Drinking Fountain: More Reason to Drink
Cats are descended from desert animals and naturally feel little thirst. In the past they got much of their fluid from their prey. If your cat mainly eats dry food, her intake can easily fall short. A drinking fountain keeps the water moving, and that is exactly what attracts many cats. Gentle splashing and a fresh taste mean your cat visits her water station more often.
Which drinking fountain suits your home?
For a single cat, a compact fountain such as the PetSafe Drinkwell Mini is often enough. The stainless steel Drinkwell 360 has several streams of water all the way round, so two cats can drink at the same time. Stainless steel is robust and easy to clean. The Drinkwell Platinum lets the water fall in a free-flowing stream, which many cats find particularly fascinating. If you have several pets, a large 7.5 litre fountain lasts longer before you need to top it up.
Filters and care
An activated carbon filter catches hair, food scraps and unpleasant tastes. Replace it regularly so the water keeps tasting fresh. You'll find matching replacement filters right here. In addition, take the fountain apart about once a week, rinse it out and give the pump a quick clean. That way it runs quietly and the water stays clear.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a cat drink per day?
As a rough rule of thumb, around 40 to 60 ml per kilogram of body weight, spread across food and water. That's why cats on wet food visibly drink less. If your cat suddenly drinks noticeably more than usual, have it checked by your vet.
My cat avoids the new drinking fountain. What can I do?
At first, leave the old bowl out as well and place the fountain in a quiet spot. Some cats are sceptical to begin with and just watch it for a few days. A treat placed nearby often helps with the first contact.
Is a drinking fountain noisy?
The pump hums quietly, much like a small aquarium. If it gets louder, the water level is usually too low or the pump is dirty. Topping up and cleaning almost always solves the problem.
Drinking Fountains for Cats: Water That Sparks Curiosity
Cats often drink less than is good for them. It's in their nature, as their ancestors lived in dry regions and got much of their fluid from prey. Many cats ignore still water in a bowl, yet drink eagerly from a dripping tap. A drinking fountain makes use of exactly that: the water flows constantly, is cleaned by a filter and stays pleasantly fresh. Small fountains are ideal for one cat, while larger stainless steel models or those with more capacity suit homes with several pets. It's important to change the filter regularly and keep the fountain clean. Replacement filters with activated carbon are available right here. With very little effort, your cat has fresh water every day that she actually enjoys drinking, all day long.