Catit PIXI Ceramic Fountain review

The Catit PIXI Ceramic Fountain (#43700) combines a 1.7-liter reservoir, glazed ceramic body and drinking surface, a small low-water light, and two ways to present the moving water. It suits a household that prefers ceramic and has a safe outlet nearby. Its drawbacks are the electrical pump in the wet assembly, a compact tank that still needs routine checking, and no documented battery, app or intake-tracking plan. Catit's current U.S. fountain directory does not list this model, so treat it as an earlier-model assessment rather than evidence of current retail availability.

A compact, outlet-powered arrangement

The official specification for model 43700 gives a 1.7 L (57.5 fl oz) reservoir, a 7.4 × 7.4 × 7 in footprint and height, and an empty weight of 4.4 lb. The filled fountain will weigh more, so position it where you can lift or drain it safely before cleaning. The volume is a tank rating, not a schedule for how often to check water; household use and evaporation vary, and the pump needs to stay submerged.

The included regional power adapter is rated for 5 V, 1 A. The exact manual describes continuous indoor operation from its powered pump. It does not document a rechargeable battery, approach sensor, timer, Wi-Fi or app. The pump's low-water sensor shuts the fountain down to help prevent dry running, and the manual says it restarts when the reservoir is refilled. That safeguard is useful, but it does not replace regular inspection.

Choose between an arch and a bubbling surface

With the supplied spout in place, the pump sends water into an arching stream. Remove the spout for a bubbling top that spills gently into the shallow bowl at the front. Catit's page says that bowl retains drinking water even when the fountain is switched off. These are two physical presentations of continuous outlet flow, not separate sensor or interval modes. A cat that likes a still pool can use the bowl; a cat that investigates moving water can try the arch. The manufacturer calls the pump quiet, but that is a product claim rather than a measurement from this assessment.

Ceramic helps with the surface choice, not every part of care

Catit describes the fountain as glazed ceramic and identifies the ceramic as dishwasher-safe. That is a useful distinction from the standard plastic-top PIXI and the steel-top #43720, but it is not permission to put the pump, power adapter or filter in a dishwasher. The exact manual instructs owners to unplug before assembly, disassembly or cleaning; remove the top and filter tray; wash the fountain unit with a sponge; avoid abrasive cleaners; and rinse thoroughly. It also says to use fresh water, keep the pump fully immersed and never run it dry. Follow those exact instructions if they are more restrictive than a general material description.

The included filter pad provides Catit's stated triple-action filtration. A tray opening helps limit overflow if the cartridge clogs, but Catit still says to replace a filter that is visibly dirty, damaged or clogged. The front light communicates status: white during normal operation, blinking red when it is time to refill, and red when the reservoir is empty and the pump has shut down. There is no transparent water-level window. Catit sells a replacement ceramic top separately as #44846; it is not an extra fountain top included in the standard package.

Where it fits, and where another PIXI makes more sense

If a ceramic drinking surface, a low-profile footprint and the choice of arching or bubbling water matter more than cordless operation, #43700 is a distinctive PIXI design. The tradeoff is a heavier ceramic assembly and a modest 1.7 L capacity. The PIXI Stainless Steel UV-C #43761 is a different 5 L rechargeable design with sensor and timed modes; continuous flow on that model still requires a power connection. The PIXI steel-top #43720 instead has a 2 L reservoir and a steel drinking surface. Neither sibling's material, power or capacity should be transferred to #43700.

For another ceramic comparison, the PetSafe Creekside 60 has a 60 oz rating and a more open bowl-and-tower layout; its published care and dishwasher permissions apply to specific components, not the pump. Compare those instructions before choosing by surface alone. If app control, individual-cat drinking records, battery placement or a confirmed larger tank is essential, this model does not satisfy that need.

The exact Catit product page, model-specific support entry and #43700 manual identify the fountain and its documented setup. The current U.S. directory lists three PIXI fountain designs but omits the ceramic model; no current U.S. price or retailer offer is verified here. The assessment is source-based, not a hands-on test. Check the full model number, included adapter and seller terms before acting on an older listing.