Let’s talk about battery-operated cat water fountains, or more accurately, how near impossible it is to find one.
Do a quick “cat water fountain, battery operated” search and you’ll find results listing the top 10, top 20, top 50 even!
Now click those results and tell me how many are actually run on DC power.
Let me save you the trouble: less than 10%.
I can only imagine that all of these writers skipped the class that explained the difference between AC & DC power.
So, do they even exist; and if so, where can you find them?
Read on to find out!
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Don’t have time to read the whole post? Take a look at our top picks above for the closest things to truly battery-operated fountains.
Do Battery-Operated Cat Water Fountains Actually Exist?
The good news, yes, they do exist.
The bad? They’re not as easy to find as Google search results (or even Amazon search results) would have you believe.
Trust me, I learned this first-hand while researching not only this list, but our other cat fountain buying guides.
It’s super annoying. I am pretty sure that those lists really, really, really wanted to hit the keywords “cat water fountain battery operated” and didn’t care how they got there.
I went through every single result on the top pages and literally 1 out of 10 recommendations was actually powered by batteries.
So, rather than give you another frustrating list padded with results that aren’t even remotely what you’re searching for, I am giving you a short list of actual battery-operated cat water fountains.
I’ll also give you a few other options for “cordless” fountains!
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Best Cat Water Fountains That Are Battery Operated
Like I said, this is going to be a fairly short list because like 99.9% of cat fountains are corded options.
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Yep, even the majority of the fountains on so-called “best battery-operated pet fountains” lists!
Still, I did manage to round up a few! Check them out!
1. SmartCat Water Fountain
One of the only truly battery-operated fountains, the Smart Cat fountain is a relatively new entry onto the market.
In fact, it wasn’t available when I first sat down to research this post (for repeat readers, the original top product here is no longer available).
Even more impressive, it actually has good reviews, unlike others that I looked at!
Features & Pros
- Dual-powered fountain runs on both batteries and AC power.
- Smart Working Mode- change modes with the press of a button.
- Integrated water pump that avoids dirt & fur buildup
- Transparent design lets you keep an eye on water levels & quality.
- Very affordable
Cons
- Battery is not included.
Recommendation
Overall, I’m really impressed with the features on this budget-friendly cat fountain.
With a 4-star rating across over 300 reviews, it’s a solid choice.
Sure, it’s kind of basic-looking, but at least it actually runs on batteries!
I just wish it actually came with the batteries.
As long as you choose good ones, though, you shouldn’t have an issue.
- Dual Power Support: When you are out, are you still worry about your pet have no water when lost power? HoneyGuaridan battery Support & DC Adapter pet water fountain keep you away from the trouble. (18650 battery is not include)
- Smart Working Mode Choice: Press the power button to change the working mode. In infrared induction mode (blue light), the water fountain will dispense water when it detect object within 0.5 meters in front of 60 degree area; in continues mode (green light), the water fountain keeps dispensing water. To save energy, only run smart mode when using battery.
- Integrated Water Pump: Through different structural designs, HoneyGuaridan integrated water pump can avoid the fur, dirt and food particles get into the pump. Avoid impeller deformation, expand the lifiespan of the pump. No need any tools to disassemble and clean it. Just rinse under the water.
- Full Transparent Design: Transparent design is hygienic and easy to know the water level. 2.5 L (88 oz) water water capacity is great for pets of all sizes or multiple pets , no trouble to refill it from time to time.
- Circulating filtration system: the circulating filtration system uses a replaceable charcoal filter to purify the water, remove hair, dirt and food particles. Includes replaceable carbon water filter that removes bad tastes and odors, keeping water fresh
2. PETKIT Cat Water Fountain
Another one that popped up since my last search, the PetKit technically runs on USB-powered electric, BUT you can also use a battery backup source.
FEATURES & PROS
- Powered with a USB cable, but includes back-up battery option.
- Stainless steel water bowl and filter tray for added durability.
- Pump shuts off on its own when water gets too low.
- Relatively quiet compared to other fountains (less than 30dB).
- Mesh screen keeps out fur and other debris.
- Activated carbon filter and ion exchange resin to purify the water.
CONS
- Again, batteries sold separate.
- You need REALLY good batteries to power it.
- Some complaints about customer service.
RECOMMENDATION
Overall, this one earned 4.3 stars across over 900 ratings, but there were a few complaints.
Some buyers said that it worked great…until it didn’t. They had a hard time getting through to customer service, too.
However, given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I’m feeling pretty confident in recommending it.
That said, once again, I wish it came with the darn batteries!
- High Quality:304 stainless steel water bowl and filter tray which make it more durable. 46oz/1.35L
- Silent: PETKIT Gen. 2.0 Sleep Level Silent Water Pump reduces up to 25% of noise (less than 30dB).
- Pure: Fur-proof mesh screen, activated carbon filter and ion exchange resin to purify the water.
- Smart: The pump will shut off automatically, while the water storage level is too low.
- Secure:Powered with USB cable (5V adapter is required and adapter not included) .Back-up battery solution (batteries not included) allows a 7-day independent power supply in case of power outage.
These are the only truly battery-operated cat fountains I could find.
That’s it. Well, no, that’s a lie. There’s one other by PetMate but the reviews are horrific so I don’t feel comfortable recommending it.
Now, I could end the list here and send you on your merry way, but I have a few other ideas that may work if you really want a cordless cat water fountain.
Other cordless alternatives for cat water fountains
These alternatives may not be what you had in mind when you began your battery-operated cat fountain search, but they could be your best option.
3. Ceramic Fountains
I’m going to be honest here, while I’ve seen great reviews for Ebi Ceramic Fountains, I’ve never heard of the brand until recently.
They’re not sold on Amazon or on any other mass retailer that I can find, so you have to go directly through their website.
They really are quite beautiful, though, and totally handcrafted in the US.
Most of them run on either just batteries or both AC/DC. I’ll warn you, they are pricey! However, like I said, they’re handmade.
4. Solar-Powered Cascading Fountain
Okay, so this one is not really a pet fountain, but bear with me.
If you’re willing to keep up with adding clean water, it’s actually a beautifully simple (not to mention just plain beautiful) option.
While it may work better outdoors than inside, but you could probably adapt it for indoor use more easily than the hose-powered fountain.
It’s solar-powered, so for outdoor use you just need to make sure it’s in a sunny spot.
However, if you can put it near a window or source of natural light, you could bring it inside.
- Assembled Dimensions: 17.5" L X 15.5" W X 22.0" H
- Solar Powered 4 Tier Cascading Fountain
- Creates A Relaxing Atmosphere On Your Patio, Deck, Balcony Or In Your Garden
- Low Voltage Pump Recycles Water From The Main Bowl
- Powered By A Separate Solar Panel With A 10 Ft. Cable
5. DIY It
While the video above may not be the most stable, the final product is pretty nifty!
I would take out all the random extras in the fountain, though, you don’t really need them and they’ll just trap bacteria.
6. Or try this DIY tabletop fountain
Another fantastic tutorial (this one actually lists out the steps for those of us who need to read rather than watch them), it can easily be modified to create a wireless cat fountain.
7. Good old-fashioned gravity bowl
Look, unless you’re hooking a water fountain right up to your water supply, you’re going to have to change the water regularly.
It doesn’t matter if you buy a battery-operated pet fountain, a corded one, or heck, one that sings a little jig and folds your laundry for you!
No, that last one doesn’t exist. I wish! Seriously, though, unless your cat flat-out refuses to drink from a bowl, a plain old gravity water bowl will do.
Your cat will still have plenty of fresh water ready when he wants it, and you won’t have to worry about filters, buying batteries, or finding a nearby outlet.
So, there you go!
Unfortunately, if you’re dreaming of a fantastic, 5-star, top of the line battery run pet fountain, you’re kind of out of luck.
And by “kind of,” I mean you have a better chance of winning the lottery than finding one.
See, there’s a reason why pet fountain manufacturers don’t really use batteries. As we saw in the cons of the few above, they’re just not strong enough.
While I couldn’t find you more than a couple of options (and believe me, I tried), at least they are actually battery-operated cat fountains and not clickbait results. 😀
Do you know of any actual battery-operated cat water fountains that I missed? Please share below so I can add them!
Nicole is the Editor-in-Chief and one of the writers here on CatVills. She’s been a cat lover most of her life and-at one point- counted five felines as part of her family. Today, she’s proud cat mom to two indoor kitties and caregiver for a slew of ferals.
Last update on 2021-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dog H2O DH025 Cordless Battery Operated Pet Water Fountain, Cool Blue/Translucent Black seems nice! I hope to buy one soon.
Ha!! This is my third afternoon if searching fir a battery or usb rechargeable cat fountain !!
Thank you fir saving me any more time !
It’s ridiculous that entering “Battery” I still get powered ones. So frustrating and annoying. Still unsure what to get.
The PetsMate one you “didn’t feel comfortable with” is great. Totally battery operated and Dodd’s everything you need a fountain to do. Our cats love it. Bought it on amazon. However I wish there were more variety in styles and colors for sure.
***does not Dodd’s (lol)
What Petsmate one??
It’s called the Petmate Fresh Flow Rain Battery Fountain for Cats and Dogs. You can find it here if you’re curious: https://amzn.to/32m7gvS
I am super glad to have found this list. My cat likes it when his water is in the bathroom, but the wiring in the bathroom is such that the fountain only runs when the light is on. He’s getting older, and I want him to be able to drink whenever he likes, not just when I turn the light on. But….I don’t want to leave the light on all the time. A battery-operated fountain was the obvious solution, but couldn’t find one. Thanks to you, I’m going to get an Ebi. Nothing to good for my Melvin!
My hope is to get an EBI – ridiculously expensive, and we deserve it! I never would have found the site without you, so thank you! I am waiting to hear back whether or not they will modify the gorgeous deep blue one with a frog at the top into one with a dragon at the top.
THANK YOU so much for making this information available. I have been looking for a battery operated one off and on for over 5 years!
We have 2 pets that are messy drinkers. A Labrador who dunks her entire snout underwater and sucks it through her mouth like a straw then walks off dripping water everywhere. So we put a large bath towel under the water bowls. The youngest of our 2 cats (he is 1) has depth issues with his vision and can’t see the surface of the water without giggling the bowl or pawing the table to make the water move. He has tipped over countless bowls of water. We would get a corded fountain but the 1 yr old cat chews on anything that looks like a string, including electrical wires.
I appreciate you letting everyone know that there are none, you have saved us all valuable time. Now my search changes to anti-chew wire covers, LOL!
I doubt your cat actually had depth perception issues. Google: cats pawing in water dishes. There is a reason that they do this and it’s nothing to do with depth perception. Many cats have this behavior.
The Wonder Creature cat water fountain on Amazon has a DC pump with a USB connector. The pump info shows that this can be operated with Li-Ion battery packs, like EBI shows on their website. You’ll have to fabricate a box for the battery and buy the batteries, but at $27 it’s a lot cheaper than a $200-300 EBI fountain. I’m gonna try it.