What Type of Water Fountain Is Best for Cats?

If your cat is picky about water, it might be time to find a new water bowl. There are a lot of different options out there, so with a little research you can find the ideal bowl for your pet.
Cats are naturally very thirst-tolerant. If their water isn't quite right -- for example, it's too hot or they don't like the bowl -- they'll likely choose not to drink. Likewise, many cats will ignore their water bowl and go to the watering hole to drink, often for reasons you can't understand. That's why choosing the right bowl for your cat is so important.

Choosing the Right Cat Water Bowl

Before you choose the perfect water bowl for your cat, think about what they might like. Your cat's personality is something to consider, as well as their dietary preferences. For example, if they have a tendency to knock things over, a heavier drinking bowl might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if they don't like their whiskers hitting things (which many cats do), then a wider bowl will be more comfortable for them. Sometimes you may have to try a few different cat water bowls before you find one they like, but luckily, most are inexpensive.

Types of Cat Bowls

Traditional Cat Water Bowls

In short, this is a regular bowl designed for cats to drink from. This is probably the type of water bowl you'll see most often. They're very affordable, easily available, and require little fuss. Many cats will happily drink from a bowl of standing water. However, since cats can also be picky about their water sources, many felines may turn their noses up at a bowl of standing water, especially if there's a dripping faucet nearby that they can drink directly from. To make their water more appealing, you'll need to make sure to change it regularly—all cats love fresh, cool water—and make sure it doesn't run dry.

Bowl with a Drinking Fountain

An alternative to a standard water bowl is a bowl with a drinking fountain that keeps the water level up. These bowls are usually made of plastic, and some come with an upright water bottle attached. As your cat drinks, the water bottle slowly drains, keeping the water level constant. This is different from providing tap water, but it means you won't have to refill it as often. This is a good option if you're away from home all day.

Cat Drinking Fountain

This type of drinking fountain is great for cats who won't drink from standing water. If your cat tends to drink from the faucet or other places they shouldn't, it may be because they prefer fresh, running water. A cat drinking fountain may be the solution. These are usually powered by a very small electric motor. Fill the bowl with water and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating. Your cat can then drink from the bowl or from the falling water. Many cat water fountains also include filters to help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. At the higher end of the market, cat water fountains can also cool the water - perfect for summer use.

Where should I put my cat's water bowl?

Just like their food, cats' water bowls should be placed in a relatively quiet area. For example, hallways may be too busy for them, even if they are very sociable.

Place your cat's water bowl somewhere clean and odor-free - away from their litter box! Cats are very clean animals, and just like us, they like to keep things separate. For your own peace of mind, it's also a good idea to place your cat's water bowl on an easily clean surface, such as tile or laminate flooring. So always place your cat's water bowl on the floor where they can easily reach for the water. Even if cats like to jump and climb, avoid tables and countertops.