PetSafe Butterfly Cat Fountain Review: 2026 Test

The PetSafe Butterfly Cat Water Fountain is a solid pick for cats who love fresh, moving water. It earns its 4.1-star reputation with simple, effective design.

This fountain is built for smaller pets, making it ideal for cats or small dogs. Its standout strength is the blend of decorative streams and quiet bubbling flow, which keeps hydration interesting without being fussy.

• Butterfly topper creates 4 drinking streams for your cat.
• Remove the topper for a quiet, bubbling water flow.
• 50-ounce capacity is perfect for cats or small dogs.
• Carbon keeps water fresh; foam filter catches hair and debris.
• Streams entice pets to drink more to support kidney health.

In this review, we’ll break down the features, pros, and cons to help you decide. We’ll keep it practical, so you know exactly what to expect.

What Makes the PetSafe Butterfly Cat Water Fountain Worth a Look

This compact fountain is designed to encourage your cat to drink more throughout the day, with a few thoughtful touches for convenience and cleanliness. Here are the features that stand out.

• Four stream options: The decorative butterfly topper creates four separate water streams that most cats find enticing, or you can remove the topper for a quieter, bubbling flow.
• Compact 50 oz capacity: The small footprint is a good fit for cats or small dogs, and the 50-ounce reservoir means fewer refills for you.
• Dual filtration system: A replaceable carbon filter keeps the water fresh, while a foam filter catches pet hair and debris before your cat drinks.
• Hydration support: The flowing water streams are designed to entice pets to drink more, which can help support kidney health through increased daily water intake.
• Whisker-friendly tray: The raised tray design lets your cat drink comfortably without their whiskers brushing the sides, and it holds water even if the power goes out.
• Easy replacement parts: The fountain uses PetSafe Carbon Filter #6 (PAC00-13906), Foam Filter #5 (PAC00-13711), and a compatible Replacement Pump (PAC00-16977) — all simple to swap out when needed.
• Daily hydration guideline: Keep in mind your pet needs about 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day, so a 12 lb cat should drink around 12 oz — this fountain makes hitting that goal easier.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to boost your cat’s water intake, this fountain covers the basics well.

The PetSafe Butterfly Cat Water Fountain’s Strong and Weak Points

How the PetSafe Butterfly Cat Water Fountain Holds Up for Everyday Hydration

Build Quality and Design That Fit Small Spaces

This fountain keeps a compact footprint at roughly 10.4 by 8.2 inches, so it works well for apartments or multi-pet homes. The butterfly topper adds charm, but it also serves a practical role in creating four separate drinking streams.

Reviewers appreciate the whisker-friendly raised tray, which lets your cat drink without brushing sensitive whiskers against the sides. The shorter base also gives kittens easier access, a detail many owners mention as a win for younger cats.

At just 12 ounces, the unit is light enough to move for cleaning, yet sturdy enough to stay put during daily use. Just note that the plastic body can show scratches over time, per a few long-term owner comments.

Water Flow Options and Real-World Performance

You get two ways to serve water: the butterfly topper for four streams, or remove it for a quiet bubbling flow. Most cats adapt quickly to either option, and reviewers say the streams entice picky drinkers to visit more often.

The 50-ounce capacity suits one or two cats for about a day, depending on how much they sip. Since your pet needs roughly 1 ounce per pound of body weight daily, a 12-pound cat will need 12 ounces—so this fountain easily covers that baseline.

Reviewers note the pump runs quietly in bubbling mode, though the stream setting produces a gentle trickle that some cats find irresistible. The raised tray holds water even during a power outage, which gives you peace of mind during storms or outages.

Filtration, Cleaning, and Maintenance Made Simple

Dual filtration uses a carbon filter to keep water fresh and a foam filter to trap hair and debris. You’ll need PetSafe Carbon Filter #6 and Foam Filter #5, both widely available from the brand.

Cleaning is straightforward because the fountain has no hard-to-reach corners, and the plastic parts are top-rack dishwasher safe. You’ll handwash the pump separately, which is a minor step most owners find easy to remember.

Reviewers recommend replacing the carbon filter every two weeks and the foam filter monthly to keep water tasting clean. Some owners mention that regular pump maintenance prevents mineral buildup, especially in hard-water areas.

Comfort, Noise, and Everyday Usability

The wide tray design means your cat’s whiskers stay free, and the low profile helps kittens or senior cats reach water without strain. Most buyers say their cats took to the fountain within a day, with no hesitation.

Noise levels are generally low, but a few reviewers note a soft hum from the pump that’s barely noticeable in a quiet room. You can switch to the bubbling mode if you prefer near-silent operation, and that setting also reduces splashing.

With a 4.1-star average rating, the fountain earns praise for encouraging hydration and supporting kidney health through increased water intake. The combination of streams, a backup water reserve, and easy cleaning makes it a solid pick for most cat households.

Specification	Detail
Water Capacity	50 ounces
Dimensions	10.39 x 8.19 x 5.59 inches
Weight	12 ounces
Model Number	PWW00-16928
First Available	November 1, 2019
Compatible Filters	Carbon #6, Foam #5