If you have a cat, you know that proper hydration is important for their health. But many cats don’t drink enough water, especially if they eat dry food. Cats are descended from desert animals, and they have a low thirst drive—they may not drink enough even when water is available. A cat water fountain can encourage your cat to drink more by providing fresh, flowing water that’s more appealing than stagnant water in a bowl. It also filters the water, keeping it clean and fresh-tasting.
I’ve had several cats over the years, and I’ve tried multiple water fountains. Some were hits (my cats drank more water), and some were misses (too noisy, hard to clean, or my cats refused to use them). I’ve learned what to look for in a cat water fountain, and here are my recommendations, based on what has (and hasn’t) worked for my cats.
First, why is hydration important for cats?
Water is essential for your cat’s health. It helps with:
– **Digestion:** Water helps break down food and absorb nutrients.
– **Circulation:** Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
– **Kidney function:** Water helps flush waste products from the kidneys and prevents urinary tract disease, crystals, and bladder stones. This is especially important for cats, who are prone to urinary tract issues.
– **Joint health:** Water helps lubricate joints and cushions them during movement.
– **Skin and coat health:** Proper hydration keeps the skin and coat healthy and reduces dryness and dandruff.
– **Temperature regulation:** Water helps regulate body temperature.
Cats are especially prone to dehydration because:
– They have a low thirst drive (descended from desert animals)
– They often eat dry food, which contains only 10-12% water (compared to wet food, which is 70-80% water)
– They may not like stagnant water in a bowl
– They’re good at hiding signs of dehydration
Signs your cat isn’t drinking enough:
– Concentrated urine (dark yellow, strong smell)
– Infrequent urination (fewer clumps in the litter box)
– Dry, sticky gums
– Loss of skin elasticity (when you pinch the skin on the back of the neck, it doesn’t snap back quickly)
– Lethargy
– Loss of appetite
– Constipation
If you notice these signs, encourage your cat to drink more and see your vet if the problem persists.
Why use a water fountain?
Water fountains offer several benefits over a regular water bowl:
1. **Encourages drinking:** Many cats prefer flowing water over stagnant water. The movement and sound of the water can attract your cat and encourage them to drink more. This is especially true for cats who don’t drink enough or who are picky about their water.
2. **Continuous filtration:** Most fountains have filters that remove hair, debris, and impurities, keeping the water clean and fresh-tasting. This is especially important if you have multiple pets or if the water sits out for long periods.
3. **Oxygenation:** Moving water is more oxygenated, which improves taste and may have health benefits.
4. **Larger water capacity:** Fountains hold more water than a typical bowl, so you don’t have to refill as often.
5. **Entertainment:** Some cats enjoy playing with the flowing water, which can provide mental stimulation and encourage drinking.
What to look for in a cat water fountain:
– **Water capacity:** For one cat, 1-2 liters is sufficient. For multiple cats, look for 2-3 liters or more.
– **Filter type:** Look for fountains with replaceable filters (activated carbon filters are most common). Some fountains also have foam pre-filters to catch hair and debris. Change the filter regularly (every 2-4 weeks, depending on the brand and number of pets).
– **Material:** Stainless steel and ceramic are more hygienic than plastic, which can harbor bacteria and cause chin acne in sensitive cats. Plastic is lighter and less expensive, but it can scratch and harbor bacteria. For cats, stainless steel or ceramic is preferable, but plastic is fine if you clean it regularly and your cat doesn’t have sensitive skin.
– **Noise level:** Look for a quiet pump. Some fountains can be noisy, especially if the water level is low or the pump is dirty. A noisy fountain may scare some cats or be annoying in a quiet home.
– **Ease of cleaning:** The fountain should be easy to disassemble and clean. You should clean the fountain every 1-2 weeks to prevent bacterial growth. Look for fountains with few parts and smooth surfaces (no hard-to-reach crevices).
– **Dishwasher safe:** Some fountains are dishwasher safe (top rack), which makes cleaning easier.
– **Adjustable flow:** Some fountains let you adjust the water flow speed, which is useful for cats who prefer a gentle flow vs. a stronger stream.
– **Durability:** Look for a fountain made from durable materials that can withstand daily use.
– **Size and stability:** Make sure the fountain is stable and won’t tip over easily. A wide, heavy base is more stable.
What to avoid:
– **Fountains that are too small:** If the fountain is too small, you’ll have to refill it constantly, and it may not be comfortable for your cat to drink from.
– **Fountains that are hard to clean:** If the fountain is hard to take apart and clean, you won’t clean it as often as you should, which can lead to bacterial growth.
– **Fountains with non-replaceable filters:** If the filter can’t be replaced, the fountain won’t work well over time.
– **Fountains that are too noisy:** A noisy fountain may scare some cats or be annoying.
– **Plastic fountains for cats with sensitive skin:** Plastic can harbor bacteria and cause chin acne. If your cat has sensitive skin, look for stainless steel or ceramic.
– **Over-cleaning or under-cleaning:** Clean the fountain every 1-2 weeks, and change the filter every 2-4 weeks.
My top picks for cat water fountains:
**Best overall:** PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
– 168-ounce (5-liter) capacity, great for multi-cat households
– Activated carbon filter + foam pre-filter
– Adjustable flow control
– BPA-free plastic
– Easy to disassemble and clean
– Affordable (about $40-50 for the fountain, $5-10 for replacement filters)
– This is a popular, well-reviewed fountain that works well for cats. The large capacity means you don’t have to refill as often, and the adjustable flow lets you customize the water flow. It’s easy to clean and the replacement filters are readily available. My cats have used this fountain for years, and it’s held up well. The plastic construction is durable, though if your cat has sensitive skin, you may prefer stainless steel.
**Best stainless steel:** Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Fountain
– 60-ounce (1.8-liter) capacity (also available in a larger 96-ounce size)
– Stainless steel construction (more hygienic than plastic)
– Replaceable charcoal filter
– Elegant raindrop design
– Dishwasher safe (top rack)
– About $40-50 for the 60-ounce, $60-70 for the 96-ounce
– If you prefer stainless steel (for hygiene or because your cat gets chin acne from plastic), this is a great option. It’s well-made, easy to clean, and the stainless steel doesn’t harbor bacteria like plastic can. The raindrop design is also attractive and looks nice in a home. My cats took to it immediately, and it’s easy to keep clean.
**Best ceramic:** PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Avalon Fountain
– 70-ounce (2-liter) capacity
– Ceramic construction (more hygienic than plastic, and heavier/more stable)
– Replaceable carbon filter
– Elegant design that looks nice in a home
– Dishwasher safe (top rack)
– About $50-70
– If you prefer ceramic (for hygiene, stability, or aesthetics), this is a good option. Ceramic is heavy and stable (harder for a cat to tip over), and it’s easy to clean. The elegant design also looks nicer than plastic fountains. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s durable and long-lasting.
**Best budget option:** Veken Pet Fountain
– 95-ounce (2.8-liter) capacity
– Ultra-quiet pump with low water consumption
– Triple filtration system (activated carbon, ion exchange, cotton mesh)
– BPA-free, food-grade material
– LED water level indicator
– Very affordable (about $20-30 for the fountain, $5-10 for replacement filters)
– If you’re on a tight budget, this is a decent option. It has all the basic features (filtration, quiet pump, large capacity) at a low price. It may not be as durable as more expensive fountains, but for the price it’s a good value. The LED water level indicator is a nice touch that lets you see when it’s time to refill.
**Best for travel:** PetSafe Drinkwell Portable Pet Fountain
– 60-ounce (1.8-liter) capacity
– Collapsible design for easy travel and storage
– Activated carbon filter
– Battery-operated (no outlet needed)
– About $30-40
– If you travel with your cat or want a fountain for outdoor use, this portable option is great. It’s collapsible for easy storage, and it’s battery-operated so you don’t need an outlet. It’s perfect for travel, camping, or use in a second home.
**Best for multiple cats:** Catit Flower Fountain
– 100-ounce (3-liter) capacity
– Unique flower design with multiple drinking areas (the top flower, the surrounding bowl, and the flowing water)
– Triple-action filter (activated carbon, ion exchange, cotton mesh)
– BPA-free plastic
– Adjustable flow
– Quiet pump
– About $30-40
– If you have multiple cats, this is a great option. The unique flower design provides multiple drinking areas at different levels, so multiple cats can drink at the same time without crowding. The large capacity (3 liters) is also good for multi-cat households. It’s affordable and easy to clean, and the replacement filters are readily available.
Tips for using a cat water fountain:
1. **Clean regularly.** Disassemble and clean the fountain every 1-2 weeks with warm water and mild soap. Use a bottle brush to clean hard-to-reach areas. Rinse thoroughly before reassembling. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the water fresh.
2. **Change the filter regularly.** Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter changes (usually every 2-4 weeks). A dirty filter won’t work well and can harbor bacteria.
3. **Change the water regularly.** Even though the fountain filters the water, you should change the water every 2-3 days (or daily if you have multiple cats). This keeps the water fresh and prevents bacterial growth.
4. **Use filtered or bottled water.** If your tap water has a strong smell or taste (like chlorine), your cat may not like it. Use filtered or bottled water in the fountain for better taste.
5. **Place it in the right location.** Put the fountain in a quiet, accessible location, away from your cat’s food and litter box. Make sure it’s on a stable surface and near an outlet (unless it’s battery-operated).
6. **Monitor the water level.** Check the water level regularly and refill as needed. Some fountains have a water level indicator or will make noise when the water is low.
7. **Introduce it gradually.** If your cat is used to a regular bowl, introduce the fountain gradually. Start with the flow turned off or very low, and let your cat explore it at their own pace. You can add a little flavor (like low-sodium tuna water or chicken broth) to the water to make it more appealing initially.
8. **Keep a regular bowl as backup.** Even if you have a fountain, it’s a good idea to keep a regular water bowl available as backup, especially if the fountain needs cleaning or if the power goes out.
9. **Consider adding wet food to your cat’s diet.** In addition to a water fountain, adding wet food to your cat’s diet is one of the best ways to increase their water intake. Wet food is 70-80% water, compared to dry food which is only 10-12% water. Even adding a small amount of wet food (or water to dry food) can significantly increase your cat’s water intake.
Common mistakes:
– **Not cleaning the fountain enough:** This is the #1 mistake. Clean the fountain every 1-2 weeks to prevent bacterial growth.
– **Not changing the filter:** A dirty filter won’t work well. Change the filter every 2-4 weeks.
– **Not changing the water:** Even with filtration, you should change the water every 2-3 days.
– **Using the wrong water:** If your tap water has a strong smell or taste, your cat may not drink enough. Use filtered or bottled water.
– **Placing it near food or litter:** Cats don’t like to drink near their food or litter box. Put the fountain in a separate location.
– **Not monitoring the water level:** If the water gets too low, the pump can burn out or the fountain can make noise. Check the water level regularly.
– **Forcing the cat to use it:** If your cat is nervous about the fountain, don’t force them. Let them explore at their own pace, and start with the flow turned off.
– **Not having a backup:** If the fountain needs cleaning or the power goes out, your cat still needs water. Keep a regular bowl available as backup.
My personal story: I used to just use a regular water bowl for my cats, and I noticed that they didn’t drink as much as I thought they should (one of them had a history of urinary crystals, so hydration was especially important). I bought a PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum fountain, and the difference was noticeable—they drank more water, and their urine was less concentrated. The fountain is easy to clean, the replacement filters are affordable, and the large capacity means I don’t have to refill as often. I clean it every 1-2 weeks, change the filter every 3 weeks, and change the water every 2-3 days. I also added wet food to their diet, which further increased their water intake. Since using the fountain and adding wet food, my cat hasn’t had any more urinary issues. The only downside is that the pump can get a little noisy if the water level is low, but I just make sure to keep it filled. The lesson: a water fountain is a simple, affordable way to encourage your cat to drink more water, which is important for their overall health (especially urinary tract health). It’s worth the investment, especially for cats who don’t drink enough or who are prone to urinary issues. Combine it with wet food for even better hydration.
The bottom line: a cat water fountain is a great way to encourage your cat to drink more water, which is important for their overall health (especially kidney and urinary tract health). It provides fresh, filtered, flowing water that’s more appealing than stagnant water in a bowl. The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum is the best all-around option (large capacity, adjustable flow, easy cleaning), the Pioneer Pet Raindrop is great if you prefer stainless steel, and the Catit Flower Fountain is perfect for multiple cats. Clean the fountain every 1-2 weeks, change the filter every 2-4 weeks, and change the water every 2-3 days. Use filtered or bottled water if your tap water has a strong taste, and place the fountain in a quiet, accessible location away from food and litter. Introduce it gradually if your cat is nervous, and keep a regular bowl as backup. For even better hydration, add wet food to your cat’s diet (wet food is 70-80% water). With proper care and maintenance, a water fountain can improve your cat’s hydration and health for years to come.