Review · Pets · 1 model
PetSafe Drinkwell 7.5 litre fountain review: two and a half times the water, and the space it takes
The biggest fountain on our shortlist: 7.5 litres in a long, low plastic bowl with a free-falling stream whose flow is set by a knob from near-silent to full, foam and carbon filters, a mains pump and a body that goes in the dishwasher. This review is about who needs that much water, what the adjustable stream changes for a nervous cat, how much floor it takes, and what the filters ask of you.
Verdict
What it is
the fountain reviewed
PetSafe Drinkwell 7.5 l Fountain
- Capacity
- 7.5 l
- Flow
- Adjustable knob, free-falling stream
- Filter
- Foam and carbon
- Material
- Plastic
- Dishwasher
- Top rack, yes
- Size
- 40 × 37 × 14 cm
Check price
A plastic drinking fountain holding 7.5 litres, with a free-falling stream whose flow is adjusted by a knob, a foam filter and an activated carbon filter, and a mains pump with its adaptor. The parts are top-rack dishwasher safe. 40 by 37 by 14 centimetres and 2.2 kg by the listing, which also gives a two-year warranty. From PetSafe UK.
Strengths
- Two and a half times the water of the 3-litre fountains
- Adjustable flow, including near-silent
- Dishwasher safe
Limitations
- Big: 40 cm long
- Plastic throughout
Good for
- two or three cats, or a medium dog
Look elsewhere if
- one cat in a small kitchen
Capacity
Seven and a half litres, against 3 for the Catit Flower and the PetSafe Sedona and 2 for the Cat Mate fountains. For a multi-pet household, the fountain that needs topping up every day becomes one that needs it every few days. That is the whole case for it, and it is a strong one with a dog in the house.
The stream
The water falls freely from a spout into the bowl, and a knob sets the flow from a near-silent trickle to a full stream. A cat that drinks from the tap often prefers falling water; a cat that is put off by noise can have a quiet one. Being able to choose is worth more than any fixed setting.
Filters
Two: foam to catch hair and food bits, carbon for taste and smell. Both are PetSafe parts and both need replacing; with several animals drinking, the foam filter clogs sooner, so keep spares.
Cleaning
Top-rack dishwasher safe. With a large plastic bowl, being able to put it through the dishwasher rather than scrub it in the sink is the difference between cleaning it weekly and meaning to.
Size
PetSafe does not publish dimensions; the listing gives 40 by 37 by 14 centimetres and 2.2 kg. It is long and low, which suits a dog and a group of cats, and takes a corner of floor in a small kitchen. Measure before buying.
Material
Plastic throughout. Some owners prefer ceramic or stainless steel because plastic scratches and holds film; the trade here is size and a light, dishwasher-safe bowl. If you want ceramic, the Sedona has a ceramic tower, though its bowl is plastic too.
Strengths
- Two and a half times the water of the 3-litre fountains
- Adjustable flow, including near-silent
- Dishwasher safe
Limitations
- Big: 40 cm long
- Plastic throughout
Good for
- two or three cats, or a medium dog
Look elsewhere if
- one cat in a small kitchen
Who should buy it
A household with two or three cats, or a medium dog, or both; anyone tired of refilling a small fountain daily; anyone with a dishwasher who wants the cleaning to be easy.
Who should not
One cat in a small kitchen, where the water sits too long and the fountain takes too much floor; and anyone who wants ceramic or stainless steel.
Sources
Facts checked 13 November 2026
- PetSafe UK — Drinkwell 7.5 litre Pet Fountain product page — Manufacturer documentation, checked 23 October 2026
- Retail listing (PetSafe) — Retailer listing, checked 23 October 2026
Is 7.5 litres too much for one cat?
Usually. Water that sits in a fountain for a week goes stale even while it circulates, filters or not. For one cat a 2 to 3 litre fountain, cleaned weekly, is the better fit. The 7.5 litres is for a house where two or three cats or a dog share one bowl.
Can I turn the stream down?
Yes. A knob sets the flow from a near-silent trickle to a full stream, by PetSafe's description. A cat that is put off by noise or splashing can drink from a quiet stream; one that likes running water can have more.
What filters does it use?
A foam filter that catches hair and food, and an activated carbon filter for taste and smell. They are PetSafe's own parts and both need replacing regularly; keep a spare of each in the cupboard.
How big is it?
40 by 37 by 14 centimetres by the listing; PetSafe does not publish dimensions. It is long and low rather than tall, so measure the floor where it will stand, with room for a cat or dog to stand beside it.
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