Why this product
The Catit Design Senses Drinking Fountain is the cat-focused alternative in a category dominated by PetSafe’s more universal Drinkwell line. Catit built this fountain around how cats actually drink, with three flow settings, multiple drinking access points, and a softening mat at the top spout. The result is a fountain that genuinely caters to cats, rather than a one-size-fits-all design.
The 3 liter (about 100 oz) capacity is on par with the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier, but the price is $39, which is significantly less. The trade-off is that this is a cat-first product. Larger dogs are not the target audience, the bowl is shallower and the drinking surfaces are scaled to cat size.
The triple-action filter is the spec sheet’s main differentiator. Catit pairs mechanical filtration (debris and hair), activated carbon (taste and odor), and ion-exchange (water softening) in a single cartridge. PetSafe’s Drinkwell filters are carbon-only.
For our pet tech framework, see methodology. For owners with multiple pets including dogs, see our PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier review.
What Catit claims
Catit claims a 3 liter (about 100 oz) capacity. The published spec matches actual reservoir volume.
Catit claims three flow settings: a gentle stream, a calm flow, and a bubbling top option. The settings are selected by swapping the top spout attachment. Owner reviews consistently flag the multiple flow options as a feature their cats actually responded to differently, some cats prefer one setting over another and the choice matters.
Catit claims a triple-action filter combining mechanical, carbon, and ion-exchange filtration. The mechanical layer catches debris and hair, the activated carbon removes chlorine taste and odor, the ion-exchange resin reduces water hardness. Catit recommends replacing the cartridge every 30 days.
Catit claims BPA-free plastic construction. The body is plastic with a removable softening mat at the top.
Catit positions this product specifically for cats. The design language, bowl shape, and flow profile are all cat-oriented. The brand notes the fountain works for small dogs as well, but does not target larger breeds.
Catit claims an oxygenated water stream from the moving water and aeration. This is a typical aerated-fountain claim and is consistent with the physical effect of moving water in air.
Who should buy the Catit Design Senses Fountain
Buy this if you have one or more cats. This is the cat-focused fountain in the category, and the design choices (flow settings, drinking surfaces, softening mat) reflect that focus.
Buy this if your cat has rejected previous fountains because of flow profile. The three settings let you tune the stream to your specific cat’s preference, which can be the difference between a cat that uses the fountain and one that does not.
Buy this if you want softer water in hard-water areas. The ion-exchange layer in the filter genuinely reduces water hardness, which the carbon-only Drinkwell filters do not.
Skip this if you have a large dog. The bowl is too small and the design is cat-oriented.
Skip this if you want a stainless steel fountain. Catit and Drinkwell are both plastic.
Skip this if you want filter parts compatible with the Drinkwell line. Catit uses its own cartridge format, which is not interchangeable.
Flow settings and cat-friendly design
The three flow settings are the feature that most distinguishes this fountain from the Drinkwell line. By swapping the top spout, you select between a gentle stream (water flowing down a ramp), a calm flow (a gentler trickle), or a bubbling top (water bubbling up at the surface).
This matters because cats are individually picky about flow. Some cats love a strong stream, others avoid it entirely. The Drinkwell line offers one flow profile per model. Catit lets you tune the stream to the specific cat, which is occasionally the difference between a fountain that the cat uses and one that sits ignored.
The softening mat at the top spout is a small but useful design touch. It prevents the cat’s paws from slipping on wet plastic and gives the cat a comfortable surface to perch on while drinking from the top.
Triple-action filter and water quality
The triple-action filter is the second spec-sheet differentiator. Mechanical (debris and hair), carbon (taste and odor), and ion-exchange (hardness reduction) are layered in a single cartridge. The PetSafe Drinkwell line’s filters are carbon-only, which means harder water remains hard.
For owners in hard-water areas, the ion-exchange layer is a meaningful upgrade. Softer water reduces scale buildup in the fountain and on bowls, and some cats prefer the taste.
Filter replacement is every 30 days per Catit. The cartridges are widely available in multi-packs.
Pump noise and cleaning
The pump is a low-voltage submersible design, similar to other plastic pet fountains. It is audible at close range as a low hum. Pump noise increases if biofilm builds up, which is consistent across every fountain in the category.
Cleaning involves weekly bowl rinsing and full disassembly every 2 to 4 weeks for pump cleaning. The plastic body shows water spots and scale if not cleaned regularly, particularly in hard-water areas where the ion-exchange filter has not been replaced on schedule.
Build and value
Construction is BPA-free plastic throughout, with the standard caveats about plastic fountains, they show wear and water marks more visibly than ceramic or stainless options. At $39, the value is strong, the capacity matches the Drinkwell Multi-Tier at half the price, with a more sophisticated filter and cat-specific design language. The trade-off is that larger dogs are not the intended user.
Catit Design Senses Drinking Fountain 3L vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Capacity | BestFor | Filter | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catit Design Senses 3L | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 3L (100 oz) | Cats | Triple-action | $39 | Recommended |
| PetSafe Drinkwell Original | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 50 oz | Single dog or multi-cat | Carbon | $49 | Best Budget Fountain |
| PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 100 oz | Multi-pet, large dog | Carbon | $79 | Top Pick Fountain |
| PetSafe Drinkwell Mini | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 40 oz | Small cat or dog | Carbon | $35 | Best for Small Pets |
Full specifications
| Capacity | 3 liters (about 100 oz) |
| Flow settings | Three (gentle stream, calm flow, bubbling top) |
| Filter | Triple-action (mechanical, carbon, ion-exchange) |
| Filter life | About 30 days (Catit claim) |
| Pump | Submersible, low voltage |
| Power | Wired AC adapter, low wattage |
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Best for | Cats and small dogs |
| Top mat | Removable softening mat |
| App | None |
Should you buy the Catit Design Senses Drinking Fountain 3L?
The Catit Design Senses Drinking Fountain is the cat-focused alternative to the PetSafe Drinkwell line. Catit lists 3 liters (about 100 oz) of capacity, three flow settings (gentle stream, calm flow, bubbling top), and a triple-action filter. The fountain is genuinely well-designed for cats, with the trade-off that dogs above small-breed size are not the target audience.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Catit Design Senses Fountain worth $39 in 2026?+
Yes for cat households. The 3L capacity, three flow settings, and triple-action filter are well-matched to cats, and the price is competitive. For dog-only homes, a Drinkwell is usually the better fit because the bowl design is more dog-friendly.
Catit vs PetSafe Drinkwell: which is better for cats?+
Catit is more cat-focused: three adjustable flow settings, a softening mat at the top, and a bowl shape designed for cat drinking. The Drinkwell line is more universal. For pure cat households, Catit is often the preferred pick. For multi-pet homes, the Drinkwell Multi-Tier is the better all-rounder.
How often does the filter need replacing?+
Catit recommends replacing the filter cartridge approximately every 30 days. Filter cartridges are widely available and the brand sells them in multi-packs.
Will my dog use this fountain?+
Small dogs will. Larger dogs may not, the bowl is shallower and the design is cat-oriented. For dogs above small-breed size, a Drinkwell Original or Multi-Tier is a better fit.
How noisy is the pump?+
Audible at close range in a quiet room, similar to other plastic pet fountains. Most owners describe it as a low hum. Pump noise increases if biofilm builds up, weekly cleaning prevents that.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Refreshed comparison table and pricing.
- Jun 5, 2025Initial review published.
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