensive replacement cartridges.

From 4000 ₽

Ferplast VEGA – fountain for cats and small dogs

pros

• three drinking points available;
• suitable for small dogs;
• the body can be disassembled, so the drinker can be quickly washed;
• constant circulation cools the water;
• There are Antislip pads to prevent slipping.

Minuses

• There is no way to regulate the water pressure.

From 3500 ₽

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 D360-EU-19

pros

• the presence of two filters for water purification;
• you can adjust the water supply power;
• the sound of the fountain attracts animals;
• volumetric tank.

Minuses

• noisy work.

From 6000 ₽

Feed-Ex Spring PW-03

pros

• keeps water fresh for a long time;
• you can manually adjust the pressure;
• the presence of a replaceable multi-level filter;
• economical energy consumption.

Minuses

• high noise level in active mode.

From 2500 ₽

PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet D2EU-RE-20 / D2EU-45 / D2-RE-45

pros

• two filters for water purification;
• stable body with suction cups;
• universal design;
• It is possible to regulate the water pressure.

Minuses

• high noise level due to pump vibrations;
• There are no instructions in Russian.

From 6000 ₽

Mini pet fountain PetSafe drinkwell

If you've just welcomed a kitten into your home or have a small cat, consider this 1.2L capacity pet fountain. Designed with a free-falling stream of water to encourage your pet to drink, the fountain features an intake ramp that helps minimize any splashes from the stream as your furry friend quenches his thirst. However, if your cat prefers to drink still water, they can also make the most of the reservoir at the base.

We really liked that it also comes with an adjustable flow control so you can choose how fast the water comes out. The fountain is made of plastic, which isn't the most stylish option, but it makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning and means it can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher - minus the motor and cord.

Drinkwell mini features a carbon filter that removes debris as well as unpleasant tastes and odors, leaving your pet with clean, fresh-tasting filtered water. It is recommended to change them every two to four weeks.

While the brand claims this fountain is “almost silent,” we actually found it to be one of the loudest we've tried. This may not be a deal-breaker for most, but it's worth considering if you plan to keep the fountain in a room where you spend a lot of time, or if you have a particularly fussy cat who might be intimidated by it.

Care instructions

Regardless of which model of drinking bowl you choose for your pets, you need to care for it competently and in a timely manner. If we are talking about an automatic copy, then you will need to keep its technical condition under control. In addition, several manipulations will be required.

• Before using the structure for the first time, you need to wash it, but do not use aggressive cleaning agents or chemicals for this. You can use dishwashing detergents. After this, the drinker will definitely need to be left to dry.
• Subsequently, the drinking bowl will also need to be washed regularly. So, to rid the pump of lime, you can use vinegar essence. Aggressive household chemicals must be abandoned.
• Next, the device will need to be placed on a flat and hard surface on which it will not swing. Place the drinking bowl in a place where it will be located all the time and where it will definitely not disturb anyone or unexpectedly get in the way. It is recommended to place any drinking bowl away from any electrical appliances to ensure safety.
• Once every few days you will need to pour clean water into the drinking bowl. The frequency of this procedure depends on the volume of the reservoir in the structure and the direct number of cats in the house that use the drinking bowl. It is recommended to fill the tanks with distilled water - this is the best option. Its temperature should be close to room temperature.
• If the machine in the purchased product operates continuously, then once a week it will need to be turned off, after which it will be completely disassembled and all components of the structure must be thoroughly washed. The filter is also included in the list of these elements - do not forget about it.
• An automatic drinker should not be plugged into the electrical network if there is no clean water in it or if there is some kind of breakdown (even the slightest).

We recommend reading: Automatic cat feeder - comparison of the 11 best automatic feeders: types, features, how it works

Caring for modern automatic waterers for cats is very easy and simple. The main thing is to act carefully, especially when it is necessary to disassemble and wash all parts of the device.

Such procedures should not be neglected, otherwise you can harm both the pets who drink water from the device and the drinking bowl itself.

Turned it on and forgot: is this true?

The operation of the automatic drinker must be monitored. The tank needs to be replenished - turning on the device with an empty container leads to breakdowns or to someone becoming thirsty.

Cleaning

The new product is thoroughly washed and dried. Subsequently, the drinking bowl must be cleaned once a week. For cleaning, use products that are used for washing dishes and a sponge. The pump should be cleaned of limescale with a vinegar solution. The filters included in the kit must be changed once a month. If an animal becomes infected, the device is discarded after the disease so that it does not recur.

Water should be poured into drinking bowls at room temperature!

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a suitable drinking bowl for your dog, you need to take into account your pet’s preferences. Fountains with fun flowing jets are suitable for active, playful dogs and puppies. For a calm, serious dog, a geyser drinking bowl, a stream drinking bowl or a dispenser drinking bowl, where the water is calmer, will suit you.

It is also necessary to take into account the manufacturer's rating. High-quality automatic drinking bowls for dogs are produced by manufacturers from Germany, America, and Italy. Russian pet products are also popular.

You should study the reliability of the device, be sure to find a mark indicating that the product meets quality standards

It is important to determine the noise level of the device and check whether the wires and other electrical elements are well protected from gnawing and damage. The big advantage is the presence of useful features:

• backlight;
• spare filters;
• additional nozzles;
• switching speeds.

Under the drinking fountain you will need a waterproof mat to protect the floor surface when water splashes. Splashes on the floor are also prevented by special sides at the bottom of the device.

Warning! It is very important to ensure that the animal consumes a sufficient amount of fluid. Dehydration and lack of water will seriously affect your health and can cause irreversible changes in the body and intoxication.

Smart drinking fountain Petkit eversweet G2

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The Petkit eversweet is the most energy efficient fountain we've tried, so if you're conscious of the impact a fountain can have on your water bill, this is for you.

A high-tech way to provide your pets with always fresh filtered water throughout the day and night, this fountain comes with two different modes - normal and smart. In normal mode, the fountain fills, offering your cat fresh water at all times, but when Smart Mode is activated, the fountain runs on a five-minute cycle, drawing water every three minutes before resting for two minutes to prevent overflowing.

Unlike some other fountains, this one only has one water setting, which makes the water bubble gently from the top.

Another feature that really earns this fountain a few bonus points is its alert system – a light appears when the filter needs replacing and an alarm sounds when the water needs refilling, taking all the hassle out of maintenance.

It also features a carbon filter that helps remove impurities from the water, and we found the pump to be very quiet. With a nearly silent design and a variety of settings to suit both your and your pets' needs, this is one gadget you both won't want to be without. Although it costs a little more, we think it's worth the purchase.

Replacement filters can be purchased in packs of five. It is recommended to change the filter monthly, but if you use the fountain in smart mode, the replacement period is 12 weeks.

How to choose?

With a large assortment of different drinkers, choosing the optimal option usually does not cause difficulties. The main thing is to rely on a number of basic criteria.

• It is advisable to buy drinking bowls produced by well-known brands. The highest quality designs today are made in Western Europe. Branded models are made from high-quality materials, and they last much longer. Drinking bowls from unknown manufacturers, bought in street shops, can harm the health of cats.
• When choosing a drinking bowl, it is very important to consider how many baleen will use it . It is recommended to install a large fountain in the nursery. If there is only one cat living in the house, then one bowl with a trickle of water falling from above will be enough. This model is cheaper, and the cat will have enough of it.
• It is equally important to take into account the material from which the drinker is made . A pet can accidentally move a lightweight plastic model and spill everything on the floor. Most often, cats move light plastic models. If there are a lot of them in the house, then it is recommended to purchase more stable and heavier options made of metal or ceramics. They will be more difficult to move or knock over.
• It is also important to consider the availability of changing filter parts in the design . When purchasing a cat water bowl, you need to make sure that all consumables for the selected model are on sale and can be easily replaced with your own hands.
• It is also worth considering the noise level emanating from the selected devices in operating condition. It is advisable to check all the necessary parameters in the store before making a purchase. This way you can find out whether the structure will not interfere with the work of household members, disturbing their peace.
• We must not forget about the preferences of the animals themselves when choosing a drinking bowl. For example, Abyssinians, Bengals and other active representatives of their breeds prefer to drink from a fountain. As for long-haired pets, it is advisable for them to buy models with a dome. In these devices, the liquid does not splash, so the cats’ fur does not get wet.
• The design of the drinker is also taken into account. If you want to purchase a more stylish and interesting model, then you can choose the option with blue backlight.

This is a very bright drinking bowl that will delight both owners and pets.

Which drinking bowl is better to buy

Pets must receive drinking water every day - if there is a lack of it, they become weaker and begin to get sick. Modern drinkers solve this problem and guarantee timely supply of liquid, even when the owners are not at home.

There are large, medium and small volume models on sale, made from different materials:

• ceramics;
• metal;
• glass;
• plastic.

The choice depends on the pet's needs. Large animals need large drinking bowls, small animals need small containers.

Plastic and glass bowls are suitable for cats and dogs. If the owner is often absent, the best option is a water bottle, because the water circulates in it and remains fresh for a long time. It’s not bad when the design is equipped with filters that trap dust, wool and small debris.

For domestic parrots and garden birds, open-type saucer-shaped drinkers or vacuum products for supplying water under pressure are suitable. Nipple drinkers with economical water consumption are good for piglets and other backyard animals.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic drinkers

Automatic drinkers are sold in every pet store. They are easy to use and do not require constant water changes. However, even such a practical device has its drawbacks.

Advantages:

1. Pets receive round-the-clock access to purified water.
2. If there is no liquid in the tank, the drinkers automatically turn off.
3. An interesting design attracts cats and encourages them to consume the required amount of water.
4. Availability of multi-level filtration systems.
5. In automatic drinkers, water does not stagnate and is constantly saturated with oxygen.
6. If the tank is large enough, you won't have to constantly add water.
7. Automatic devices are easy to operate and save the owner’s time.
8. The fountains are universal and suitable for pets of all ages and sizes.

Flaws:

1. When the power is turned off, the automatic drinker stops working and access to water becomes impossible.
2. It is necessary to periodically change cartridges and clean the tank.
3. Loud noise from the device may scare away pets.
4. High price compared to conventional drinkers.

Trixie Ceramic Water Fountain

If you're the type of style-conscious person who can't think of anything worse than installing a colorful water feature in your dining room, this Trixie fountain should be at the top of your shopping list. Made from ceramic, it has a super sleek dome design, especially suitable for cats that are scared by fast running water. Its low profile and bowl-style shape are less likely to unsettle skittish pets, while the wavy sides and gurgle feature still encourage them to drink more.

It's especially quiet, with a circulating filtration system that removes hair, food particles and dirt, and the water flow is adjustable. The fountain does make a little noise, but it's not too bad as long as the water level is high enough that the pump is completely submerged.

The ceramic bowl is dishwasher safe, and the replacement filters come in a pack of six. Thanks to its smaller capacity—it holds 0.8 liters of water—we think this fountain is best suited for a family with one cat.