Written by Ashlyn Wright
Image by Susanne Jutzeler, Schweiz, from Pixabay

Do cats like water fountains? Have you ever noticed your cat‘s habit of jumping onto kitchen sinks, toilets, and bathtubs to get a drink of running water? To humans, it might not make much sense, but there are actually a number of practical reasons cats do this, and it all comes back to their instinct to drink fresh water. 

Why do cats like water fountains? Cat’s bodies are made up of about 70% of water, which is also the percentage of water in the prey they eat and catch in the wild. In comparison, cat food contains around 10% water while canned cat food has 75% water. This means cats on an all-dry food diet or a combination of dry and canned require more drinking water. Cat water fountains are a great resource for cats to stay hydrated and get the extra water that they might need. Here are five reasons why you should switch out your cat’s water bowl for a drinking fountain.

1. Water is vital for your cat’s health

As mentioned, indoor cats typically drink more water than they normally would since they aren’t getting as much from their food source. Most cat owners do not realize that their cats are dehydrated, which can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney stones. These issues can affect the flow of urine and even cause kidney damage. If a cat experiences kidney damage, toxic substances that are not being filtered properly can damage organs. Being appropriately hydrated can also help with a cat’s digestive system by breaking down food at a faster rate and producing more saliva. Drinking fountains for cats can help with hydration because they constantly provide water and can attract them better.

2. A water fountain is more appealing

Are water fountains good for cats? Cats are picky about the type of water they drink. This is something that has been passed down to them from their ancestors. In their natural habitat, running water is safer than standing water, so cats that drink from moving water sources have a better chance of survival. Since the cat drinking fountains are always running, it can influence cats to drink more water. Also, cats have amazing hearing and vision, so the sound and motion of flowing water are more likely to pique their interest.

3. Cats don’t like their whiskers to be touched

A cat’s whiskers are sensitive due to the fact that they are embedded much deeper into the skin than ordinary fur. The whiskers also contain many nerves and blood flow. Cats can experience a lot of discomfort and stress when their whiskers are being touched. This means it’s incredibly important to make sure there is no pressure being put on them while they are eating and drinking. The drinking fountain eliminates the chance of their whiskers being touched by a deep bowl.

4. A water fountain produces less bacteria

Cats have more than 200 million sensors in their noses, while humans have 5 million. This means their sense of smell is almost 15 times better than humans. Due to this, cats are very sensitive to smells. It is very easy for sitting water and cat bowls to build up bacteria, causing the cats to shy away from water. Cat water fountains come with at least one form of filtration, a carbon filter, and a pump that is always cycling the water. These can be used to remove dust and dirt and prevent a buildup of bacteria.

5. It’s easier to see the water level

When water is sitting on the floor in a drinking bowl, it can become difficult to see the water level inside them. There are many different types of fountains, such as automatic, non-automatic, and stainless steel. Some fountains cycle water while others use a jug of water that gets replaced. No matter what type of fountain you have, it will be easy for both you and the cats to tell exactly how much water is left in the fountain.

Are cat fountains worth it? A drinking fountain for cats is an investment towards their long-term health and can have numerous benefits for your furry friend. You can’t go wrong when switching your deep, water dish for a good quality drinking fountain that’s both fun and reliable for your cat.

New Year’s Giveaway

We’re teaming up with Petlibro to give one lucky cat parent a new
Dockstream Water Fountain with Wireless Pump!

Click here to enter the giveaway

Entry period ends on January 13, 2023 and one winner will be chosen randomly
from the comments. The winner will be announced on January 16, 2023.
Only US residents 18+ are eligible to win.