Cat water fountain filters usually cost about $10–$30 per multi-filter pack, but the pack price alone does not tell you the yearly cost. Pack sizes, filter shapes, replacement schedules, and the number of cats using the fountain all matter. Some fountains also use a separate foam or pump pre-filter that may need replacing on a different schedule.
This guide compares common replacement filters for PetSafe Drinkwell, Catit, PETLIBRO, PETKIT, and Veken fountains. Prices are approximate U.S. reference prices checked in September 2026; Amazon listings, coupons, and bundles can change. Annual estimates use the manufacturer’s suggested interval when available and assume one fountain. Your actual use may differ.
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Quick Cost Comparison
| Brand and example filter | Example pack price | Suggested change interval | Approximate annual filter cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Drinkwell 360 carbon filters, 3-pack | About $10 | Every 2–4 weeks | About $43–$87 |
| Catit Flower Triple Action, 5-pack | About $19–$20 | Every 30 days | About $46–$48 |
| Catit PIXI filters, 6-pack | Often around $10–$16; check listing | Every 30 days | About $20–$32 |
| PETLIBRO Dockstream filters, 8-pack | About $18–$27 | Every 2 weeks | About $58–$88 |
| PETKIT EverSweet Max filters, 5-pack | About $20 | About every 2–4 weeks, depending on model and use | About $52–$104 |
| Veken compatible filter-and-sponge bundle, 8+8 pack | Often around $14–$22; check listing | Follow the schedule for your exact fountain | Depends on your model and schedule |
These estimates cover replacement filter cartridges only, unless the pack is explicitly a filter-and-sponge bundle. They do not include fountain cleaning supplies, replacement pumps, shipping, or sales tax. The annual range doubles if you run two fountains and replace each on the same schedule.
1. PetSafe Drinkwell Filters — About $43–$87 per Year
Example pack: Drinkwell 360 Carbon Filters, 3-pack
Pack price: About $9.99, or roughly $3.33 per filter
Suggested interval: Every 2–4 weeks
PetSafe’s official store lists the Drinkwell 360 carbon-filter 3-pack at $9.99 and recommends changing the filter every 2–4 weeks. At that pace, one fountain uses about 13–26 filters per year, or roughly $43–$87 in carbon filters.
Drinkwell models do not all use the same filter. The 360 has its own cylindrical filter; other Drinkwell fountains use different carbon-filter shapes. Some models also use a foam filter that catches larger debris near the pump. For example, PetSafe recommends changing some foam filters every 1–2 months, so include that separate part in the budget if your fountain uses one.
Before ordering: Check the fountain’s model name and filter part number. “Drinkwell compatible” alone is not enough to confirm fit.
2. Catit Flower and PIXI Filters — About $20–$48 per Year
Catit has separate filter families for its Flower fountains and PIXI fountains. Their pads are not interchangeable just because both are made by Catit.
Flower Fountain Triple Action filters
Example pack: 5-pack
Pack price: About $19–$20, or about $3.80–$4 per filter
Suggested interval: Every 30 days
The Flower filter fits the full-size Flower Fountain family, including the original and stainless-steel versions. Catit recommends a new filter every 30 days, or earlier if it is visibly saturated; it notes that multi-pet use may require more frequent changes. A five-pack therefore covers about five months at the standard interval. Using a roughly $19–$20 pack price, expect around $46–$48 per year for one fountain.
Catit PIXI filters
Example pack: 6-pack
Pack price: Often around $10–$16 on Amazon, depending on seller and promotion
Suggested interval: Every 30 days
PIXI fountains use a different cartridge from Flower fountains. The official PIXI replacement filter is a 6-pack, and the label recommends replacing it every 30 days for optimal results. At the example price range, replacing one filter each month works out to approximately $20–$32 per year.
Before ordering: Match the filter to the fountain family and model. Catit’s round Flower filter and PIXI cartridge have distinct shapes.
3. PETLIBRO Dockstream Filters — About $58–$88 per Year
Example pack: Dockstream replacement filters, 8-pack
Pack price: About $18–$27, or about $2.25–$3.38 per filter
Suggested interval: Every 2 weeks
PETLIBRO’s Dockstream filters are sold in multi-packs, and the official U.S. store currently lists an 8-pack around $26.99 before any promotion. An Amazon price snapshot showed the same 8-count product around $17.99, illustrating how much marketplace price and promotions can shift. PETLIBRO recommends replacing Dockstream filters every two weeks, and says multi-pet homes may need more frequent changes.
At 26 filters per year, an $18–$27 8-pack works out to approximately $58–$88 annually. Confirm whether the selected pack includes the pump pre-filter sponge, and whether the listing is for your Dockstream generation. PETLIBRO sells filters for several models, and names that sound similar do not guarantee compatibility.
Before ordering: Compare the compatible model numbers printed on the fountain label or manual with the filter listing. If the unit is a Dockstream 2, look for that compatibility stated explicitly.
4. PETKIT EverSweet Filters — About $52–$104 per Year for the Max Series
Example pack: EverSweet Max Filter Unit RECT, 5-pack
Pack price: About $19.99, or about $4 per filter
Suggested interval: Varies by model; around every 2–4 weeks for this estimate
PETKIT lists a five-piece Filter Unit RECT pack for the EverSweet Max at about $19.99. PETKIT’s regional product information describes five filters as roughly a 10–20 week supply, which corresponds to replacing a filter about every 2–4 weeks. That range would mean approximately 13–26 filters per year, or about $52–$104 in five-packs.
PETKIT has multiple EverSweet fountains and filter shapes. This estimate applies to the Max filter unit described above; it should not be used for EverSweet Solo, 2, 3, or other models without checking compatibility and the manual. Some smart models display a replacement reminder in the app.
Before ordering: Match the model number on the fountain to the filter’s listed compatible devices. PETKIT filters are not one universal size.
5. Veken Filters — Usually a Lower Pack Cost, but Check the Bundle
Example pack: 8 filters plus 8 pre-filter sponges
Pack price: Often around $14–$22 on Amazon; check the current listing
Suggested interval: Follow the instructions for the exact Veken fountain and filter set
Veken replacement listings commonly bundle carbon filters with small pump pre-filter sponges. An 8+8 set has more pieces than an eight-filter-only pack, so compare what is included before comparing unit prices. One listing may fit several Veken fountain capacities, while another may fit only a specific style or generation. A third-party “Veken compatible” filter may also use a different fit or filter material.
Because Veken’s replacement interval and bundle contents can differ by listing, a single annual total would be misleading. Check the instructions included with your fountain and the current Amazon product page; replace sooner if the filter is visibly dirty, water flow falls, or the pump becomes noisy.
Before ordering: Compare capacity, shape, and compatible fountain model. Confirm whether the listing includes the pump sponge, and do not assume the filter fits every Veken unit.
How to Estimate Your Own Yearly Filter Cost
Use this simple calculation:
(Pack price ÷ filters in the pack) × filters used per year = yearly cartridge cost
For example, if an 8-pack costs $24 and the manufacturer says to change one filter every two weeks, the cost is $3 per filter × 26 filters, or about $78 per year for one fountain.
Use the schedule in your fountain’s manual as the baseline. A home with several cats, lots of loose fur, dusty surroundings, or hard water may need more frequent changes. Do not extend the interval just to lower the cost if the filter is clogged, water flow has slowed, or the manufacturer’s schedule says to replace it.
How to Spend Less Without Choosing the Wrong Filter
- Buy a larger pack when the per-filter price is lower. Check the total cost and the number of usable filters, not only the “value pack” label.
- Compare the exact model numbers. A cheap filter that does not fit or allows water to bypass it is not a saving.
- Check what is included. Packs may combine carbon cartridges, foam pre-filters, or cleaning brushes. Compare like with like.
- Rinse new filters as directed. Many carbon filters should be rinsed before installation to clear loose carbon dust. Follow the brand’s instructions.
- Clean the fountain on schedule. A dirty pump can reduce flow even with a new filter. Replacing the cartridge does not replace cleaning the reservoir and pump.
- Use caution with third-party filters. Compatibility claims vary in quality. Check dimensions and model numbers, and stop using a filter that fits poorly or reduces water flow.
- Track recurring costs. A low-priced fountain can have expensive or hard-to-find refills. Check filter availability before buying a new fountain.
Final Takeaway
For many popular fountains, a realistic filter budget is roughly $20–$100 per year per fountain, depending on the brand, pack price, and replacement interval. PetSafe and PETLIBRO can cost more when changed at the short end of their recommended schedules. Catit PIXI filters can be relatively inexpensive per year, while Catit Flower filters cost more per cartridge. The exact fountain model matters as much as the brand name.
Check our PETLIBRO Dockstream Replacement Filters (2026): Which Models Are Compatible? guide before ordering Dockstream refills. For general upkeep, see How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain and Replace Its Filter, and compare fountains in our Best Cat Water Fountains (2026): The Complete Buying Guide.
Price note: Prices are approximate U.S. pack prices checked in September 2026 and may change with Amazon sellers, coupons, pack size, or subscription discounts. Use the current listing for your exact model to confirm price, contents, compatibility, and availability. Annual totals are estimates for one fountain using the stated replacement intervals; multi-cat homes may need more frequent changes.