Water fountains
Do cats need a water fountain?
Do cats need a water fountain, or is a bowl enough? What Cats Protection advises on fresh water, bowls and placement, and when a fountain is worth trying.
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Cat water fountains: app-controlled and cordless
A water fountain keeps water moving through a filter and back into the drinking area. Some cats take to running water straight away, others need a few days. We stock a 2.5 litre fountain that reports low water and filter changes to an app, and a cordless model with a stainless steel tray and a built-in rechargeable battery.
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What to compare in a cat water fountain
- Power. A wired fountain runs its pump from a cable all the time. A cordless fountain has a battery in the pump unit, so there is no cable in the water bowl area while it runs, and you recharge it from time to time.
- Capacity. A bigger tank needs topping up less often, but you still need to empty and clean it regularly. Fresh water and a clean bowl matter more than size.
- Filter. Filters catch hair and bits of food. They wear out, so check the price and availability of spare filters before you buy, and follow the replacement interval in the manual.
- Materials. Stainless steel trays and clear tanks let you see dirt and scale at a glance. Plastic bodies are light and come in more colours. Whatever the material, a clean fountain matters most.
- Cleaning. Look for a fountain that comes apart without tools. The pump needs cleaning too, because hair and limescale build up inside it.
Does my cat need a fountain?
No cat needs a fountain to stay hydrated: a clean bowl of fresh water, changed every day, does the job. A fountain is one way to offer water that some cats prefer. Our guide Do cats need a water fountain? looks at what is known, and How to clean a cat water fountain explains the weekly routine. If your cat drinks much more or much less than usual, speak to your vet.
Guides on this topic
Fountain care
How to clean a cat water fountain, step by step
A daily and weekly routine for cleaning a cat water fountain: taking it apart, cleaning the pump, changing filters, limescale and keeping power parts dry.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a cat water fountain?
Top up the water every day and take the fountain apart for a full clean about once a week, including the pump. Replace the filter at the interval in the manual. Our guide on cleaning a cat fountain goes through each step.
Can a dog use a cat water fountain?
A small dog can drink from one, but a 2.5 litre fountain will empty quickly with a bigger dog. Choose by how much your pets drink in a day and how often you can refill it.
Will a fountain make my cat drink more?
Some cats seem to drink more readily from moving water, others ignore it. Every cat is different, so a fountain is worth trying rather than a guaranteed fix. If you are worried about how much your cat drinks, ask your vet.