After getting a cat, we quickly realized the benefits of using a water fountain. If a cat’s diet consists mostly or entirely of dry food, they won’t get much moisture from their meals. A water fountain with circulating water can attract cats and encourage them to drink more. Since cats naturally prefer moving water, a fountain can be a great way to keep them hydrated.
Increased water intake can help prevent urinary tract issues, so we highly recommend a water fountain for all cats—especially those on a dry food diet or prone to urinary problems.
We’ve been using water fountains for about ten years and have only needed two during this time: first a Petmate and later a Drinkwell. When you break down the cost per day, it’s a very small expense for your cat’s health.
To ensure your fountain lasts a long time, proper cleaning is essential. We recommend cleaning it at least once a week—or more often if you have multiple cats. Many cat owners neglect this! Always clean the pump thoroughly: remove the cover, take out the impeller, and wash everything properly. This will help your water fountain last for many years.
Size: The fountain should hold at least 3 liters of water. If you have multiple cats, we recommend at least 5 liters.
Noise Level: Most fountains are fairly quiet, but we’ve found that Catit, Drinkwell, and PetSafe are among the quietest. There are likely other good options as well. Make sure the fountain is placed on a stable surface, filled with enough water, and properly assembled to minimize noise.
Multiple Drinking Points: Cats have different drinking preferences. We choose fountains with a spacious drinking area and preferably a small waterfall, as some cats enjoy drinking from a flowing stream.
Access to Water During Power Outages: Some fountains, like Catit, have water available on top even when the power is out. Drinkwell 360 and PetSafe Cat Mate also provide continuous water access, which we prefer.
Easy Cleaning: Choose a fountain that is easy to take apart and clean, without too many small crevices that are hard to reach.
We recently opted for a 6-liter fountain to ensure that our three cats and one dog always have plenty of fresh water available.
