Cat water fountains: do cats need one, and how to choose and clean it

Cats come from desert-dwelling ancestors and often have a weak urge to drink. Cats on dry food in particular may drink less than they need, and a cat that drinks little makes concentrated urine. A water fountain is not a medical treatment, but many cats drink more when the water moves.

Why a fountain helps

• Many cats prefer moving water and are drawn to the sound of it.
• The filter catches hair, dust and bits of food.
• Circulating water stays fresher than water that sits in a bowl all day.

Getting more water into your cat matters most for cats on dry food and cats prone to urinary or kidney problems. If your vet has asked you to get your cat drinking more, a fountain and some wet food are easy places to start.

Plastic or stainless steel?

Plastic fountains, such as the Catit Flower, cost less and are light. Stainless steel tops, such as the Catit Pixi, are easier to scrub and don't scratch, so they stay cleaner over time. Whichever you choose, make sure every part comes apart and can be reached with a brush.

A cordless fountain, such as the Catit Pixi Cordless, can go where your cat likes to drink rather than next to an outlet.

Where to put it

• Away from the food bowl, and well away from the litter box.
• In a quiet spot your cat already visits.
• In homes with more than one cat, add a second water station.

Cleaning and filters

• Top up the water every day and change it completely every few days.
• About once a week, take the fountain apart and wash every piece, including the pump, in warm, soapy water. Rinse well.
• Replace the filter as the maker recommends, usually every few weeks. Catit sells replacement cartridges for the Pixi.
• If the pump gets louder or the flow drops, clean it: hair and minerals build up inside.

Getting your cat to use it

Some cats need a few days. Leave their old bowl out at first and put the fountain where they already drink. A few cats dislike the noise or the splash. The Catit Flower's top can be set three ways to change how the water flows, which helps with fussy drinkers.

Other ways to add water

• Feed some wet food: it is mostly water.
• Use wide, shallow bowls that don't touch the whiskers.
• Broth toppers and lickable treats add a little more.

Our cat care guide covers the rest of the routine, from brushing to the litter box.

Fountains at our store

• Catit Pixi Fountain W Stainless Steel Top
• Catit Pixi Cordless Stainless Drinking Fountain
• Catit Flower Fountain And Peanut Placement Combo
• Catit Mini Flower Fountain 1.5L
• Catit Pixi Fountain Cartridge 6p
• Almo Nature Hydration Help Salmon Recipe In Broth 50g

• Cat wet food
• Bowls

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