iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Fountain 2.1L

The iPettie Tritone is a 2.1 liter ceramic fountain. Water bubbles up at the top and runs down three small waterfalls into a lower bowl, so a cat can drink at several spots.

Who it suits

Owners who want a ceramic fountain rather than plastic or steel. It is heavy and can chip, so pick a stable spot.

Key facts

• 2.1L (71 oz) capacity, made from natural ceramic (iPettie)
• Foam filter around the pump catches hair; a carbon filter handles odors, tastes and small particles (iPettie)
• Pump uses about 2 W; keep the water above the MIN mark so it does not run dry; 3-year pump warranty (iPettie)
• All parts can be washed except the plug and the pump (iPettie)
• Change the carbon filter every 2 to 4 weeks; clean the foam filter every 2 to 4 weeks and replace it every 2 to 4 months (iPettie)

What reviewers say

Cats.com named it the best ceramic fountain. The tester’s cat drank from the bubbler, the waterfalls and the bowl, and the fountain was whisper-quiet apart from falling water. Cons: it is heavy to carry to the kitchen, slightly more complicated to set up, and some buyers report the pump failing after several months. Cats.com calls it dishwasher safe, but iPettie’s page does not say so. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Ceramic body, which International Cat Care says cats tend to prefer over plastic
• Pro: Nearly silent in Cats.com’s test
• Pro: Several drinking spots
• Con: Heavy to carry to the sink (Cats.com)
• Con: Slightly more complicated to set up (Cats.com)
• Con: Some buyers report the pump failing after several months (Cats.com); ceramic can chip

Cautions

• Keep the water above the MIN mark so the pump does not run dry, per the maker.
• The maker does not say it is dishwasher safe; wash it as the maker describes.
• Introduce a fountain gradually: International Cat Care suggests putting it out empty first, then adding water, then turning it on.
• If your cat starts drinking much more or less than usual, contact your vet.