Why should cats use a water fountain?

If you’re deciding between the 4 Petone water fountains, here’s the short answer: W2 for a tight budget, W8 if you want an easy-to-clean stainless steel bowl, W11 for thorough filtration and quiet operation, and PWL-012 if you want to place the fountain anywhere without needing an outlet. This article compares them in detail to help you make the right choice the first time.

Domestic cats’ ancestors lived in arid regions and got most of their water from prey. As a result, many cats don’t feel noticeably thirsty and drink little, especially when they eat only dry food.

Cats also tend to prefer flowing water to still water in a bowl. A water fountain creates a continuous flow and keeps water clean for longer, making it an easy way to encourage cats to drink more.

Petone currently has 4 models available at Xmart, priced from 339,000₫ to 950,000₫. Each fountain suits a different type of home and cat.

Quick comparison table

Prices are Xmart’s listed prices as of 22/10/2026, including tax.

Detailed reviews of each fountain

1. Petone W2: budget-friendly, just right for one cat

The W2 is the cheapest model in the range, priced at 339,000₫ with a 2L capacity. Its 360° waterfall-style flow lets cats drink from any side.

• 4-layer filter: PP cotton, coconut shell activated carbon, ion-exchange resin, and medical-grade stones.
• Quiet operation: 35dB according to the manufacturer, with an anti-resonance pump that saves energy.
• Compact: 182 × 182 × 170 mm, weighs about 0.5kg, available in black and white.

Suitable for: homes with one cat, first-time users of a water fountain, and anyone who wants to see whether their cat likes it. Note: The 2L capacity runs out faster in homes with multiple cats, so you’ll need to refill it more often.

2. Petone W8: 304 stainless steel bowl, easy to clean

The W8 costs 459,000₫, has a 3.2L capacity, and is made from ABS plastic and 304 stainless steel. Stainless steel does not retain odors, is harder to scratch, and is easier to wipe clean than plastic.

• Easy to clean: The parts are removable and, according to the brand, dishwasher-safe.
• Quiet pump: The brand describes it as silent but does not specify a dB level.
• Certifications: CE and GB4706.1-2005, as stated by the manufacturer.

Suitable for: homes with 1–2 cats that want a stainless steel contact surface while staying under 500,000₫. Note: The fountain runs on an adapter, so it needs to be placed near an outlet.

3. Petone W11: 5-layer filtration and the quietest plug-in model

The W11 costs 750,000₫, has a 3.2L capacity, and offers the most thorough filtration of the four models. The parts that contact water are made of SUS304 stainless steel.

• 5-layer filter: primary filter cotton, Maifan stone, zeolite, activated carbon, and secondary filter cotton.
• Transparent filter attached to the water outlet: water flows directly from the filter to the outlet, so you can see when the filter is dirty and needs replacing.
• Very quiet: the pump operates at ≤ 30dB, according to Petone, with a 5W power rating.
• Filter replacement: about every 3–4 months, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Best for: bedrooms, homes with multiple cats, and people who want thorough water filtration. Note: currently available only in white.

4. Petone PWL-012: cordless and easy to place anywhere

The PWL-012 costs 950,000₫, has a 3.2L capacity, and a stainless steel body. Its biggest difference is that it runs on a 4200mAh lithium battery, so it doesn't need to be plugged in.

• Sensor mode: detects cats within a 120° range; water flows for about 6 seconds when a cat approaches.
• Timer mode: water flows for 15 seconds every 15 minutes. According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts up to 45 days in this mode; actual battery life depends on usage.
• Quiet: about 30dB according to the manufacturer. Includes a water-level viewing window.
• Dimensions: about 22.5cm in diameter and 10.5cm tall.

Best for: homes with few outlets, placing the fountain in the middle of a room, on a balcony, or where the cat likes to lounge; homes with frequent power outages. Note: remember to recharge the battery regularly.

Which fountain should you choose?

Tip: In homes with multiple cats, you can place two fountains in different corners, for example, a W11 near the feeding area and a PWL-012 where the cats like to lounge. Having more places to drink encourages cats to drink more often.

Tips for using a pet water fountain properly

1. Place it away from the litter box and a little distance from the food bowl. Cats usually don't like drinking near their toilet.
2. Change the water every 2–3 days, even when there's still plenty in the fountain.
3. Wash the bowl and pump every week to prevent slime and fur buildup.
4. Replace the filter regularly. For the W11, the manufacturer recommends replacing it every 3–4 months; in homes with multiple cats or heavy shedders, replace it sooner.
5. Don't let the fountain run out of water. The pump can be damaged and become noisy if it runs dry.
6. Help your cat get used to it gradually. For the first few days, place the old water bowl beside the fountain. Once your cat is drinking from the fountain, put the bowl away.

If your cat suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, take them to the vet. A water fountain can encourage your cat to drink, but it cannot replace medical treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Do cat water fountains use much electricity? Not significantly. For example, the W11 has a power rating of 5W; running continuously for a month uses about 3.6 kWh.

Which fountain is quietest? According to the manufacturer, the W11 (≤ 30dB) and PWL-012 (about 30dB) are the quietest, making them suitable for bedrooms.

How long does the PWL-012 cordless fountain battery last? The manufacturer states up to 45 days in timer mode (water flows for 15 seconds every 15 minutes). Actual battery life depends on the mode and how often your cat drinks.

How often should I replace the filter? For the W11, the manufacturer recommends every 3–4 months. Replace it sooner if the filter changes color, the water flow weakens, or you have several cats.

Can dogs use them? All 4 fountains are designed for cats and small pets. Small dogs can use them; medium and large dogs should have a fountain with a larger capacity.

Conclusion

All 4 Petone fountains provide cats with clean, continuously flowing water and encourage them to drink more. The differences come down to budget, material, noise level, and whether you want a cordless fountain.

If you can choose only one, Petone W11 is the best-balanced option: 304 stainless steel, 5-layer filtration, and very quiet operation. If running a power cord is difficult in your home, choose PWL-012.

Browse and order from Xmart's water fountain collection. Enter code XMART10 to get 10% off your first order. For advice, call the hotline at 0903 898 478 (Ho Chi Minh City) or 0704 471 438 (Hanoi).

Sources

Specifications and prices from the Xmart product pages on October 22, 2026: Petone W2, Petone W8, Petone W11, Petone PWL-012.