If you’re worried about the amount of water your cat is drinking or are worried about the cleanliness of the water in your cat’s bowl, a cat water fountain could be a great addition to your house. Cat water fountains are specially designed to provide a continuous and clean stream of water so your cat stays happy and healthy and you can be sure their water is clean. Cat water fountains are also a fantastic way to entice your pet to drink more water, because cats are known to have a very low thirst drive and cannot always tell when they need to drink.
However, there are so many cat water fountains out there these days that it can be difficult to know which one is best for your pet and which ones are going to provide your cat with the cleanest water, all while making your cat want to drink from them. Below we have compiled a buying guide so you can decide which fountain is right for you and your pet.
Best Cat Water Fountain – Comparison Table
| Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) Veken Pet Fountain | Ultra-quiet Low consumption pump BPA free & quality material | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 2) Wonder Creature Cat Water Fountain | Extremely quiet Intelligent pump With indicator light | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 3) IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain | Healthy Material and Easy to Clean Dual Filtration System Whisper-quiet Operation | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 4) PetSafe Drinkwell Cat and Dog Water Fountain | Large Water Capacity Free-falling Stream Includes Replaceable Carbon Water Filter | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 5) Catit Flower Fountain | 3 different water flow settings Can hold up to 3L i Ergonomic design | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 6) AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Waterer | Extra-wide-mouth bottle Base made of PP Easy-to-clean design | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 7) isYoung Cat Fountain | Creative pet fountain Fresh filter water Free-falling Streams | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 8) isYoung Pet Water Fountain, 84Oz/2.5L Super Quiet | Holds 84 Ounces Of Water Quiet 40dBa Operating Noise Two Filters | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 9) Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain | Circulating drinking water Dishwasher safe Replaceable raindrop charcoal filter | 4.1 out of 5 |
 | 10) Pioneer Pet Swan Pet Drinking Fountain | Circulating drinking water Naturally appealing to pets Easy Clean design | 4.2 out of 5 |
 | 11) NPET Cat and Dog Water Fountain | Large Capacity Environment Material Design Concept | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 12) PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Dog and Cat Water Fountain | Great For Cats And Small To Medium Sized Dogs Dual Free Falling Streams Add Oxygen For Freshness | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 13) PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station | Gravity water feeder Sturdy Construction Hygienic Water Bowl | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 14) Catit Fresh & Clear Stainless Steel Top Drinking Fountain | Healthy Material and Easy to Clean Dual Filtration System Whisper-quiet Operation | 4.6 out of 5 |
 | 15) PetSafe Drinkwell Zen Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Water Fountain | Premium replaceable carbon cat water filter Cools and aerates the cat water Inhibits bacteria growth | 4 out of 5 |
 | 16) Parner Cat Water Fountain | Encourage pets to drink Perfect for multi-pet households More oxygen | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 17) Comsmart Automatic Cat Water Fountain | The Upgraded Pump Water Level Window with Blue Light Food-grade Material & Triple Filtration System | 4.5 out of 5 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Cat Water Fountain
Getting your cat to drink water can be difficult and it can become quite a worry for many cat owners that their feline friends are not drinking enough. If you’ve bought your cat every bowl in the world but they’re still not drinking from them, a cat water fountain could be your solution. As their main feature is running water, which cats prefer to drink from, they could be your way to keep your cat hydrated. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing a cat water fountain.
The Reservoir Size
The larger the reservoir size, the smaller the amount of time you need to spend refilling it. There is also less chance of it running dry. However, these advantages need to be weighed against the length of time that the water is likely to be sat in the reservoir. While most cat water fountains circulate the water to prevent it becoming stagnant, the longer the water is in the reservoir, the more likely there is to be bacterial growth.
The Bowl Tiers and Depth
The depth and size of the bowls in your cat water fountain is especially important if you have a young or old cat. If you have a senior cat, their joints will be stiffer and they have a harder time reaching into a bowl, so the bowl needs to be lower for them. Likewise, if you have a kitten, they may not be able to reach the water if the sides of the bowl are too high, so this is something to consider. If you have multiple cats in your house and cats of different ages, multiple tiers in your water fountain may be the best solution.
The Number of Spouts or Fountains
For houses with multiple cats, multiple spouts and fountains may be a good idea. This allows more than one pet to drink at a time and can prevent fighting and spilling. However, if you only have one cat, then it is up to your cat’s personal preference.
The Bowl and Spout Material
Most cat water fountains these days are made from BPA-free materials, making them non-toxic and generally safer for you pets, without compromising their durability. However, there are a few different materials to choose from, including plastic, stainless steel and ceramic, each with their own pros and cons. Plastic tends to be lighter and more durable, as well as easier to move, but the material can scratch quite easily and it can be difficult to clean afterwards. Ceramic cleans very easily and is dishwasher safe, but is heavy and liable to break. Stainless steel is light, durable and easy to clean, however it can affect the taste of the water even with filters in place.
The Filter System
A filter system is an absolute must in a cat water fountain. A filter system helps to remove impurities, making sure the water is clean and smells and tastes good. Many cat water fountains have a dual or two-stage filter system that helps to remove impurities such as hair and dirt. You should look for a water fountain that has a easily removable filter so you can clean it, as well as replacement filters so you can keep the bowl as clean as possible.
The Benefits of Cat Water Fountains
Cats have somehow lost the drive to feel thirst through evolution, and, while their ancestors had to be creative in finding ways to stay hydrated, house cats rarely feel the need to drink. Because of this, cats nowadays most often get their moisture from their cat food, which allows them to stay healthy and quenches their thirst. However, if your cat is on dry food and you’re worried about trying to get them to drink more water, a cat water fountain can be your answer. Here are some of the benefits:
Cleaner and Fresher Drink
A cat water fountain comes with a filter built-in, designed to remove any impurities including debris, dirt and hair. This makes the water a lot safer to drink, as well as tastier, so not only will you be inspiring your cat to drink more water but you’ll also be stopping them from drinking water that could cause health problems such as kidney issues or a urinary tract infection.
Less Bacteria
A cat water fountain releases air into the liquid, creating tiny bubbles. A lot of harmful micro-organisms and bacteria cannot survive in the presence of air, so this is effectively helping to clean the water and get rid of anything that could harm your cat. This way, you’re keeping your feline friend safe and healthy, reducing the risk of health issues.
Predatory Instinct
Cats have a predatory nature and, believe it or not, love playing with water. Your cat water fountain will create moving water, which often your cat will think is moving prey. They may think that the ripples in the water indicate the presence of a fish or other creatures, and this awakens their predatory instinct and gets them excited about being near the water and, hopefully, drinking it too.
Cooler Water
Moving water helps to keep water cooler, while also tasting much better than water that has been lying stagnant in a bowl for a period of time. The addition of oxygen in the water will also help to keep the water colder, and this will encourage your cat to drink more water.
Fewer Health Issues
We’ve mentioned above that a cat water fountain can be instrumental in making sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water and this significantly reduces the risk of them having any health issues due to dirty water. With a cat water fountain, bacteria and microorganisms that could be living in your kitty’s water bowl are killed, meaning it is a lot safer for them. Not only does this stop the risk of dehydration, but other issues like kidney issues, urinary stones and urinary tract infections.
Easy to Maintain
Making sure your cat’s water fountain is clean is super easy, too. All you need to do is clean the bowl as many of these products are designed with ease of maintenance.
If you’re ready to find the perfect cat water fountain for your cat that fits in with your house, take a look at the best cat fountains we recommend on Amazon.
The Best Cat Water Fountain Reviews
1) Veken Pet Fountain
Perfect for small to medium sized cats, this Veken water fountain has a water capacity of 2.5 L. With three different modes — flower waterfall, flower bubble and gentle fountain — each mode meets the need of different cats, making sure your cat is intrigued by the water. Even better, the bright color of yellow by the free-falling stream will attract your cat to the water and encourage them to drink it. The pump is ultra quiet so it doesn’t disturb you and is of low consumption, normally lasting between two and a half to four years.
Made of high-quality PP resin, this water fountain is BPA-free, durable, and easy to operate and clean. Furthermore, each fountain comes with a silicone pad to catch splashing water from naughty pets. The fountain is equipped with three replacement filters, each composed of a cotton layer, activated carbon and an ion exchange resin. They form a triple filtration system to provide healthy and hygienic water and prevent your pets from getting sick.
Key Features:
- Ultra-quiet
- Low consumption pump
- BPA free & quality material
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Wonder Creature Cat Water Fountain
Built-in to this water fountain by Wonder Creature are three different modes — flower waterfall, flower bubble and gentle fountain — giving you multiple options to get your cat intrigued by their new fountain and wanting to drink water. The water bowl holds 2.4 L of water, with a transparent water level window with LED light to remind you to add in water when needed. 360° multi-directional streams help to aerate the water for added oxygen and freshness, enticing your cat to take a drink.
The top of the water fountain is made from stainless steel that is unbreakable, durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel is more hygienic than other materials, and it is also dishwasher safe. The circulating filtration system uses a replaceable charcoal filter to purify the water, remove hair, dirt and food particles to provide clean water for your cat, and this fountain comes with three extra carbon filters as well as two cleaning brushes. The water fountain is very easy to disassemble, making maintenance quick and no hassle.
Key Features:
- Extremely quiet
- Intelligent pump
- With indicator light
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
The Tritone Cat Water Fountain is made of high-quality natural ceramic making it both eco-friendly and non-toxic and the perfect way for your cat to get fresh water. The triple free-falling design streams add more oxygen into the fresh water and attract your pets to drink more, while the mechanical filtration with a foam filter surrounding the pump prevents your cat’s hair and other debris from the pump and the tank. Chemical filtration with carbon and charcoal also helps to remove bad odors and tastes.
This fountain has a water bowl capacity of 2.1 L, providing enough water for your pet to drink for two weeks or more. This makes it great if you are someone who travels a lot and worries about your cat having constant fresh water. The pump is also very quiet and runs with low consumption. It can be easily set up and disassembled with detachable parts in a few steps and all parts can be washed (except the plug), so you know your cat is getting clean water.
Key Features:
- Healthy Material and Easy to Clean
- Dual Filtration System
- Whisper-quiet Operation
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) PetSafe Drinkwell Cat and Dog Water Fountain
With an 168 oz. water capacity, this PetSafe Drinkwell water fountain is great for pets of all sizes — both cats and dogs — so perfect if you have more than one furry friend in you house. The free-falling stream aerates the water and an activated-carbon filter made from coconut shells removes bad tastes and odors giving your pet the best way to stay hydrated and healthy. The built-in reservoir increases the capacity and extends time between refilling your fountain and it is also detachable for ease.
The pump has an adjustable flow so you can customize it to your cat’s needs and the built-in ramp reduces the noise of the water hitting the bowl. The fountain is BPA-free and easy to disassemble and therefore simple to clean, with all the parts (except the pump and adaptor) being dishwasher safe.
Key Features:
- Large Water Capacity
- Free-falling Stream
- Includes Replaceable Carbon Water Filter
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Catit Flower Fountain
In this low-noise Catit Flower Fountain there are three different water flow settings for picky drinkers — gentle water flow, bubbling top and calm streams. With a compact 3 L design, this water fountain is designed to take up minimum space, without compromising the cleanliness of your cat’s water. The smart design of this fountain means it is at the right height to not interfere with your kitten or adult cat’s whiskers. The Catit Triple Action filter removes magnesium, calcium, chlorine odors and bacteria from tap water, as well as retaining stray hairs, sediment and debris to prevent your cat ingesting these and becoming sick.
One filter can keep your cat’s water clean for up to 30 days, so you should replace the filter every month. The continuous filtration and opaque reservoir keeps the water fresher for longer and there is a dual-action water softening filter and a small energy-efficient pump, too. Made from BPA-free materials, the fountain can be easily washed with soap and water.
Key Features:
- 3 different water flow settings
- Can hold up to 3L i
- Ergonomic design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) AmazonBasics Self-Dispensing Gravity Pet Waterer
This small-pet waterer from AmazonBasics is self-dispensing, using gravity to ensure a consistent supply of fresh drinking water. This is perfect for both cats and dogs and great if you have more than one pet in your home and are constantly having to refill the water bowl. The extra-wide mouth bottle holds up to 1 gallon of water, and as water levels in the bowl dip, the waterer’s water-storage bottle automatically releases more water down into the bowl, so there is water always available to your cat.
This pet waterer features a PP base with a transparent PET water bottle on top, which makes it easy to keep an eye on water levels. There are also side cut-out handles along base for easy lifting, essential if you currently need more pairs of hairs to lift your cat’s water bowl or fountain, and non-skid rubber feet prevent the waterer from sliding across the ground and spilling. Very easy to clean, you can wash it with soapy water for simple maintenance.
Key Features:
- Extra-wide-mouth bottle
- Base made of PP
- Easy-to-clean design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) isYoung Cat Fountain
With a 51 oz. water capacity, this isYoung cat fountains great for smaller cats, as well as dogs. With an adjustable flow to increase or decrease the flow of water, you can get your cat excited about drinking again. The charcoal and ion exchange resin filter removes the bad taste and bad smell of water, while catching impurities such as hair and debris to ensure the water is clean and fresh for your cat. The noise-cancelling water dispenser won’t affect won’t affect you or your pets, and there’s a luminous LED to help your cat find the fountain in the night.
BPA-free, this fountain is very safe for your cats to use and also has a very low energy consumption. It can be disassembled easily for simple cleaning, which should be done every two weeks, and it is also dishwasher safe.
Key Features:
- Creative pet fountain
- Fresh filter water
- Free-falling Streams
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) isYoung Pet Water Fountain, 84Oz/2.5L Super Quiet Automatic Electric Water Dispenser
Both dogs and cats need a lot of water every day to stay healthy, but you may not have enough time to fill up their water dishes or even remember to refill them. With this pet water fountain, your pets get all of the water that they need. It holds 84 ounces of clean water, which is enough to last a whole day or longer. With three flow options to choose from, it’s easy to pick one your pets will like. It has a waterfall option with water that cascades and a gentle fountain option for timid pets.
With the flower bubble option, the water softly bubbles in the center that encourages pets to take a drink. You don’t need to worry about the fountain making a lot of noise and disrupting you because it produces only 40 decibels.
Inside the fountain are two filters that remove impurities from the water, which you can replace as needed. It also has a third layer that works on other particles from your tap water to keep your pets healthy.
Key Features:
- Holds 84 Ounces Of Water
- Quiet 40dBa Operating Noise
- Two Filters
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain
The Pioneer Pet Raindrop cat water fountain prides itself on being one that fits right in with your kitchen. Made from stainless-steel, this fountain is not only easy to clean but is also super safe for your pet, as well as looking elegant and fitting in with your home. The ultra-quiet pump in this fountain circulates the water, enticing your cat to drink more, while also oxygenating it and making it much healthier and tastier for them. The replaceable charcoal filter cleans and purifies the water so your cat is drinking only the best, and it can go up to 30 days before needing to be replaced.
With a 60 oz. capacity you won’t need to be refilling your feline friend’s bowl so often, and the extra long 7.3 foot cord means you can plug this is wherever you like. The fountain disassembles easily for cleaning, which the manufacturer recommends you do every month.
Key Features:
- Circulating drinking water
- Dishwasher safe
- Replaceable raindrop charcoal filter
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
10) Pioneer Pet Swan Pet Drinking Fountain
The Pioneer Pet Swan water fountain is the perfect thing to have in your home if your cat loves to drink out of the faucet. The swan design of this fountain mimics that of the faucet, enticing your cat to take a drink. With an 80 oz. capacity, this water fountain is perfect for households with multiple pets, and comes with either a wall plug or USB connection for electrical ease. The charcoal filter ensures the water is clean and healthy for your cat, which should be replaced one to two times a month depending on how many pets are using the bowl.
The flow of the water is easily-adjustable with just a flick of a switch, so you can make sure your cat has the right flow. Generally, a lower setting is recommended as a high setting can cause splashing. Very easy to assemble and clean, this cat drinking fountain is dishwasher safe. It is also ultra-quiet and will not disturb you or your pet.
Key Features:
- Circulating drinking water
- Naturally appealing to pets
- Easy Clean design
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
11) NPET Cat and Dog Water Fountain
With a 1.6 L water capacity, this fountain is great for both cats and dogs and multiple pet households. Because of this large capacity, there is no need for you to be replacing the water so often, and the water can be left in the bowl for up to a week at a time — perfect if you are someone who travels. The faucet in this water fountain will entice your cat to drink, delivering clean and fresh water that has been filtered with an activated carbon filter, matched with a high-density cotton filter, providing clean, healthy water.
Before your pet drinks the water, this filter ensures there is increased oxygen content in the water as well as no impurities, dirt, bad tastes or bad smells. The fountain is made from finely polished AS resin material, making it BPA-free, non-toxic and odorless. With full transparency, you can also see when the water level is running low. This fountain is easy to disassemble and clean, too, which the manufacturer recommends should be done every week.
Key Features:
- Large Capacity
- Environment Material
- Design Concept
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
12) PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Dog and Cat Water Fountain
The pagoda design of this PetSafe Drinkwell water fountain offers your pet the choice of drinking from either the upper or the lower dish. The elevated dish is perfect for senior or arthritic pets and the large 70 oz. water capacity of this fountain is great for cats and small to medium sized dogs. The dual free falling streams add oxygen to the water for freshness, while encouraging your pets to drink more water. The water is kept fresh by the replaceable carbon water filter that removes bad tastes and odors, as well as an added foam filter that removes impurities such as pet hair and bacteria that could make your cat sick.
The hygienic ceramic design is easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe, with the pump designed for simple disassembly for cleaning purposes. The pump is also submerged, making this pet water fountain very quiet.
Key Features:
- Great For Cats And Small To Medium Sized Dogs
- Dual Free Falling Streams
- Add Oxygen For Freshness
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
13) PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station
The PetSafe Healthy Pet water station uses gravity to allow your pet to stay hydrated at all times. Available in 64 oz., 128 oz. or 320 oz. water capacities, the bowl is made from stainless steel and therefore more hygienic for your pet, while the reservoir is made of durable BPA-free plastic and locks in place to help prevent it being knocked over and or any spills. With a space-saving design, this water station goes in any house and fits in with any home decor.
There is also a food station to match, so your cat can have unlimited food and water available to them, perfect if you travel or are away from home for long periods of time. The reservoir has a wide opening at the base which makes it easier to clean with a brush and the stainless steel bowl can be removed from the base for a simple clean.
Key Features:
- Gravity water feeder
- Sturdy Construction
- Hygienic Water Bowl
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
14) Catit Fresh & Clear Stainless Steel Top Drinking Fountain
The Catit Fresh & Clear cat drinking fountain has a stainless steel top, ensuring maximum health and hygiene for your cat. Inhibiting bacterial growth, the stainless steel top is easy to disassemble, easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making it perfect for many pet owners. This water fountain is compact but still holds 64 oz. of water, meaning your pet will never be without a drink even if you travel away from home.
The larger water-to-air ratio maximizes oxygenation, and the waterfall effect not only intrigues your cat but provides a continuous supply of fresh and filtered water, helping to prevent issues such as kidney and urinary diseases. The fountain includes one replaceable premium carbon filter, with replacement filters available on line. This drinking fountain is perfect for cats, as well as puppies and small dogs.
Key Features:
- Healthy Material and Easy to Clean
- Dual Filtration System
- Whisper-quiet Operation
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
15) PetSafe Drinkwell Zen Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Water Fountain
This PetSafe Drinkwell Zen water fountain has one of the largest water capacities, measuring at 128 oz., making it perfect for cats and dogs of all sizes and multiple pet households. The wide, free-falling stream entices pets to drink more water, while also adding more oxygen for freshness. The constant circulation helps prevent bacteria growth, preventing urinary and kidney diseases in all pets. The water is filtered through activated carbon made from coconut shells, removing bad odors and tastes so your cat really wants to drink it.
The stainless steel bowl is more hygienic and looks great in the home, as well as being easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The pump can be disassembled too for cleaning, which should be done every two to four weeks. The receiving ramp reduces splash and the sound of falling water and the submersible pump is extra quiet so you will not be disturbed by the water fountain.
Key Features:
- Premium replaceable carbon cat water filter
- Cools and aerates the cat water
- Inhibits bacteria growth
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
16) Parner Cat Water Fountain
This pet water fountain by Parner has three modes — flower waterfall, flower bubble and gentle fountain — so you can adjust the mode to your cat and their preferences. With a 2.4 L capacity, this fountain is ideal for small to medium sized cats. There is a water level window so you can easily check how much water is left and whether you need to refill. The triple filtration system is made up of high-quality cotton, coconut shell and plant activated carbon, ensuring all the impurities are removed from the water before your cat drinks it so they don’t become sick. The circulation system provides your cat with clean water all day, so you don’t have to worry about it.
There is also a gel pad to go underneath the fountain, helping to protect your floors from any spills. This water fountain is very quiet and will not disrupt you or your cat, and is very simple to clean. The stainless steel bowl is hygienic and easy to wash. With four replacement filters, you should change the filter every one to two weeks and clean the pump every two weeks.
Key Features:
- Encourage pets to drink
- Perfect for multi-pet households
- More oxygen
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
17) Comsmart Automatic Cat Water Fountain
If you’re tired of feeling like you always need to refill your cat’s water bowl, you will love this water fountain. Inside the fountain is a pump that you only need to clean once every two weeks. The pump uses less than two watts of power and produces only 40 decibels to ensure that you never hear it. Thanks to the pump, the water inside keeps circulating and stays clean to tempt the pickiest of pets. An LED light on the side allows you to see how much water is inside and know when to fill it up. A stainless steel bowl on the top catches the water and holds it for your pets. This bowl will not rust and keeps the water sanitary. You can also choose from three different flows and find the one that your pets love the most.
Key Features:
- The Upgraded Pump
- Water Level Window with Blue Light
- Food-grade Material & Triple Filtration System
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Tips To Get Your Cat Drinking More Water
As we’ve mentioned above, it can be difficult to get your cat to drink water because it is not in their natural instinct to recognize thirst, even though they do need to stay hydrated! There are a few things you can do to encourage your kitty to drink more water:
Use A Water Fountain
A cat water fountain can be a fantastic way to get your cat to drink more water, because it arouses their predatory instincts. Because the fountain creates ripples in the water, your cat will think this is the sign of a fish or another animal under the water, and will be fascinated and drawn to the water bowl, making them want to drink from it.
Keep the Water Fresh
Keeping the water fresh will also make your feline friend want to drink water. Just like you and me, cat’s don’t want to drink stagnant water that’s been sitting out for a few days. Therefore, you should replace your kitty’s water often to entice them to drink water. While there are no specific guidelines, a good rule of thumb is to change the liquid in your cat’s bowl every few hours. This is why cat water fountains can be so good — it keeps clean water running continuously.
Keep the Water Clean
No matter how often you change the water, if you don’t ever clean the bowl then the water will end up becoming dirty. A dirty bowl can lead to a build up of bacteria and other harmful organisms that can make your cat sick. A cat water fountain is beneficial because it is designed to keep the water bowl cleaner for a lot longer than a regular bowl.
Use Multiple Fountains
Using multiple fountains around the house should encourage your cat to drink more. Drinking is just as important as eating, and so you shouldn’t skimp on the number of bowls around the house. They should be placed away from your cat’s litter and food. Placing water near the food is never a good idea because your cat will always be more inclined to go for the food instead of the drink. You should also never place the water near your cat’s litter tray — cat’s are clean animals and, just like us, they don’t want to drink near their toilet!
Add Flavors
Some pet owners put flavors in their cat’s water to try to get them to drink it. Often this is a small slice tuna, which infuses the water and makes it palatable to your cat. Chicken broth or juice can also be used to try to get your cat to drink more. Some cats just don’t like the taste of water that has been artificially enhanced, and, if this is the case with your cat and you are unsure of how to get them to drink more, you can place some crushed catnip in the bowl. Just make sure your cat watches you do it, so they know it is in there.
Use Bottled Water
Many cats don’t like the taste of water from the tap because there are extra minerals like chlorine present in tap water. Bottled water can be a great way to get your cat to drink water. You could also try experimenting by giving your cat different temperatures of water to see what their preferred temperature is.
Wet Cat Food
A can of wet cat food can contain up to 78 percent moisture and can be a great way to get your cat to increase their water intake. However, wet cat food is generally more expensive than dry cat food and does not last a very long time once it has been opened. Unlike dry kibbles, wet cat food can spoil and therefore you might want to start off with a smaller can. Some owners add water to their cat’s dry kibbles to increase their moisture intake, but this can cause the kibbles to go soggy and this can be less appealing to your cat. Adding water to dry kibbles also increases it’s rate of spoilage.
Add Ice Cubes
Because cat’s have a natural predatory instinct, adding ice cubes to your cat’s water bowl can be a great way to get them excited about drinking. With “mysterious” objects floating around in their water, they will want to try and catch them or bat them. Ice cubes also make the water colder, which is preferable to a lot of cats.
Cat Water Fountain FAQ’s
How do cat water fountains work?
A cat water fountain consists of a water reservoir, a pump and a filter system. Water in the reservoir circulates through the filters and then up into the fountain for your cat to enjoy. Any water not drunk is recirculated through the system. A cat water system needs some form of power source, which is normally mains electricity. The filter can either be in the form or mechanical or chemical. Mechanical filter systems are usually a sponge that the water will pass through, trapping any impurities such as hair and dirt.
Chemical filter systems normally use activated charcoal, which absorbs the toxins and makes the water smell and taste better while reducing the risk of any impurities or harmful bacteria.
Are water fountains safe for cats?
If you ensure that the filters are changed regularly, then yes, water fountains are generally the safer options for cats to drink out of. Because of the filter system within the fountain, the dirt, impurities and bacteria are being removed from the water before your cat drinks it, as well as the water being constantly recycled and moved, which means it is not sitting stagnant and dirty in a bowl. Manufacturers normally recommend changing the filter inside your water fountain every two weeks but it can be longer, so the water stays clean for your cat.
How do I maintain my water fountain?
You’ll need to keep your water fountain clean to ensure your cat stays healthy — otherwise it defeats the point of the water fountain. Before you begin to clean, you should unplug the water fountain from the power outlet. You should then remove and clean the water reservoir. The first time you do this you should refer to the owner’s manual to check you do it correctly. You can clean the reservoir with vinegar to sterilise it.
Next you should remove the filter and clean it with water. You should never clean the filter with soap, because this can then cause soap to go into the water when it is turned back on and water begins to be filtered again. Manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter between every two to six weeks. Any non-electrical parts of the water fountain can be disassembled and put into the top rack of the dishwasher, or you can wash them with soap and water.
If there is green algae or other dirt on the fountain, you can soak the parts in diluted bleach to make sure they are really clean. If you have to do this, then make sure all the bleach is washed off again before reassembling to make sure no bleach gets into your kitty’s water.
You can also disassemble any attachments to the motor and clean them. Do this carefully and refer to the handbook, because every cat fountain is different and you don’t want to break it. You can then dry everything thoroughly (especially the parts that are not supposed to hold water) and begin to put the fountain back together.
Is it okay for cats to drink tap water?
Whether your cat should be drinking tap water or not depends largely on where you live. If you won’t drink the tap water, there’s a sign you shouldn’t be giving it to your pets. Some tap water has minerals such as chlorine or fluoride in it, often meaning your cat won’t go near the water. However, tap water can be used in a water fountain because it is then filtered before your cat drinks it to remove any impurities, making it safer.
Where should I place the water fountain in my home?
You should place your water fountain where your cat is most likely to use it. This should be away from any strong odors and, as mentioned above, away from your cat’s food bowl and litter tray. Placing it somewhere where it is out of the way but easy to get to is best, so you’re not tripping over it. You should also take note of the floor you place the water fountain on — is it a hard surface where spillages can easily be cleaned up from? Or carpet where it is more difficult to clean? You can also invest in a waterproof mat to put under the foundation if you are worried about it making a mess. The water fountain will need to be near a power source too.
Conclusion
A cat water fountain not only gives you a way to provide your kitty with continuous clean water, but it also entices them to drink more water. With the ripples from the waterfall, your cat’s natural preying instincts will be stimulated and they will get excited at the prospect of prey under the water and want to drink it. Cat water fountain’s are perfect for owners who don’t have the time to be putting clean water in their cat’s water bowl every few hours, and, as long as you clean the fountain every few weeks, your cat can drink water that is bacteria and impurity-free, helping them to stay happy and healthy for longer.
We know that in the list above you can find a water fountain both you and your cat will love.