Are Pet Water Fountains Hygienic?

The idea of encouraging cats to drink water may seem strange, but it's true. Our domestic cats are descended from desert dwellers, and while drinking water should be their first priority, it's not their primary concern. Keeping cats hydrated means better overall health and a lower likelihood of cystitis, urinary crystals, kidney problems, and more. Drinking fountains are a great way to get cats to drink more water.

Are cat drinking fountains safe?

Yes! As long as the fountain is well-made and uses the proper waterproofing materials, pets can safely drink water from a fountain. It's always a good idea to check the pump and wires, especially the part of the wire that's submerged under the water. Every time you clean it, make sure the wires aren't damaged, and if your cat likes to chew on them, use a wire protector on the wires outside the fountain unit. If you have any concerns, unplug the fountain when you're not home and provide your cat with another source of water during that time.

Cat Drinking Fountain Options

Styles

There are a variety of styles to choose from. Don't be afraid to try a few if your cat doesn't respond to the first. Some fountains bubble, while others use a waterfall effect. You can even find options where the water flows out of the spout, just like a faucet. Your cat may prefer a big stream of water or a small spray of water. Some like to lick the water as it falls, while others want to drink water from the tank. You can find a fountain that satisfies all of their instincts and personal preferences.

Cleaning

Look for options with easy-to-clean parts. You'll need to hand-wash certain parts, such as the pump. Corners, grooves, rubber fittings, etc. can be difficult to clean. Remember that anything that holds water for a long time will create nasty slime, and you need to be able to wash all the nooks and crannies.

Materials

You can buy drinking fountains made of plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Plastic can get scratched, and scratches can breed bacteria. Stainless steel and ceramic are usually better choices and easier to clean.

Cord Length

Using an extension cord is generally not a good idea. Make sure you buy the model you want (and find one that fits in the nearest outlet). There are also some options available for rechargeable pumps - no cords required.

Filters

Many cat drinking fountains come with filters. Some filters are very small, while others cover the entire surface. Keep in mind the cost of replacing these filters each month when looking at different options.

Sound

You will be listening to this fountain day after day, so keep the noise factor in mind. A nozzle-style fountain makes a different sound than a raindrop, bubble, or waterfall-style fountain.

Lighting

Many pet drinking fountains have lights to attract your kitty's attention and make the fountain easy to find in the dark.

Capacity

Think about how often you want to refill the fountain and how much water your pet will drink.
Automatic shut-off pump. You won't always be able to see the water level, so it's important to buy a fountain with a pump that shuts off if the water level drops too low.

How to Clean a Cat Drinking Fountain

Cleaning a fountain is essential for your cat's health. All kinds of dirt, debris, and hair can end up in a fountain, and since it's constantly holding water, it can get slimy. Imagine if you didn't rinse your cat's water bowl regularly. The same can happen with sticky hard water that accumulates in a standing water bowl, which also happens with fountains. The flow of water and filters should help, but you still need to clean the fountain regularly. A good way to remember when to clean a fountain is to clean it every time you need to refill it (usually about once a week).