Why Your Cat Needs A Water Fountain: 8 Key Benefits
Quick Answer
Does your cat turn up her nose at her water bowl?
Maybe she likes to sit by the kitchen tap, waiting for a few precious drops of water to come her way.
If this sounds like your cat, a water fountain specially designed for cats could be just what you need.
A fountain can transform even the most reluctant drinker into a well-hydrated, healthy kitty.
Not only will your cat love the constant flow of fresh, filtered water, but there are also numerous health benefits to investing in one.
The Appeal Of Running Water
If your cat is one of those who shows a keen interest in a dripping faucet while ignoring her water bowl, she’s not alone.
This preference for running water isn’t just a quirky behavior; but stems from those feline instincts.
Many cats are naturally attracted to running water as it mimics the flow of a stream or river—something that their ancestors would have drunk from in the wild.
From an evolutionary standpoint, stagnant water sources could be considered unsafe for consumption as they are more likely to harbor bacteria and other contaminants.
By introducing a cat water fountain in your home, you mimic this natural environment, encouraging your cat to drink more.
Pet water fountains, with their constant circulation, provide a reliable source of clean, fresh water, making it an attractive drinking option for even the most discerning cats.
How Cat Water Fountains Work
Cat water fountains come in various materials like stainless steel, ceramic, and BPA-free plastic, each offering distinct advantages.
The operation of these fountains is simple yet effective.
At their core, they employ a motorized pump to cycle water through a filter, back to the top, and out again in a flowing stream.
This process not only aerates the water, making it more appealing to your cat, but also ensures the water stays clean by removing impurities and keeping bacteria at bay.
8 Key Benefits Of A Cat Water Fountain
When you provide your cat with a water fountain, you’re not only catering to her instincts but also providing her with numerous health benefits.
#1. Promotes Hydration
Cats are notorious for being picky drinkers. By offering a constant flow of fresh, filtered water, cat water fountains can encourage cats to drink more, helping them stay hydrated.
#2. Mimics Natural Drinking Sources
Cats prefer running water as it seems fresher to them, making fountains appealing and stimulating their drinking habits.
#3. May Help Prevent Health Problems
Boosting hydration can reduce the risk of kidney disease and urinary tract infections, common issues in cats. Having endured the heartache of chronic renal failure with two of my beloved cats, I now take all possible measures that may help avert such a situation in the future. While a water fountain isn’t a foolproof solution, it’s a beneficial step that can contribute positively to your cat’s health.
#4. Provides Fresh, Filtered Water
Fountains filter out dust, food particles, debris, and bacterial growth, ensuring your cat has access to clean water, leading to better health.
#5. May Help Prevent Whisker Fatigue
Some cats may experience discomfort from drinking out of a deep or narrow water bowl, which can cause whisker fatigue. Switching to a water fountain with a shallow bowl can alleviate this issue and make drinking more comfortable for your cat.
#6. Encourages Mental Stimulation
Cats are curious animals and enjoy interacting with their environment. A water fountain can provide an intriguing source of entertainment for them, encouraging mental stimulation and reducing boredom.
#7. Provides Environmental Enrichment
Cats are natural hunters and require outlets for their innate behaviors to help prevent problem behaviors arising. A water fountain is an easy addition to your cat’s environment that can provide enrichment and help keep her mentally and emotionally engaged.
#8. Easy Maintenance
Cat water fountains are designed to make your life easier. The pump and filters are generally simple to replace, and most fountains are easy to disassemble for quick and convenient cleaning.
Choosing The Right Fountain
There are several things to consider when choosing a water fountain for your cat
Size: First and foremost, think about the size of the fountain. It should match your cat’s needs and the space you have available.
Material: Material matters too. Stainless steel, ceramic, and BPA-free plastic are common options. Each has its pros and cons. Stainless steel and ceramic are durable and easy to clean, making them great choices for hygiene. BPA-free plastic is lightweight and typically less expensive, but may not last as long.
Noise: Don’t overlook the noise level. Some fountains operate more quietly than others. If your cat is skittish or if you’re sensitive to noise, look for a model that promises quiet operation.
Maintenance: Maintenance is key for keeping the fountain appealing to your cat and safe to use. Opt for a model that’s easy to disassemble and clean. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of fur, debris, slime, and bacteria. Additionally, consider fountains with easily replaceable filters to keep the water fresh and clean.
Maintenance Tips For Pet Fountains
Keeping your cat’s water fountain clean is straightforward yet critical for her health.
Washing
Start by disassembling the fountain and giving each part a thorough wash.
Use warm, soapy water, but make sure to rinse everything well to avoid leaving behind any soap residue.
For the best results, it is best to clean the fountain regularly, as per the individual manufacturer’s recommendations.
Filters
Filters play a central role in maintaining the quality of your cat’s water by capturing impurities and debris.
You’ll need to replace these filters regularly, typically every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the model of your fountain and the number of cats using it.
Staying on top of filter changes ensures your cat always has access to clean water.
Pump
Similarly, the pump, the heart of the fountain, requires attention to keep water flowing smoothly.
Depending on the design of the fountain, detaching the pump from the unit approximately once a month for cleaning is a good rule of thumb.
Soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to dissolve any mineral deposits.
Afterward, rinse the pump thoroughly under running tap water before reassembling the fountain.
You may need to be creative and use a small brush or pipe cleaner, depending on the model and how much cat hair and debris manage to make their way into the mechanism.
If you share your home with multiple cats, like I do, you might find that things can get pretty hairy—quite literally.
Remove any accumulated debris or buildup, and rinse the pump thoroughly before reattaching it to the fountain.
Introducing Your Cat To The New Fountain
Getting your cat to use her new water fountain might take a bit of patience and strategy.
Cats are creatures of habit, and introducing something new can sometimes be met with suspicion.
Positive Reinforcement
A key strategy is using positive reinforcement.
Reward your cat with treats or affection any time she approaches or shows interest in the fountain.
This links the fountain with positive experiences, convincing your cat it’s a good thing.
You can also lure her closer to it with the help of catnip or a toy.
Play is another great way of building up a positive association with the fountain.
Location
Another useful tactic is to place the fountain in a quiet area of the home.
This will make her feel more comfortable and less likely to be spooked by strange noises or surroundings.
You can also try placing the fountain in a spot your cat already favors.
Cats enjoy their comfort zones, and a familiar location can make the new device seem less daunting.
Ensure the fountain is away from her food bowl, though, as cats naturally avoid drinking water too close to where they eat.
Build Up Gradually
If your cat still seems reluctant, you can always start by leaving the fountain unplugged.
This way, she can slowly get used to drinking from the bowl.
Once she’s comfortable with its presence, you can plug it in and let her explore the flowing water at her own pace.
Be Patient
It may take a few days or even weeks for your cat to warm up to the fountain.
Be patient, and keep using positive reinforcement to encourage her.
Don’t force her to use it or get frustrated if she doesn’t immediately take to it.
If you work to her timeline, you’ll have a much better chance of long-term success.
Why Hydration Is Critical For Cats
Without enough water, cats can be more susceptible to developing kidney disease, a common problem that affects felines.
Kidneys need ample hydration to function correctly, process waste, and maintain a healthy balance of nutrients and minerals.
Similarly, insufficient water intake can cause urinary tract infections.
The lack of proper hydration means your cat’s urine becomes more concentrated, leading to irritation and infection in the urinary system.
Making sure your cat drinks enough to stay adequately hydrated is more than just a good practice; it’s a potential defense against these potentially life-threatening conditions.
The act of drinking ample water also helps in flushing out toxins and waste products from your cat’s body, which is particularly important for cats that subsist solely on a dry food diet without the addition of wet food.
Increased water intake dilutes the urine and can help reduce the risk of developing painful urinary conditions.
Beyond health, proper hydration aids in maintaining a glossy coat and healthy skin.
Your cat’s transition to a fountain might require a little patience and positive reinforcement, but the health dividends are unparalleled.
Having spent two years administering subcutaneous fluids to help our beloved cat Jeffrey stay hydrated during the end stages of his chronic renal failure, I would even go so far as to say that an investment in a cat water fountain is one of the best investments you can make in your beloved pet’s future health and well-being.
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