Updated Feb 16, 2023
With five levels of filtration, multiple drinking areas, and remarkably quiet operation, Petlibro’s Capsule cat water fountain is a human-friendly, cat-friendly fountain with a lot of powerful features packed into a subtle, streamlined design.
Enter ALLABOUTCATS at checkout to get 20% off any item in the Petlibro store
Read on to find out what my cats and I thought of the Capsule and whether or not it could be a good choice for your cat.
If you decide to try the Petlibro Capsule for yourself, don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code. When you enter the coupon code ALLABOUTCATS at checkout in the Petlibro store, you’ll receive 20% off of a single product in your first order.
Why Should You Trust Us?
Cats.com has reviewed hundreds of cat products, including a range of pet tech and accessories like water fountains, toys, and feeders.
As one of the head product reviewers at Cats.com, I’ve personally tried dozens of these products with my two cats, Wessie and Forest. I’ve researched, pulled apart, cleaned, and tested water fountains ranging from classics like the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum to cheap Amazon products and stylish, glowy smart fountains.
Based on this background, I know what to look for in a good cat water fountain, which flaws are dealbreakers, and which fountains are the best fit for different types of homes.
With all of that in mind, let’s jump into my review of the Petlibro Capsule cat water fountain.
Petlibro Capsule Cat Water Fountain Video Review
First, Let’s Get Some Background On The Petlibro Capsule
The Petlibro Capsule water fountain is the newest addition to Petlibro’s lineup.
It’s the company’s only fountain with a spout attachment and, compared to the original Petlibro fountain, it has a slightly smaller capacity.
With a 2.1 liter or 71-ounce capacity, the Petlibro Capsule is large enough to last one or two cats for a couple of weeks, but it’s not a good match for households with numerous cats or a dog sharing the fountain.
What Makes The Petlibro Capsule Different From Other Water Fountains On The Market?
While it’s not a smart fountain with indicator lights or other snazzy features, the Petlibro Capsule has a few features we’re not seeing in other fountains.
To start, the Capsule offers a more advanced filtration system compared to the majority of other water fountains. While most fountains stop at two or three levels of filtration, the Capsule’s 5-level filtration system promises to capture more debris, heavy metals, and odors for top-of-the-line freshness.
And perhaps the biggest difference between the Capsule and other fountains on the market is its noise output. The Capsule has a patented valve and noise-insulated silicone water pipe, which work together to reduce motor noise. Petlibro describes it as their quietest fountain yet.
Let’s Talk About My Experience Using The Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain.
Over the course of the last month, I’ve tried out the Petlibro Capsule and evaluated it in several key areas. I took notes on how easy it was to assemble, turn on, and clean. I observed how it filtered and dispensed water. I paid attention to my cats’ reactions, too, seeing whether or not they took an interest in this new fountain.
Unboxing And Assembly
Assembling the Capsule was simple and straightforward.
The Petlibro Capsule comes neatly packaged with all of the components packed inside of the fountain body.
The package includes the water reservoir, pump motor, silicone water pipe, filter tray, main drinking tray, and spout. The primary filter comes protected in a separate plastic pouch. You’ll also receive a cleaning brush tool that allows you to deep-clean the pump for longevity.
By referring to the instructions, I was able to easily assemble the Petlibro Capsule fountain. The pump motor sits in the bottom of the unit and secures to the bottom with four small suction cups, with a power cord that threads neatly through a track at the rear of the bowl. The silicone pipe attaches to the pump, ready to direct water up and into the filtration tray.
Once the water reservoir is full, you’ll start stacking the trays. First, you’ll place the filter tray with the three-level filter in place, then place the main tray on top. Finally, the spout inserts into a rectangular slot in the primary water tray.
After all of the parts of the fountain are assembled, it’s time to plug the unit into a wall outlet and watch it start working.
Size And Capacity
Fully assembled, the Petlibro Capsule water fountain measures 8.9 x 5.6 x 5.5 inches, making it one of the smaller water fountains on the market.
In addition to a small footprint, the fountain has a relatively small capacity. The tank contains up to 71 ounces or 2.1 liters, which is on the lower side for a cat water fountain. For comparison, the popular Catit Flower Fountain has a 100-ounce capacity.
How Did The Petlibro Capsule Water Fountain Perform?
After I’d put everything together, filled it with water, and plugged it in, it was time to watch this fountain do its job. Here’s how it worked.
The Petlibro Capsule water fountain has one of the most advanced filtration systems of any cat water fountain I’ve tried.
The Petlibro Capsule fountain has a five-level filtration system, with a plastic top filter, 3-stage primary filter, and a foam filter to protect the pump.
The Petlibro Capsule has a five-level filtration system that promises cleaner, fresher water compared to that provided by other fountains on the market.
The top tray serves as the fountain’s first level of filtration, capturing hair and other large particles in the slots around the perimeter of the bowl.
As water recirculates, it passes through the primary filter seated on the bottom tray. This filter is made from nonwoven fabric to capture large particles and is filled with activated carbon along with an ion exchange resin material that removes heavy metals and other toxins.
Finally, a foam prefilter built into the pump helps to capture any particles before they’re able to swim into the pump. Because it lessens wear on the pump, this filter helps to increase the fountain’s longevity.
It’s easy to monitor, clean, and maintain—but it’s not the most sanitary fountain on the market.
While this fountain doesn’t have indicator lights to tell you if the water is low or the filter needs replacement, it has several features that make it easy to maintain.
The fountain’s translucent tank makes it easy to accurately fill and refill. Secondly, the fountain has very few parts with no crannies, crevices, or small pieces prone to collecting dirt. Although it’s not dishwasher-safe, this straightforward design means that it’s easy to get a thorough cleaning.
The Capsule’s simple components and smooth interior make it easy to clean by hand.
Remember that the fountain comes with a brush tool for the pump, which will also help to get a complete clean and extend the longevity of your unit.
While these design elements help to make cleaning less of a hassle, the fountain’s not perfect in this area. Its ABS plastic construction is porous compared to stainless steel or ceramic, so it’s prone to accumulating bacteria and other unwanted material. While I didn’t notice much slime or other forms of buildup on the fountain during my test, I know that this—and consequently, feline acne—is a common issue for those using plastic fountains.
So while the fountain does a good job in terms of filtration, its plastic construction keeps it from being one of the most sanitary options on the market.
With multiple drinking options, the fountain has plenty of cat appeal.
While I wasn’t able to capture images of my cats using the fountain, they did take to it easily, lapping from the freshly aerated bowl.
My cats are accustomed to drinking from water fountains, so it was no surprise that they readily took to their new Capsule fountain.
While they preferred to drink from the bowl rather than the stream, I primarily used the fountain with the spout attachment in place.
The spout of the Petlibro Capsule creates a smooth, free-flowing stream of water.
However, that wasn’t my only option—if my cats preferred a gently-bubbling pool, I could have removed the spout and let them enjoy a soft, splashy bubbler instead.
Without the spout in place, the Petlibro Capsule creates a soft, gentle bubbling pool.
So whether your cat loves a drippy faucet or is more prone to drinking out of the toilet, the Petlibro Capsule has an option for you. While the fountain doesn’t have any flow adjustment, the removable spout should provide enough variety for most cats.
Additionally, sensitive cats and people will appreciate the fountain’s quietness. While other fountains’ motors hum or whisper as they run, the Petlibro Capsule was almost silent, with splashing water the only noticeable sound.
How Much Does The Petlibro Capsule Cat Water Fountain Cost?
The Petlibro Capsule water fountain costs $39.99 in the Petlibro store, putting it in the middle of the water fountain price spectrum. But while it’s not the most expensive fountain upfront, it can become costly over time.
That advanced filtration system comes at a cost, with a 4-pack of filters costing $15.99 in the Petlibro store. If you follow Petlibro’s suggestion of a filter change once every 2 weeks, that adds up to about $96 each year. With a looser twice-monthly changeout schedule, you’re still looking at a $48 annual filter bill.
Compared to the Catit Flower Fountain’s $31 – $62 annual filter replacement cost, the Capsule starts to look like a pricey long-term investment.
You can cut down on your expenses over time by purchasing a filter-and-fountain bundle. A fountain with a 4-pack of filters costs $52.78 (a $3.20 savings), and a bundle including a fountain and 8 filters costs $65.57, which saves you $6.40 compared to purchasing the fountain and filters separately.
Overall Impressions
Though it’s small and has a no-frills design, the Petlibro Capsule shouldn’t be underestimated. If you’re looking for a quiet but powerful fountain that offers excellent filtration and easy maintenance, the Capsule is a promising option.
But it’s not perfect. The Capsule’s biggest flaws are its size, plastic construction, and price.
With its 71-ounce capacity, I had to refill the fountain every couple of weeks with two wet-fed cats. Cats who eat dry diets will likely need more frequent refills. And while plastic fountains are an economical and appealing choice, they come with an increased risk of bacterial accumulation and feline acne.
Finally, with filter replacement costs as high as $96 per year, this isn’t a cheap fountain and could start to feel like a money drain over time. More cost-conscious customers may want to consider something like the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum.
Where To Buy The Petlibro Capsule Cat Water Fountain?
If you live in the United States, you can buy the Petlibro Capsule through the Petlibro store.
Enter the coupon code ALLABOUTCATS at checkout to secure your 20% discount on your first purchase of the Capsule or any other single item in the store. Your Petlibro purchase ships for free to addresses in the contiguous United States and is backed by their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customers in the United Kingdom can find the Petlibro Capsule sold on Amazon.
Want to learn more? You can also follow Petlibro on Instagram and like their page on Facebook.
Enter ALLABOUTCATS at checkout to get 20% off any item in the Petlibro store
