Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
Of course, water is important for both humans and pets. But while we have many options to quench our thirst, ranging from trendy stanley tumbler To ovala water bottlesOur furry friends don’t have the same luxury – or do they? For many pets, a simple water bowl is standard. Materials can range from stainless steel to plastic, but designs usually only have a bowl and nothing more.
Yes, this variation may fluctuate a bit in the marketplace, but believe it or not, there are even more innovative options available. For cats and dogs, filtered water dispensers return a great number of results when searched on Google or Amazon. That’s because, just like our own fun glasses and cups, we’ve realized that our pets deserve the best, too.
Too: I started using the smart litter box and my cat loves it
Thankfully, I was able to get my hands on it petcube water fountainWhich is recommended for cats and small dogs. The PetCube Fountain was announced at CES 2025 and hit the market in March. Before, I used a Wacken Automatic Water DispenserAnd while I liked it, I wanted something longer in size to better fit my kitchen cabinets, and I needed something wireless. The Petcube fountain comes in two types: ceramic or stainless steel, and it’s not cheap. The stainless steel model sells for $80, while the ceramic model retails for $100; However, both are on sale for at least $25 off ahead of Black Friday Petcube’s website, Amazon These fountains are also available at similar prices.
Like others on the market, it also requires purchasing a water filter, like the Brita pitcher. These need to be changed periodically (PetCube suggests every 28 days) to keep your pet’s water filtered and fresh. The filters cost $10 for a three-pack, so it’s worth the investment for regular use.
porcelain And stainless steel Tray pieces are dishwasher safe, and both of these materials are better than other options at repelling germs that accumulate in water over time. They help prevent that gross, filmy residue that I’ve previously seen in my other water bowls. My cat, Otis, is a big fan of the fountain aspect, he likes to drink straight from the stream the same way a person would drink from a water fountain. He also isn’t opposed to adding a water feature, which he also loves to play with. Other cats in the house also like the fountain.
Closeup of ceramic drinking tray.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
The PetCube’s fountain is exceptionally sleek (and completely cordless), with a narrow oval shape that widens perfectly to prevent whisker fatigue. It also has a transparent water tank, so it’s easy to see when to add water. The set of light signals of this system is particularly unique. The multiple colored lights correspond to different indications, such as “refill tank,” “purification mode on,” “fully charged,” “battery low,” and “needs charging.” This makes maintenance easier.
Too: Why one of the best robot vacuums for pets is from a brand you’ve never heard of
I will say that I am a little disappointed with the actual pressure of the spout. It doesn’t push out as much water as my Wacken fountain, and in my opinion, it’s a little underpowered, but that’s more of a concern than a real complaint. Otis still drinks from it, somehow.
PetCube says the water purification system with UV-C light is 99.7% effective at preventing bacteria growth, and advertises at least 20 days of nonstop power. It also has a pumpless design, which is a significant upgrade for me based on the options. There are no complicated pieces to clean or manage, as this fountain uses a magnetic connection to direct water to the surface.
Not having to worry about the rope getting tangled, frayed, chewed, or broken is a huge benefit for cats.
Also: AirTags, the most advanced GPS dog tracker I’ve tested (with a few caveats)
Otis (and I) love the flow adjustment via motion sensor, which helps keep the 57 ounce capacity tank lasting more than a week. However, I wish the sensor was programmed to stay on a little longer. This lasts about 15 seconds after activation, and that’s not long enough for Otis to stand in front of the bowl to drink. However, it is whisper quiet at less than 30 dB. The filters provide four layers of sorting and easily slip into the Petcube fountain.
Otis was in no mood to pursue modeling, so his brother Louis happily stepped in.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
If you’re interested in an 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. The great thing is that this is all 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 do I recommend this product?
petcube water fountain This is an advanced and more intelligent way to provide clean drinking water to your pet. It’s cordless and sleek, making it both stylish and practical, and it offers advanced features like LED lights for easy management. It also gives pet owners the option to interact with the PetCube app. This is a great way to provide filtered water to your furry friend, although there are plenty of other options on the market if you’re not sold or are looking for something different.
The pressure and duration of the spout isn’t as intense or long-lasting as I would like, but the PetCube Fountain is an overall excellent choice if you want something cordless and rectangular in design.
