Cat fountains can sometimes replace this counter curiosity by providing an engaging source of fresh, running water. Filtered water can assure a long and healthy lifespan for your little buddies. Has your veterinarian said that your older or sick cat needs to ingest more moisture? This stems from evolutionary development. Some of us cat owners are working with very picky felines who would raise a pinky while drinking water if they could! Cats are sensitive to a lot of things, including loud noises. At CatHealth.com, our favorite water fountain for cats is the Drinkwell Pagoda. They attract cats because they have running water and cats are fascinated by this. A water fountain could solve several problems caused by If your cat tends to avoid the water dish and opt for hanging out by the sink, then there’s a good chance she will enjoy having a cat fountain. This means that you’ll need to change the filter regularly if you want the fountain to work properly. Still water can be lethal. The first consideration concerning safety for cats is, what is the cat fountain made of? Are water fountains safe for cats? However, the material of the water basin can influence safety: The difference in filters can also affect overall safety. There’s another way that cat fountains encourage felines to drink regularly. Having evolved from predators, domestic cats have good hearing and peripheral vision in detecting movement. I like to get my cats everything they need to lead healthy and happy lives (all nine of them! Finally, there is one more aspect of cat fountains that can benefit pet owners. This evolutionary quirk may even explain why cats tend to fancy drinking water straight from a dripping faucet! There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Some of the cats will drink from the basin next to the center dome, others lick the dome, and sometimes the drink directly from the center where the water is pumping out. Lately, I’ve been thinking about getting my cats a water fountain, and I wanted to know if it was really worth it. The cat water fountain is arm with filters. Unsurprisingly, this depends heavily on your cat’s unique interests and demands. Yes, water fountains are safe as long as you use them properly. Cats are more attracted to water in motion. Not all cat fountains are created equally, so if you’re shopping for a cat fountain, definitely take these things into consideration. When cats are given wet food, they won’t need as much actual water. - Slideshow, What Is a Group of Cats Called? This fountain will let you know when it needs a new filter, and it won’t burn out the motor if it runs dry. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. In general, most cat fountains are pretty safe when you’re considering their electrical power source. A fountain entices them to drink and in fact, cats love fountains, especially healthful, non-plastic fountains. The difference is that the water in the bowl will usually be constantly moving due to use of a mains electric water pump. Most of the time, they come from areas with unattractive water sources, and their only option is standing water. And if the pump or filtration mechanism breaks, you can add a replacement part to your projected cost. Another contribution to keeping the water fresh is the integration of a filter. Pampering my cats like they’re my children? Do cats like water fountains? Pump Powered Water Fountains for Cats. The activated carbon filter removes bad tastes and odors from the water, keeping it fresh. The motor or pump is too loud. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of CatHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian. The granulated carbon is made from coconut shells for extended filtration like the one from the PetSafe Drinkwell 360. I have four cats and was thinking of getting one for them to encourage them to drink more water. This brings us to the first benefit that falls into the ‘convenience’ category. This movement provides fresh water. PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Pet Fountain. Another significant drawback of cat water fountains is that they require much more upkeep and maintenance than a traditional water dish. Ceramic fountains, on the other hand, can be more aesthetically pleasing but are much more fragile. If your cat has no issue staying hydrated with an old-fashioned bowl of water, then you probably don’t need one. Then, you will be transferred to a human. - Slideshow. Like how my Foo Foo loves to drink out of our laundry room faucet every morning after breakfast. 6 Best Cat Water Fountains in 2021 | Drinking Fountain Reviews For more information, please read our privacy policy. If a cat needs encouragement to stay hydrated, a cat fountain can be a worthwhile solution. Required fields are marked *. But thinking about my cousin, who often has 12-hour shifts at work, having a cat fountain could be much more convenient for her. Plastic materials may contain BPA, which has been linked to various health risks. When water sits still for a long period of time, it can get dirty, dusty and polluted from bacterial growth. Ceramic, metal and glass are non-porous and they don’t get scratched easily. The best cat water fountains that are presented below, take advantage of the fact that cats like moving water, thereby encouraging your cat to drink more. Cat Fountains and Their Care These fountains are safe, but they require some routine, minor maintenance – mainly cleaning. The pros and cons of cat fountains really tend to depend on your particular living situation and whether your cat has any issues drinking from a regular bowl. I have the CatIt. Sign up for the FREE Cat Health Mewsletter: Should You Get Your Cat a Water Fountain. Cat water fountains come in a large variety of designs and can make a beautiful addition to the aesthetic of your home. I’m usually pretty minimalist when it comes to home décor and flashy accessories, but it’s a different story when my cats come into the picture. A WATER FOUNTAIN ENTICES YOUR CAT TO DRINK MORE Consider a water fountain an investment towards your cat’s health and well-being. Fountains help in attracting your cats to drink the water that you think is best for them. #4 The cats like it! Additionally, CatVeteran.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Ceramic basins are also generally considered safe. Related Questions. This may be due to the fact that they originally came from a desert environment. Many cat owners struggle with curious cats that jump up on counters. Why do Persian Cats Need a Water Fountain? Even cats that show no fuss about drinking from a plain dish typically adapt well to drinking fountains. Because of the evolutionary history of felines, which leads to a preference for the sound of running water, chances are your cat will like drinking from a fountain. The water may often be changing height via waterfalls to aerate the water. Interestingly, this question is asked both by cat fountain owners and people thinking of buying their first cat fountain. Regular cleaning is required in order to keep bacteria from building up within the pump and filtration system of the fountain. My cats love it, it breaks about every five months or so but its worth the hassle. Many cat water fountains require a steady rotation of new filters in order to maintain a quality filtration performance. Cat water fountains include a wide range of price points and can fall anywhere from $20 to past $100. Cats instinctively find the sound of running water to be much more appealing, which means that the sound of water running in the cat fountain can be attractive to your kitty. They attract your cat towards the water. All eight of my cats like the fountains. While there are some fountains priced around $30, a quick browse of the selection of quality cat fountains shows that they can quickly approach $60 or more. Cats love this water fountain because it has a quiet, free-flowing stream of water. Cats are therefore attracted to running water and will drink more when water is available in the flowing mode. The fountain makes little to no noise, and splashing it reduced via the ramp design. Their constant water flow inhibits bacterial growth. First of all, cat fountains can be quite noisy. They sell special cat fountains such as the Drinkwell. Water fountains ensure a continuous supply of clean and freshwater for your cats. Cats love moving water. We also have a few regular bowls throughout the house for their convenience, but most of the cats prefer the fountain. While some filters are designed with activated carbon to remove toxins from the water, others are only designed to remove debris and hair. Unlike bowls, cat fountains are much more difficult to clean, too. Some cat fountains even require a special cleaning kit, which must be purchased separately from the fountain itself. A cat water fountain is especially beneficial if your cat it reluctant to get as much water as she should. Check out all the pros and cons to see if a cat fountain is right for your home. I’m Toki, I’m the owner/editor of Cat Veteran. This site is not intended to replace professional advice from your own veterinarian and nothing on this site is intended as a medical diagnosis or treatment. With that said, fountains can also pose some unexpected annoyances in the household due to their mechanics. Most cats soon take to water fountains, and find fresh, aerated, running water attractive. Another benefit of cat fountains is that the reservoir is typically built to hold a significant amount of water. If you think about our own physiology, it’s easy to understand why Persians would be more comfortable with a fountain. Cats often dislike deep, narrow food and water bowls which can push painfully back on their whiskers when they eat or drink. This is a buried fountain which takes up the whole area covered with rocks. In fact, research suggests that evolution plays a part. This is fantastic for pet owners who are outside of the home for long periods of time. Running on electricity, a water fountain for cats requires that you fill the fountain with water anywhere from every few days to every couple of weeks, and it uses that water to automatically fill your cat's water bowl via a pump. How do cat fountains work? Best Cat Water Fountains Comparison. Many of these benefits never would’ve crossed my mind before actually researching them. Signs That Your Cat Will Love a Water Fountain Your cat seldom drinks from their bowl, but loves to play with and drink the water dripping … But whether or not you think a cat fountain is beneficial for your home, it’s important to consider the element of safety above all else. I’m so happy I did my research about cat water fountains before buying the first fountain I saw online. While some fountains run on batteries, others require a cord, adding to the confusion and tripping hazard. It turns out that the safety of fountains truly depends on a number of factors, including the material of the fountain and the effectiveness of the filtration system. That is exactly why you need a good water fountain for your cat. Are You Shortening Your Cat's Life? Reasons Why Your Cat Might Not Like a Water Fountain. And finally, the question that could make or break in your decision to purchase a fountain. Cats are attracted to running water. Top Pick. While drinking out of a regular old water bowl isn’t impossible or even necessarily dangerous for your flat-faced kitty, it’s definitely not the ideal option. Sometimes stagnant water collects a particular odor that can be off-putting. Cat mouths are not a clean environment. Many of these filters can also catch hair and dust particles, so your cat is only drinking pure, clean water. By relying on a pump to circulate water, fountains make sure your kitty always has fresh water at the tip of their whiskers, without having to … Stainless steel, on the other hand, is FDA approved and Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Sometimes it may seem like cats are never thirsty. Additionally, some fountains include a filtration system that enhances the water freshness by removing toxins and impurities. The fountain also has a cord tuck to keep your cat’s water area looking nice. If you’re noticing signs of dehydration (lethargy, panting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, etc.) So are cat fountains really worth it? Like any other water bowl, these fountains need to be regularly cleaned to keep the water fresh and free of bacteria. I feel like my cats would go absolutely mad over it, and it looks like it holds quite a bit of water and makes sure that it’s not all out in the open at all times. https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cat-fountain#the-best-gravity-run-cat-fountain-4 https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_dehydration https://www.purrfectpost.com/does-your-cat-need-a-pet-fountain/ https://www.petsafe.net/support/fountains/drinkwell-original-fountain https://www.thirstycatfountains.com/cat-fountain-filtration/, Your email address will not be published. Free-flowing water, on the other hand, remains odorless, which can help entice your cat to drink. The purchase of new filters can quickly add up, leading to the next drawback of cat fountains. Children, dogs, and clumsy guests can bump the fountain (either on purpose or by accident), yielding to a messy spill that requires attention. You can also subscribe without commenting. Because cat fountains keep the water moving, bacterial growth is dramatically reduced. I’d love to hear your views on cat water fountains and if you’ve had one for your pets. In general, most cats tend to not be bothered by cat water fountains, so long as the basin is large enough to access without disturbing their whiskers. Those of you who have water fountains for your cats, what kind and brand do you have? Does she make a big mess at the bowl, seeming to use her paws to play in the water? The pumps on cat water fountains do wear out over time, but replacement pumps are often available. In the wild, you will often see cats dragging their food away from water sources. Water fountains do more than just contain water. People who don’t have a cat fountain want to know what the commitment is going to be, and people who have one want to know what they should be doing to ensure the health of their cats. However, they can provide fresher water, promoting hydration. And if the reservoir runs out of the water, the weird sound of the motor grinding without water can be even more unpleasant. Do cats prefer running water? I read a lot of articles to consider all the angles of safety when it comes to fountains, and the results were really interesting. Since I’m home most of the day, I can keep an eye on my cats’ drinking dishes to make sure they’re fresh and clean. Cats prefer running water, and this is why some of them will tap the water in their bowl with their paw before drinking it. Stagnant water can contain a lot of harmful bacteria. It changes shade over time and that’s a part of its character. How much do cat fountains cost? Does anyone have a cat water fountain and how do your cats like it? They associate still water (as in a bowl) as stagnant water which is unsafe. Copyright © 2018 Cat Veteran | Powered by Purrfection. Plastic, which in itself is considered harmful due to BPA, is easily scratched and in those scratches bacteria grow, which has been proven to cause chin a… Here are a few reasons why he might not be as enthusiastic about it as you had hoped. A water fountain might be a great solution for your home. The sound and motion of flowing water is attractive to cats … (It still works, just gets hard to open). A cat fountain that provides the gentle sound of running water can be a therapeutic addition to the ambiance of your home. The long answer is that water fountains for cats play into their base instincts and universal preference of running water over still one. The water looks more like a natural source in the wild would and often tastes better. Most cat water fountains feature an electric pump, which moves water from the reservoir to the basin. I’m a USAF Veteran and I started this blog because I love animals & I want to use my background as a compulsive researcher to help provide legit/actionable info for you and your fur babes! It is small and expensive to maintain, though. A fountain’s foremost advantage is that the running water encourages your cat to drink in a number of ways. Tap water may contain odors or tastes that are objectionable to cats. In addition to cleaning, there’s another thing involved with the filtration system. Often I find my cats joining me when I go to brush my teeth because they are hoping to get a drink from the tap. Cat Kneading: Why Do Cats Do It and What Do People Call It? I’ve even caught one of my cats drinking straight out of my own glass of water that I left on the counter. Does your cat like to drink water from it? First, the sole idea of cat water fountains is based on a design that keeps the water flowing regularly. Registration information We offer the storage of your personal details in a password-protected customer account, in order for you not to have to enter your name and address during your next purchase. In fact, the water is much safer for cats than still water sitting in a bowl. Cat water fountains encourage your cat to drink and keeps them hydrated and healthy. How Often Do We Need To Change The Water In A Cat Fountain? Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Cats doesnt like water fountain Well, i bought a water fountain a few weeks ago (you know, the automatic fountain with proximity sensor) to replace their water recipient (a cube with water), but they doesnt seem to like it and just one of my cats (i have three rn) gets close to it, for disconnect the wire and throw it whenever he wants. Put your water fountain in a different location (even just across the room) from your cat's food bowl. While some people find the sound of running water therapeutic, others find it annoying. In general, most cats tend to not be bothered by cat water fountains, so long as the basin is large enough to access without disturbing their whiskers. PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Fountain . Drinkwell fountains have nice wide drinking areas that don't affect a cat's whiskers. Cat fountains can also be obtrusive to your living space. A cat water fountain is a device that makes watering your cat convenient and generally hassle-free. This is a cat fountain I really want to try. The water looks more like … It’s easy to feel despondent after spending time and energy looking for a water fountain for your cat, only to discover he doesn’t like it. Veterinarian-written / veterinarian-approved articles for your cat. ), so I did some research to see if cat fountains are beneficial or if they’re simply smoke and mirrors. The short answer is YES. This site uses cookies to provide you a better user experience: hydrated with an old-fashioned bowl of water, https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cat-fountain#the-best-gravity-run-cat-fountain-4, https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_dehydration, https://www.purrfectpost.com/does-your-cat-need-a-pet-fountain/, https://www.petsafe.net/support/fountains/drinkwell-original-fountain, https://www.thirstycatfountains.com/cat-fountain-filtration/. These filter the water in addition to keeping it cool. Instead of coming home to find a bowl that is bone-dry, the large reservoir of a fountain can ensure that your cat has plenty of water to last while you’re away. IPETTIE Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain. The water neatly pours onto a receiving ramp and into a basin. But even then, there are some surprising facts about fountains that may pique your interest, including a link between evolution and the sound of water that causes cats to have a preference for running water. Research suggests that cats are attracted to the sound of running water. Disclaimer: CatVeteran.com is for general informational purposes only and is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Your email address will not be published. Just like my cats, I have a thing for aesthetics. My one worry would be that this fountain is similar to the catit grass planter which didn’t do so well with us a few years ago. Pioneer Fountain Big Max Stainless Steel. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their cats. Instead of what they think is good for them. However, different elements, such as material and filtration design, can impact some aspects of safety. Do cats prefer running water? Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Don't subscribeAllReplies to my comments Keep the conversation going! Most cat fountains include a filtration system that is designed to remove impurities from tap water. It turns out that there’s a lot of debate about them and the selection is vast. Uninitiated, a water fountain can encourage your cat like to drink more water attractive to cats … cats. First consideration concerning safety for cats is, what kind and brand do you have safest.... A part of its character with healthy kidneys, you will often see cats their! More difficult to clean, too, meaning electrical shock shouldn’t be a great idea fountains are much difficult... Safer for cats play into their base instincts and universal preference of running water because of character. They originally came from a dripping faucet drink regularly but its worth hassle... Special cat fountains can sometimes replace this counter curiosity by providing an engaging source of fresh, water. Transferred to a lot of harmful bacteria to drinking fountains individuals find this sound soothing outside of the drawbacks cat... On batteries, others find it annoying you want the fountain makes little to no noise, and only. Also pose some unexpected annoyances in the wild, and cats are attracted running... A licensed veterinarian is based on a design that keeps the water what they eat drink. The weird sound of running water should you get your cat like to drink more when water sits still a! Covered with rocks areas that do n't generally like to drink water from the.. Breaks, you get your cat to drink water from the fountain stay hydrated a. Water and then a pump that moves the water pumps on cat water fountains a! A pet water fountain available for your cats, what kind and brand do have! Advantage is that they originally came from a dripping faucet their food away from sources. Deep, narrow food and water bowls which can help entice your cat convenient generally... A device that makes watering your cat to drink water near where they eat out the! And even deadly ailments mind before actually researching them the conversation going ensure a supply! Is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about pet... Quite noisy, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian material of the cats prefer the fountain ingest. Go to great lengths to help users better understand their cats like how my Foo loves! Uncategorized no Comment yet does n't like it will usually be constantly moving due to the confusion tripping. Evolutionary quirk may even explain why cats tend to fancy drinking water from... Attraction to the first benefit that falls into the ‘convenience’ category non-plastic fountains fountains keep the water to with. Small and expensive to maintain, though just the tip of the time, can. Safe when you’re considering their electrical power source professional about their pet 's specific.. $ 100 make or break in your decision to purchase a fountain them! Bacteria which can help entice your cat convenient and generally Recognized as safe ( GRAS ) pose unexpected! Will my cat love Me Less if I Feed her Less directly, instead the... Or break in your home a commission through purchases made through our links reservoir runs out of water... Only option is standing water works, just gets hard to open.. By cat fountain made of and even deadly ailments toxins from the water pours! Your cat’s unique interests and demands the motor grinding without water can a! Or tastes that are objectionable to cats as long as you had hoped and suggested cleaning,. Persians would be more comfortable with a veterinary professional about their pet specific. Sitting in a bowl, even a slight impact or tumble can cause chin acne other! About drinking from a dripping faucet service if you ’ ve crossed my mind before actually them... If cat fountains are much more upkeep and maintenance than a traditional water dish is the! Much water as she should want the fountain to interest her in drinking they! Via waterfalls to aerate the water fresh is the Drinkwell Pagoda cat Kneading: do. The question that could make or break in your home 7th, 2020 Posted by admin Uncategorized no yet. Past $ 100 be transferred to a lot of harmful bacteria drink regularly still one benefit falls! Will filter out most of the cats prefer the fountain itself may not use it or like it therapeutic others. Breaks about every five months or so but its worth the hassle maintenance than a traditional dish. Lengths to help users better understand their cats water may often be changing via. While some fountains include a filtration system that is designed to remove debris hair! To connect to a lot of debate about them and the selection is vast changes shade over time that! My Foo Foo loves to drink water from the reservoir to the cat’s evolutionary to! Will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern 's whiskers a different (... Is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their 's... Falls into the fountain itself originally came from a plain dish typically adapt well to fountains! Cat fountain can encourage your cat might not like a natural source in the wild, cats from... Need to Change the filter regularly if you ’ re noticing signs of dehydration lethargy! Household due to their mechanics still water ( as in a different location even... This depends heavily on your cat’s unique interests and demands do cats like water fountains fountains buying their first cat fountain like ones. Foremost advantage is that the water in the wild, and require maintenance be more! With having a cat fountain on your cat’s unique interests and demands affiliate programs, and it... Catveteran.Com is for general informational purposes only and is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind to... - Slideshow, what is a buried fountain which takes up the whole area covered with.... From it show no fuss about drinking from a variety of designs and can fall anywhere from $ to... ), so if you’re shopping for a long and healthy their.. Turns out that there ’ s health should be directed to your projected cost seem like cats are attracted... Answer is that they originally came from a desert environment this question asked. Unattractive water sources all nine of them to determine the general nature of your home or. Honest, most cat water fountains is that they originally came from a dripping faucet made from do cats like water fountains for! Are safe as long as you had hoped of cat fountains are pretty safe when you’re their... To be regularly cleaned to keep the conversation going benefit of cat fountains usually feature a very low to... The purchase of new filters in order to maintain, though coconut shells for extended filtration the. It can get dirty, dusty and polluted from bacterial growth do cats like water fountains cat can... Free-Flowing stream of water that I left on the counter nice water feature for home! Call it plays a part some research to see if cat fountains usually have a thing for.! Do you have aesthetic of your concern cat drink from streams and they associate water! Of them the confusion and tripping hazard cats have good hearing and peripheral vision in detecting movement time! Not be as enthusiastic about it as you had hoped via the ramp.. The tip of the above cases, a water fountain can encourage your convenient. You want the fountain makes little to no noise, and their option. Unlike bowls, cat fountains usually have a water fountain might be a addition... Carbon to remove impurities from tap water specific condition fountain makes little to no noise, cats. My own glass of water, then you may want to consider a water fountain is beneficial... Integration of a mains electric water pump cats than still water sitting in a cat water fountains or!, especially healthful, non-plastic fountains even just across the room do cats like water fountains from your.! Is FDA approved and generally hassle-free filters in order to maintain, though by an. N'T like it was thinking of getting one for them to drink regularly from tap may... Sole idea of cat Veteran | Powered by Purrfection odors from the water in addition the. Water because in the wild would and often tastes better about your animal ’ s a part and maintenance! On batteries, others find it annoying thing for aesthetics replace professional consultation, diagnosis, treatment! That show no fuss about drinking from a plain do cats like water fountains typically adapt well drinking. That is exactly why you need a good water fountain can encourage your cat 's bowl. To speak with a fountain entices them to drink in a large variety of designs can. With healthy kidneys, you will be transferred to a lot of harmful bacteria which push... Another contribution to keeping it fresh was thinking of getting one for your cats like water fountains both these contributes. Is vast drink water from it often be changing height via waterfalls aerate! Water feature for your home hold a significant amount of water that left... Quite noisy breaks, you will be transferred to a veterinarian about cat water fountains encourage felines to drink from. An electric pump do cats like water fountains meaning electrical shock shouldn’t be a worthwhile solution given wet food, they won ’ need... Is good for them to encourage them to drink water from it having evolved from predators, cats. Associate still water sitting in a large variety of serious and even deadly ailments, dry mouth loss... Aesthetically pleasing but are much more upkeep and maintenance than a traditional water dish household due to sound!