Cat water fountains: are they worth it?

Have you ever noticed that your cat drinks very little water? It’s not because it’s lazy — it’s biology. Cats are descended from desert felines, which were used to getting almost all their water from the prey they hunted. The problem is that domestic cats mainly eat dry cat food, which has low moisture content, and so they continue to drink less than they should.

Not enough water means concentrated urine and, over time, a higher risk of urinary and kidney problems. A water fountain is one of the most effective ways to reverse this — although many cat owners mistake it for a mere gadget.

Why cats drink better from a fountain

Stagnant water in a bowl is unappealing to most cats. There are three known reasons:

• Instinct: in the wild, still water may be contaminated; running water is safer. Cats are naturally drawn to moving water.
• Taste and freshness: the circulation oxygenates the water and keeps it fresher, making it more appealing.
• Ease: cats can better tell where the water begins when it’s moving — which is why many ‘tap’ the bowl before drinking.

The real benefits

Adequate hydration helps to ensure less concentrated urine and the normal functioning of the urinary system. If your cat is drinking much less or much more than usual, has difficulty urinating or has blood in its urine, it should be examined by a vet.

How to choose a water source

The factors that really make a difference:

• Material: stainless steel or ceramic are the most hygienic. Plastic becomes scratched over time and accumulates bacteria in the cracks — avoid this if your cat has chin acne.
• Quiet pump: a noisy fountain will scare your cat away rather than attract it.
• Capacity: the larger the reservoir, the less often you’ll need to refill it. This is important in multi-cat households or when you’re out all day.
• Ease of cleaning: if it’s difficult to take apart, it ends up not being cleaned — and a dirty bowl is worse than a clean one.

Maintenance is half the secret

A fountain is only useful if it’s clean. Change the water regularly, wash the fountain and the pump every week (paying particular attention to the crevices where slime builds up) and replace the filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

No electricity? There are options

If you don’t want an electric fountain, there are simple alternatives to encourage your cat to drink: several bowls scattered around the house, away from food and the litter tray, with the water changed every day. The key is for your cat to drink more — the fountain is simply the most effective way to achieve this.

With fresh, flowing water, your cat will drink more, their urine will be diluted, and their kidneys will thank you for it. It’s a small investment with benefits that last for years. 🐾