Are Cat Fountains Worth it – Why Cat Lovers Should Have One
Are cat fountains worth it? A cat fountain is a water fountain that provides moving water for cats. While it might seem like a luxury item at first glance, there are plenty of reasons to consider getting one. A cat fountain is a great addition.
Are Cat Fountains Worth it?
Are cat fountains worth it? There are a number of reasons to consider getting a cat fountain. For one, cats actually have quite a low thirst drive (link) compared to other animals. In the wild, they primarily get their water from food sources, compared to wolves, bears and other mammals that need to find water sources to stay hydrated.
As such, it is important to encourage your cat to drink as much as possible so it can live longer. It is important to make sure that your cats are drinking enough water. Just like us, not enough water is an issue.
Compounding the issue is that cats don’t like drinking out of still water sources. As any cat owner can attest, cats can be a little picky. If they don’t like something, they will turn their noses to it. Odours and other elements can often throw cats off eating and drinking certain things. They prefer running water, and can often be observed putting their paw in running water before drinking it.
You may also need to worm your cat.
Are Cat Fountains Worth It?
Another strange behaviour exhibited by large cats is that they will not eat their prey in the same location it is killed – they will often drag it to the nearest water source. It can be a good idea to keep your domesticated cat water fountain in a different location than where it is most often fed.
The main reason to get a cat fountain is that the water is filtered and running. This applies not just to cats but to humans and all living organisms. Clean water is essential to health. A drinking bowl can quickly get dirty, which will have an adverse effect on the health of your cat. Cat fountains are designed primarily to deliver a clean flow of filtered water. The running water will stimulate their very low thirst drive.
For those who want their cats to live healthy life for as long as possible, a cat fountain is one of the best investments. And it won’t break the bank.
Cat Fountain Features
There is no shortage of cat fountains available for owners to choose from. While they come in all shapes and designs, the most important consideration relates to the actual filtration system itself. The overall quality of the water will determine how healthy the cat will be. Filters are typically replaceable, but this can be a hassle for owners who constantly need to change them. A better option could possibly be cat fountains that come with built-in water recirculation systems.
There are a number of other features to take into account when deciding on a cat fountain. The material itself can be made from plastic (make sure it’s BPA-free), ceramic, or stainless steel (which can often have antimicrobial properties).
Ceramic and steel are superior to plastic, even if the plastic is BPA-free. These materials can assist in the oxygenation of the water and are more resistant to harmful bacteria. Plastic can also affect the taste of the water, which might be problematic given how picky cats are in terms of what they consume. Stainless steel and non-porous ceramic are the best choices.
Dishwasher safe?
Some of them are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean and maintain. Others are larger and difficult to clean, though they will also have an advantage of a larger total capacity of water, possibly even allowing for multiple cats to drink their fill at once. This can be a useful benefit for those who own lots of cats – one cat drinking can encourage others to do the same.
What cat fountain you choose will depend on your particular requirements, and it is often a tradeoff. Be careful that your cat fountain is not too loud. This can often depend on the motor used to power the stream of water, and it may not be an issue as you can keep them in a back room or even outside.
The most critical item is that the water circulates, as some water fountains are just pools of water which is not all that encouraging to cats. Cat fountains can also serve to provide hydration to dogs as well, which is an added benefit. Your floor will not get wet. This is because of a ramp. Some will have adjustable streams.
Where to Get Cat Fountains
One of the best places to get cat fountains would be Amazon, primarily because of the customer reviews that you can use to gather information on your potential purchase. You will be able to analyze –
- Price
- Material
- Design
- Guarantee
- Filter or Circulating
- Sound of Motor
- Capacity
- Ease of maintenance
- Additional Water Filtration Enhancements.
- Additional Features
- Reviews
However, there are many places to get cat fountains and a local pet store may have some in stock. The price of cat fountains can vary widely depending on the features. They can range from $30 – $90. But considering the potential costs saved with veterinary visits, the price is not steep. Good mid-range items can be obtained for $40-$50.
Conclusion – Are Cat Fountains Worth it?
So, are cat fountains worth it? The answer is a resounding yes for those who love their cats. They are cheap, last a long time, and will prolong the life of your domesticated feline. The only possible reason not to get one is that you are good with your hands and can make one yourself with a mini-motor to pump clean water along a small surface area. Failing this characteristic (met by only a tiny percentage of the population) a cat fountain is an essential purchase and the best way to keep your feline happy and healthy. Even Seal Pint ragdolls love them!