Veken Automatic Cat Water Fountain
PetSafe Pagoda Drinking Fountain for Cats
PetSafe Healthy Cat Water Station
Cat water fountains are indispensable pet accessories to meet the hydration requirements of domesticated felines. These are specially designed gadgets that provide a continuous stream of fresh and clean water to ensure optimum health for pets. This is important since felines are known to have very low, if not negligible, thirst drive that is supposed to help them feel and acknowledge the presence of thirst. By making the movement of liquid more enticing, arousing the curiosity of cats, they are able to improve their hydration.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy identifying which among the multitude of products is the best cat fountain. Many come with striking similarities that distinguishing one from the others is difficult. Not to worry, though as we took the liberty of scouring the market for the best water fountain for cats.
The Veken Pet Fountain is designed for small to medium sized pets and is perfect for supplying hygienic, fresh water for your furry feline. It has a large 2.5-liter capacity and low energy consumption, ultra-quiet pump that should last for up to four years. The energy efficient circulation system oxygenates the water will the BPA free bowl ensures that your kitty can enjoy toxin-free water. The durable fountain also comes complete with a silicone pad to catch water splashes, reducing the amount of water on the floor around the fountain. The variable flow design means that you can adjust the water flow to suit your pet’s need, while the triple filtration system reduces particles and contaminants to keep your kitty healthier.
2.5-liter capacity
Low consumption, ultra-quiet pump
Three flow modes
Triple filtration system with replaceable filters
BPA free
The fountain is made from BPA free PP resin that is easy to clean and durable so that it can withstand daily use by multiple pets
The large capacity bowl means less work for you, while the circulation system ensures the water is always oxygenated and fresh
The triple filtration system reduces particles and contaminants to keep your furry friend healthier and encourage them to drink more
The bright colors and adjustable flow modes encourage curiosity and attract pets so that they are more likely to drink more
The pump requires cleaning every two weeks to ensure optimal working
Some issues with the durability of the pump
The fountain requires access to mains electricity, and care needs to be taken with the placement of the cable
If you are looking for a large capacity drinking fountain for your feline friend, then the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum could be just what you need. The fountain holds over a gallon of water with its built-in reservoir. The fountain includes replaceable carbon filters to keep the water fresh by removing odors and bad tastes and has an adjustable stream so you can tailor the flow of water to your pet’s needs. The pump continually circulates the water to reduce the risk of bacteria growth and to increase the level of oxygen in the water. The pet drinking fountain is made from BPA-free materials and is easy to clean; it can even be placed on the top shelf of your dishwasher.
168 fluid ounce capacity
Replaceable carbon filters
Adjustable water stream
BPA free
Dishwasher safe
The large capacity bowl and reservoir mean less refilling and less chance of your pet running out of water
The water stream can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of your specific pet
The replaceable carbon filters reduce odors and bad tastes to encourage your pet to drink more
There is no on/off switch; the cord must be removed from either the unit or the electrical outlet to stop the operation of the fountain
Some reports of bacterial growth on the water just a few days after it is cleaned each time
Designed like a beautiful lily in a pond, the Catit Flower Fountain provides an interesting fluid dispenser for your beloved feline. It features 3 flow settings to enable customization and help ensure your furry pal gets fully encouraged to dip its tongue in the 3-liter pool. The pump may be small, affording it exceptional energy efficiency, but it’s powerful enough to help recirculate the fluid in this lovely pet fountain. It also comes with a filter that’s equipped with dual action water softening to help remove any harsh minerals that may be present in your kitty’s drink. It’s fun and space-saving, too.
3 water flow settings
Efficient water recirculation system
Dual-action filtration system with water-softening features
Loveable whimsical design
Compact and energy-efficient water pump
Recirculating mechanism ensures optimum oxygenation of water
Ensures safer, cleaner, and fresher drinking water
Fully adjustable water flow mechanism for full customization
Lovable design blends well with existing décor
Water-softening filter helps provide for de-mineralized drinking water
Compact design will not take up too much space
Friendly on the pocket
Some issues of certain microorganisms colonizing the main reservoir
May not be ideal for multi-cat households
Some issues with durability especially related to the water pump
Made from natural ceramic, the IPETTIE Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain is ideal if you are looking for a non-toxic and eco-friendly drinking solution for your cat. The fountain features a triple free-falling stream design to add oxygen to the water. It also has a dual filtration system, using both chemical and mechanical systems. The foam pump stops pet hair and other debris while the charcoal and carbon filter removes bad tastes and odors. The pump runs ultra-quietly and is low energy consumption, running at just 2watts.
2.1-liter water capacity
Low noise and low power consumption
Dual filtration system
Triple free-fall stream
Easy to disassemble and clean
The dual filtration system stops hair and other particles from entering the water stream while also removing bad tastes and odors
The unit is low energy consumption and runs quietly, so it does not distract your cat or other members of the household
The large capacity fountain can hold enough water for at least two weeks; ideal if you are going away
Some concerns over the durability of the pump
The ceramic bowl is heavy and can break if dropped
The Pet Fountain Cat Water Dispenser by MOSPRO has a large 2-liter capacity water reservoir that can safely store water for up to a month. The water dispenser is made from BPA free, non-toxic antibacterial PP resin. It is odorless and has obtained a food-grade certificate, so you have complete peace of mind that it is safe for your pets. The dispenser includes three water flow settings, a recessed sink, and water circulation system to oxygenate the water and keep it fresher for longer. The ergonomically designed dispenser is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning and includes two replaceable activated carbon filters. The filers can be sun dried and reused repeatedly to remove odors and bad tastes from the water.
2-liter capacity
Three water flow settings
Replaceable activated carbon filters
Water circulation system
Food grade BPA antibacterial PP resin construction
Water can be stored in the reservoir safely for up to a month
Food grade construction is non-toxic and BPA free
Activated carbon filters can be rinsed, dried and reused safely
Some concerns over the longevity and durability of the pump
The pump is much louder than expected
If you are looking for a water fountain that is ideal for multiple pets of different sizes, then the PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog and Cat Water Fountain might be just what you are looking for. The 100-fluid ounce capacity means you never run out of water, while the free fall stream encourages even the most reluctant pet to drink. The fountain includes a replaceable carbon water filter that removes odors and bad tastes, helping to keep the water fresh and inviting. The low voltage pump works quietly so as not to disturb your feline friend while they are drinking and the fountain itself is made from BPA-free materials and is dishwasher safe.
100 fluid ounce capacity
Two-tier bowls
Quiet operation
Replaceable carbon water filter
BPA-free construction
The two-tier bowls cater for pets with varying needs and make the fountain ideal for multi-pet households
The quiet operation reduces the risk of pets being scared by the pump noise
Replaceable carbon filters improve the quality and taste of the water
Needs to be cleaned every few days to avoid bacterial growth and water slime from forming
Pump noise increases dramatically as the water level reduces, even before it reaches the refill point
One of the most striking features of the Ani Mate Cat Mate water fountain for cats is its two-level falls which allows for the pooling of refreshingly cool drink on two, not one, levels. This means two felines can enjoy their fluids a lot better at the same time. What’s more the Ani Mate comes with a ramp which can help reduce splashing, minimizing mess on your floor but without negating the beneficial effects of continuously flowing stream. The Ani Mate also comes with an isolated pump system which helps ensure whisper-quiet operation. And if this doesn’t amaze you, its use of a polymer carbon filter should.
3-level drinking station complete with anti-splash ramp in between levels
With built-in Isolated Pump System
Fully adjustable water flow mechanism
Comes with polymer carbon filter
Fully replaceable filters
Comes with 3-year guarantee
Continuously circulating drinking water
Completely dishwasher-safe
Unique 3-level drinking station allows for simultaneous drinking of differently-sized cats
Extra-quiet motor will not disturb or rattle your pet while drinking
Splash-ramp also help minimize noise coming from splashing water
Low-voltage low-wattage power consumption won’t make a dent on your electric bill
Easy to maintain and clean
Replaceable filters ensures cleaner and fresher water
Issues with mold building up inside the cat fountain
Issues related to the motor’s reliability and durability
Looking a lot like the Catit Flower Fountain is this cat water dispenser from isYoung. While it does have a striking resemblance to the Catit device, the isYoung is marketed as a gadget that provides 3 different methods of streaming fluids. It comes as a flower waterfall, a gentle fountain, and a combination of both so you can provide your furry little pals the kind of stimulation they need to start drinking. What’s more, the isYoung comes with quick-release parts allowing for easier disassembly for a more thorough cleaning. It is also constructed of a PP resin that has been embedded with antibacterial properties for added safety.
3 different water flow settings
Comes with built-in water recirculation system
Constructed of finely-polished PP resin with antibacterial propertis
Quick-release components
Quiet operation
360-degree drinking surface
Fully adjustable water flow for full customization according to pet needs
Recirculator ensures safer, cleaner, and fresher drinking water
Antibacterial PP resin adds to the overall safety of the pet fountain
Lovable design blends well with existing interior décor
Comes with splash mat to catch spills from the fountain
Compact design will not take up too much space
Some issues with durability and reliability with the water pump
May not be ideal for multi-cat households
The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Multi-Pet Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Fountain is ideal for households with one than one pet who all like to drink together. The circular space and five spouts mean that multiple pets can drink at the same time without arguments. The streams can be customized to meet the needs of your pets, while the replaceable carbon filters remove odors and bad tastes that may stop your pet from drinking. The stainless steel construction is extremely hygienic and easy to clean; it can even be placed on the top shelf of your dishwasher.
128 fluid ounce capacity
Dual filter system
Five interchangeable spouts
Stainless steel construction
Replaceable carbon filters
The circular shape and multiple drinking spouts make the fountain ideal for multi-pet households
The dual filter system removes particles and other impurities from the water, making it fresher and more inviting
The stainless steel construction is hygienic and easy to clean
Some reports of the bowl becoming rusty within a few months
Some reports of the plastic spouts holding bacteria and mold
Forget plastic and stainless steel products and go instead for ceramic ones as these can provide you with a more hygienic solution to your kitty’s hydration issues. That’s what the Drinkwell Pagoda cat water dispenser provides. The Pagoda if, first and foremost, and elegantly looking gadget that makes it exceptional as a display piece to any home. It features some of the more common technologies in any Drinkwell series of PetSafe including a fully replaceable carbon filter and an ultra-quiet motor. It provides two sources of free-falling streams for more efficient oxygenation of the fluid in its 70-ounce bowl.
Constructed of premium ceramic materials
Dual free-falling water fountain systems
Replaceable carbon filter with recirculating mechanism
Fully submersible water pump with low voltage and low wattage designs
Dishwasher safe
All-ceramic construction gives it antimicrobial properties as well as easy to clean and maintain
Pagoda design looks good on existing interior design
Dual free-falling systems allow for continuous oxygenation of the drinking water
Easy to maintain and clean
Dual free-falling system may not be enough for multi-pet households
Issues with the motor not being quiet as advertised
Problems with the filter that goes with the package
Exceptionally expensive for a cat fountain
The Petsafe Healthy Pet Water Station is one a towering kitty fluid dispenser that comes in 3 size variants. Designed like a miniature depot, this PetSafe product feature a fully-lockable reservois complete with a removable bowl made of high grade stainless steel to help ensure the safety of the fluid that flows into the vessel. Both the reservoir and the bowl are easy to clean, too. It comes with a unique control valve that help prevents spilling so you avoid unnecessary mess on your floor.
Classically elegant water vase design
Removable drinking water bowl made of stainless steel
Lock-in water reservoir constructed of BPA-free plastic
Large capacity reservoir
Dishwasher-safe
Doesn’t require any motor to push water from reservoir to drinking bowl
No noisy motors or splashing water sounds
Antimicrobial properties of stainless steel helps ensure cleaner water
Humongous capacity perfect for multi-pet households
Easy to maintain and clean
Doesn’t come with its own filter; need to purchase separately
Water doesn’t circulate so there is greater risk of water going stale
Extra-large water reservoir only allows drinking from one side
It’s simple yet very efficient. It may only have half the capacity of the Catit, yet the Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain remains one of the most trusted by serious feline owners because of its superb construction and ingenious filter that’s made of replaceable carbon. The filter serves to ensure the liquid remains as tasty and refreshingly cool as ever. One minor hiccup though is that its design doesn’t allow for 360-degree access to the fluid as the spout is located on a vertical platform on one side. Nonetheless, it’s highly effective when it comes to giving your furry pal safe and clean H2O to drink.
Free-falling drinking water mechanism
BPA-free construction
Comes with 1-month supply of replaceable carbon filter
Constant water circulation system
Fully adjustable water flow control
Comes with anti-splash receiving ramp
Motor operating on 12-volt low voltage system
Easy to clean as it’s dishwasher-safe
Fully customizable water flow for different types of pet drinking behaviors
Replaceable filter helps guarantee fresher, cleaner, and safer drinking water for cats
Anti-splash receiving ramp allows for quieter operation
Continuously circulating water allows for more efficient oxygenations
Low-voltage motor will not significantly affect water bill
Doesn’t contain BPA and other harmful chemicals
Easy to clean
Some concerns on reliability of the motor with some units dying out after only a few months of use
Some issues with leaks
Some issues with a noisy motor
Looking for a stainless steel cat water fountain that doesn’t really cost that much yet delivers the promise that it makes? In that case, you really have to give the Catit Fresh & Clear Stainless Steel Top Drinking Fountain a try. The use of stainless steel greatly increases the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the product which, when coupled with its unique recirculating system, work exceptionally well with improving the oxygenation of the liquid. This combo helps prevent the growth of certain microorganisms while also eliminating nasty odors that may prevent your kitty from drinking.
Bubble water fountain design
Water reservoir constructed of hygienic stainless steel
Comes with continuously circulating mechanism
Comes with replaceable premium carbon filter
Bubble fountain design eliminates noise from splashing water
Recirculating mechanism allows for cooling and aeration of drinking water
Stainless steel reservoir with antimicrobial properties for more hygienic water
Occasional spills because of the bubbling effect
Questions about the quality of the stainless steel as some units have shown signs of corrosion after several weeks
Some issues with leaks
You wouldn’t believe your eyes just how efficient and ridiculously simple the Petmate deluxe Fresh Flow cat drinking fountain is. The Petmate oddly resembles a baby bathtub but with a gently sloping area and a hole where fluid comes out before being recirculated. It has a fully submersible pump that comes with UL certification and a carbon filter that helps to ensure better hydro quality. It’s super easy to clean, too, thanks in part to a removable reservois and electric cord.
Extra-quiet, UL-approved submersible water pump
With replaceable carbon filter
Gently-sloping anti-splash receiving ramp
Gently-flowing drinking water
Fully removable components
Gently-sloping receiving ramp helps ensure for a quieter operation
Easy to maintain and clean
Available in 3 sizes for single- and multi- pet households
Carbon filter helps ensure safer and cleaner water
Issues with exceptionally loud water pump
Water level in reservoir fills to the brim increasing risk of spills onto the floor
Issues with motor pump reliability
You’ll never go wrong with the Drinkwell 360 Fountain for Pets. You can always look at it like a miniaturized version of the water feature that you see in public parks and even in stately mansions. The 360 comes with up to 5 spouts that stream fluids on a ring that serves as its base. The amazing thing is that you can change the number of streams to help entice your kitty to hydrate itself. The fluid is then recirculated, thanks to its powerful yet ultra-quiet motor. The Drinkwell 360 also features a foam filter to help remove larger particles. This is in addition to the carbon filter for microscopic filtration.
5 different free-falling stream attachments
Fully replaceable carbon filter
Fully adjustable water flow
BPA-free construction
Dishwasher-safe
Exceptionally large water capacity for multi-pet households
Water flow attachments allow for full customization
Removable filter ensures easier maintenance of clean and fresh drinking water
Super easy to clean and maintain
May require substantial space
Reliability issues with the water pump
Some issues with mold buildup
Getting your cat to drink can feel like an endless struggle. You can buy all the wonderful bowls in the world, but you are still likely to see them waiting for you to leave a tap running before they hop up and take a drink. Given that cats prefer running water, a cat water fountain could be the answer to your worries. However, that only remains the case if you can find one that suits their needs. Some of the key things you need to consider when choosing between the plethora of water fountains that are available include:
The larger the reservoir size, the less time you need to spend refilling the fountain and the smaller the risk of it running dry. However, this needs to be weighed against the length of time the water is likely to be sat in the reservoir. While most cat water fountains continually circulate the water so that it does not become stagnant, the longer the water is there, the greater the risk of bacterial growth.
The fountain and the depth of the bowl are important if you have very young cats or aging cats with joint issues. Reaching up or bending can become difficult for cats as they age, and young cats may be too small to reach over deeper bowls. If you have multiple cats in your household, then a multi-tier bowl might be the answer.
If you only have one cat, then this is more about personal preference. However, for cats with multiple cats or other pets, multi-spout options may be beneficial. Multiple spouts allow more than one pet to drink at a time and should cut down on arguments and hopefully spills.
Most high-quality cat water fountains are now made from BPA-free materials; this makes them non-toxic and therefore safer but does not compromise on their durability. However, there are several different material options available, including BPA-free plastics, stainless steel, and ceramic. While these are all great materials, there are pros and cons to each. Plastics tend to be lighter, durable, and easier to maneuver; however, they scratch easily and can be difficult to keep clean once scratched or pitted. Ceramic cleans easily and is usually dishwasher safe; however, it is heavy and liable to break if dropped. Stainless steel is light, easy to clean and keep clean, and extremely durable; however, metal can affect the taste of the water, even with filters in place.
A filter system is a must in a cat water fountain. It helps to reduce impurities in the water, improving its taste and smell. Many of the best cat drinking fountains include a dual- or two-stage filter system that also removes hair, dirt, and other particles. Look for a water fountain that has easily removable filters to aid with cleaning and ideal have replaceable or reusable filters to increase longevity without putting your cat’s health at risk.
Compared to their ancestors in the wild that have to look for very creative ways to get their drink, domesticated felines have somehow lost this particular trait in a long process of evolution. Furthermore, felines don’t have a very efficient thirst drive that canines enjoy. This means Felix or Garfield doesn’t necessarily have the correct brain wiring to make it feel thirsty. So, where do felines get their drink? Believe it or not, kitties get their hydration requirements from food. Imagine a can of wet cat food can contain up to 78 percent of moisture while their favorite prey, the rat, can store about 70 percent in its body. Now, if you’re feeding your feline exclusive dry kibbles, your Tom may only be getting 10 percent moisture. So, how do you get your cat to drink more water? Here’s how.
More than a mere decorative piece, cat water fountains are exceptional pieces of gadgets that can really entice your kitty to drink more. The reason is quite simple. Felines are predators. Regardless of the breed of cat you may have, its predatory instincts will always kick in.
Movement is always a natural sign of prey and as such moving fluids is almost always interpreted as prey. It may not be automatically count as prey, however, but it sure can arouse the interest of felines. Give your cat a bowl of drink and a water fountain. There’s a strong chance your pet will be heading to the pet fountain instead of to the water bowl where there is no movement at all. Now try to create ripples on the bowl of liquid and your pet’s attention will also be diverted to the bowl. Try opening your tap, too, and your pet will soon be licking the stream.
If you haven’t tried drinking stagnant fluids yet, it’s stale and doesn’t really taste good. If it doesn’t taste good, how will you entice your pet to drink? Replacing standing H2O in your pet’s drinking vessel is a must if you need your feline to drink a lot more fluids. While there are no specific guidelines as to how often you need to replace it, a good rule of thumb is to change the fluids with fresh ones at least every couple of hours. That’s why a pet fountain is a lot better as it keeps the fluid circulating, continuously injecting air into the drink, and ensuring longer lasting freshness.
No matter how often you replace the drink of your pet if you don’t make any attempts to clean the vessel, then the drink easily gets contaminated, too. Cats don’t like dirty things. So, if you need to replace their drink, make sure to clean the water bowl as well. Again, this is where some pet drink dispensers can come in handy as some of them have built-in mechanisms to keep the holding vessel relatively clean a lot longer. This helps minimize the number of times you need to clean it.
Don’t skimp on the number of drinking stations for your pet. Because drinking is almost always equated with eating, make sure to place different drinking stations in area of your home away from their food bowls and their litter boxes.
Combining a water bowl with a feeding bowl is not really a good idea as cats will naturally be more inclined to go for the food and not the drink. Placing it close to a litter box will also deter the feline from drinking. Would you like to drink in the same area where you defecate and urinate?
Some pet owners actually put a small slice of tuna into their cat’s drink. The flavors of the tuna can easily be infused into the drink and this can help entice your pet to increase its drinking. You may also want to try adding chicken broth or even a spoonful of juice. Unfortunately, not all felines like the taste of H2O that has been artificially ‘enhanced’. Some actually recommend placing crushed catnip in the bowl. You just have to make sure your feline saw you crush the catnip in the bowl so it’s aware.
You’ll be amazed at what an ordinary bottled drinking aqua can do. Most felines don’t like the taste of aqua coming from the tap perhaps because of the various minerals like chlorine that are present. You may also want to try experimenting giving your pet various temperatures of drink to determine which it would prefer.
Like we have already said, a can of wet cat food can contain up to 78 percent of moisture. Your only issue with this particular food is that it can be quite expensive and has a relatively short lifespan once opened. Unlike dry kibbles, wet food can spoil easily so you might want to start off with a smaller can first. Some actually add water to their pet’s dry kibbles in an effort to increase its hydration. Unfortunately, this makes the food soggy and less appealing so your feline might not feed at all, defeating the purpose. Additionally, this increases the rate of spoilage which can make your pet sick.
Remember what we said about kitties being natural predators? Add some ice cubes in its bowl and it will be enticed to ‘claw’ or ‘catch’ the mysterious objects in the bowl. Moreover, a cool drink is often preferred by most pets compared to warm drinks.
It should already be apparent why a lot of owners buy their furry friends a water fountain. The benefits are simply remarkable to pass. In case you would like to know, here are the more popular benefits of a cat fountain.
A kitty drinking fountain comes fully integrated with one of several types of filtration system which effectively removes any debris, dirt, and even harmful microorganisms. This makes the fluid a lot cleaner, fresher, and definitely safer to drink. Not only will you be improving the hydration status of your Garfield, you will also be protecting your furry friend from the development of kidney problems or urinary tract disorders.
Introducing air into the liquid creates tiny bubbles that can disrupt the normal life cycle of certain microorganisms like some species of bacteria and fungus. There are some germs that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Since the feline drink dispenser introduces air into the liquid, your kitty’s drink becomes a lot safer, helping minimize if not eliminate the incidence of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Believe it or not, many felines love playing with H2O, contrary to what we are told. This is because, as already mentioned, moving aqua is often interpreted as the movement of a prey. For instance, ripples on a pond will usually indicate the presence of fish or other creatures beneath the surface. The sight of ripples on the device can awaken the predatory instincts of kitties. As you may have already guessed, encouraging kitties to act out their instincts is one sure way of making them happy.
Moving aqua prevents the rapid increase in water temperature producing a drink that is cooler and tastes better than fluid that has been stagnant in a vessel. The addition of oxygen also helps in improving the overall taste and maintaining the coolness of the aqua so kitties will be more than encouraged to really fill themselves with H2O.
Obviously, because such devices provide safer, fresher, cooler, and cleaner aqua for your pet, coupled with the fact that these help stimulate the innate predatory instincts in these domesticated creatures, you can help prevent many disorders associated with too little body fluids such as dehydration, the formation of urinary stones, and the development of kidney problems. You can also help prevent the development of fluid and electrolyte problems that may affect other systems like the cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, and nervous.
Making sure your kitty drinking fountain is working optimally is easy, too. Maintaining it is as easy as cleaning bowl since many of these products are already specially designed for ease of maintenance.
We already understand that one of the best ways for our beloved furry friends to maintain optimum hydration and prevent a host of health problems is through the use of a water fountain for cats. It is thus, imperative as owners of these kitties that you maintain the operational integrity of your device. Here’s how.
A water fountain for cats is one of the best ways to maintain optimum hydration in these furry creatures, especially if they are on an exclusive diet of dry kibbles. Such devices help keep their drinking fluids safer, cleaner, fresher, and cooler while also allowing them to act out their curious, predatory instincts. These gadgets help make sure your kitty will not succumb to kidney problems as well as issues of the urinary tract and many more. That is why it is critical to maintaining the device’s optimum functionality.
With the 10 best cat fountains we have shared with you, it is our hope that you’re now more empowered than ever before to do the right thing when it comes to ensuring the optimum health of your beloved kitty.
A: A cat water fountain primarily consists of a water reservoir, a pump, and a filter system. Water in the reservoir is circulated through the filters, up into the fountain, and trickles out for your cat to enjoy. Any water not drunk is recirculated through the system. The pump requires a source of power to work; this is usually achieved through mains electricity. The filtration system can take the form of mechanical and/or chemical filtration. Mechanical filtration is usually a sponge that the water passes through; the sponge traps dirt, hair, and other particles. Chemical filtration usually takes the form of an activated charcoal filter. The carbon in the filter absorbs impurities and toxins, making the water taste and smell better and reducing the risk of harmful bacteria.
A: Yes, as long as you ensure that the filters are cleaned regularly, and water is kept circulating and oxygenated. Generally, filters should be cleaned or changed at least once a month. Some manufacturer’s recommend cleaning or changing the filters every two weeks. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on setting up, cleaning, and general maintenance to ensure your water fountain stays bacteria free and safe for your cat to use.
A: Whether your tap water is safe for your cat to drink depends greatly on where you live. If you wouldn’t drink the tap water, then this is a sign that it shouldn’t be given to your pets. However, water additives, such as fluoride, chlorine, and ammonia are not ideal for cats, and if they create strong smells, your cat is unlikely to go near the tap.
However, when tap water is used in a filtered water fountain, most of the potential hazards are removed or at least reduced to safe levels. So, while you may not want your cat drinking directly from the tap, using water that is safe for human consumption in their water fountain should cause no issues.
A: The main answer to this is to place the cat fountain where your cat is most likely to use it. Avoid placing it too close to their food and keep it away from their litter tray. Try to avoid areas where strong odors can affect the water. Of course, you also need to place it near an electrical outlet so that it works correctly. Placing it where your cat will not be easily disturbed, and you are unlikely to fall over it are also good ideas. Finally, consider the flooring. If the water spills what effect will it have on your flooring? How slippery will the area become? How easy is it to clean up? Of course, one way to deal with this issue is to invest in a waterproof mat to place under the cat fountain.