It’s a well-known fact among cat lovers that our feline friends often don’t drink enough water. This is partly due to their evolutionary origins as desert animals, which means they naturally have a lower thirst drive. Ideally, they would compensate for this by getting sufficient moisture from their diet, which is a key reason why wet cat food is often recommended over dry kibble. But even with wet food, encouraging water intake is crucial for their health.
One effective strategy to boost your cat’s hydration is to provide multiple water sources around your home, such as large water bowls. Another popular option, and the focus of our discussion, is the Water Fountain For Cats. These fountains come in various designs, often aesthetically pleasing and producing gentle, inviting water sounds. Many cat owners, including myself, use water fountains for cats. However, my experience has been a bit of a love-hate relationship, and it’s important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks.
Cheaper plastic water fountains for cats are widely available, but they present some challenges. Plastic is a porous material that can harbor bacteria, making these fountains harder to clean thoroughly. Furthermore, many plastic fountains rely on gravity-based filtration systems. This means if there’s a power outage or pump failure, the water can become inaccessible to your cat, often trapped under a cover. I’ve personally witnessed situations where a non-functional fountain left the water undrinkable. If you opt for a plastic fountain, it’s essential to have backup water bowls readily available.
On the other hand, ceramic water fountains for cats are a more premium option. While they are more expensive, they are significantly easier to keep clean due to their non-porous surface. Many ceramic models also feature an open bowl design, ensuring your cat can still access water even if the pump malfunctions. However, ceramic fountains are not without their maintenance needs. Tap water can leave mineral deposits, and any surface roughness can still provide a foothold for bacteria. Therefore, regular and thorough cleaning is still necessary for ceramic fountains.
I make it a point to deep clean my cat water fountains at least once a month, which involves complete disassembly, scrubbing, and filter replacement. Ideally, I would increase this to every two weeks if time allowed. It’s undeniably more time-consuming than just washing regular water bowls. A surprisingly effective cleaning hack I discovered for removing hard water deposits from ceramic fountains is using toilet bowl cleaner! It might sound unusual, but considering both toilets and ceramic fountains are ceramic and constantly exposed to water, it makes perfect sense for tackling these stubborn deposits.
Cleaning the pump is equally important when maintaining water fountains for cats. Bacteria can thrive within the pump mechanism itself. When cleaning, I use hot water and diluted vinegar to sanitize the pump. If you’ve ever noticed slimy particles expelled when you turn on the fountain, that’s a visible sign of biofilm buildup inside the pump. To clean it, submerge the pump in a bowl of hot water and vinegar and let it run for about five minutes. Remember to rinse it thoroughly afterward and, crucially, replace the filter monthly. The filters in cat water fountains are designed to trap larger debris like hair and food particles, but they cannot eliminate bacteria, which are far too small to be filtered out.
One innovative product that has caught my attention is the AquaPurr motion-activated cat water fountain. This fountain offers a unique solution to the cleaning challenge by eliminating water recirculation. It connects directly to a faucet, typically in a bathroom or kitchen, and dispenses fresh tap water when your cat triggers the motion sensor. If I had spare counter space in a bathroom, I would definitely consider getting an AquaPurr. It’s a truly ingenious and hygienic approach to providing fresh water.
In conclusion, a ceramic water fountain for cats with an open bowl is a great choice if you are committed to regular cleaning and maintenance. Over time, neglect can lead to slimy, bacteria-laden fountains, even if they appear clean at first glance. I’ve certainly encountered and cleaned many neglected fountains, and I admit to being guilty of letting it slide myself occasionally – life gets busy! That slimy feel in the bowl is a clear indicator of bacterial biofilm in your cat’s drinking water.
However, if you prefer a simpler approach or find fountains too demanding to maintain, don’t feel pressured to get one. Providing multiple clean, fresh water bowls around your home is equally effective, in my professional opinion. Don’t assume a water fountain for cats will be less work; it often requires more effort. But, they can be aesthetically pleasing, create calming sounds, and some cats genuinely prefer drinking from them. Ultimately, the best choice is what ensures your cat stays hydrated and healthy, whether it’s a fountain or a simple bowl.
