Can we please discuss cat water fountains?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend their cat water fountain? New to this arena and prefer one that doesn't get gross easily or isn't a pain to clean. Is there anything I should look for/think about when getting one?

We have one cat.

Thanks.

PS: My cat is the best.

[Anonymous]

I had one years ago. It was nice. My cat ruined it by stuffing toys into the filter. Choose a design where that isn't possible. My cat may not be the best, but he does keep us on our toes.

[Anonymous]

They're all pretty much the same imo. Will need a good scrubbing and new filter monthly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They're all pretty much the same imo. Will need a good scrubbing and new filter monthly.

If you have any remotely hard water its a total PITA. Descaling and filter changing makes it all not worth it. Also I question how good of a job those filters can do with slobber tainted water that is recirculated. Ew.

I have found using clear glass bowls filled all the way to the top attracts my cat that would love to drink out of every single faucet in the house.

WAIT. I just realized on might get some excitement out of a clear bowl with water and a fish tank bubbler. Maybe that would attract fussy drinkers? Youd change the water daily, but at least there would be visual interest and sound for the cat. I literally never thought of this until this exact moment.

[Anonymous]

OP if your cat is not a fussy drinker requiring a drip fountain just stick to a water bowl. Especially with ONE cat.

ALL these fountains get GROSS and are a PITA to clean. One bowl, empty, refill, done. Clean. Simple. You're welcome.

Enjoy your new buddy!

[Anonymous]

OP here-- thank you so much!

I think I will invest in a large glass bowl for her and turn on the faucet for her, once in a while, for shits and giggles. She also likes to get her head wet.

[Anonymous]

My cat loved the one I got him. All I did to clean it was take it apart, put the pieces in the dishwasher and replace the filter.
He used to get in the shower with me when he was young, he loved water.
I love that PP's cat stuffed toys into the filter. That is creative.

[Anonymous]

I may not be understanding the “fountain” aspect but we use a water feeder that is a system with a large clear plastic jug set atop a dish that automatically refills. We have 2 cats a dog and have 2 of them (they all share). I empty and refill 2-3 times a week which includes scrubbing the detachable bowl part with regular dish soap. Whole process (emptying refilling and washing the bowl parts) takes maybe 5min total for both. The ones we have are inexpensive and from some chain pet store or other.

[Anonymous]

Use a water bowl. I keep two bowls out.

[Anonymous]

We put a water bowl in the bathroom. For some reason they like to drink from it than the bowl in the kitchen near their food.

[Anonymous]

We use a water dribbler.

[Anonymous]

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/6637985696638724285?q=cat+water+fountain&client=safari&biw=1440&bih=696&dpr=2&prds=eto:12103203314697603798_1,pid:14472850359087432266,rskC_12456785708914881691

I had this one for my cat years ago. It was not at all difficult to clean or maintain and my cat liked it. When she died I gave it to someone else. I don't know why people are saying they're a pain to maintain--I'm about the laziest person there is and I had zero issues with it. It's actually easier to keep clean than my dog's water bowl that sits stagnant, because the water keeps moving which keeps grunge from building up.

[Anonymous]

My husband just got this one for our cats and it’s awesome:
Tomxcute Cat Water Fountain, 3.2L/108oz Automatic Stainless Steel Pet Fountain Dog Water Dispenser, Ultra-Quiet Pump and 3 Replacement Filters & for Cats, Dogs, Multiple Pets https://a.co/d/icjgAAm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They're all pretty much the same imo. Will need a good scrubbing and new filter monthly.

If you have any remotely hard water its a total PITA. Descaling and filter changing makes it all not worth it. Also I question how good of a job those filters can do with slobber tainted water that is recirculated. Ew.

I have found using clear glass bowls filled all the way to the top attracts my cat that would love to drink out of every single faucet in the house.

WAIT. I just realized on might get some excitement out of a clear bowl with water and a fish tank bubbler. Maybe that would attract fussy drinkers? Youd change the water daily, but at least there would be visual interest and sound for the cat. I literally never thought of this until this exact moment.

Try putting ice - or blocks of ice - in the water bowl in the morning. This helped attract my previous cat to the water bowl to drink more.

[Anonymous]

I need a fountain for my 1.5 year old cat. She still puts her toys in it, but at least she doesn't knock the fountain over while playing, like she did with simple bowls.

It's about 3 feet from her food bowl which I know is too close for most cats, but she adjusted just fine. Considering the 2-3 pee clumps I find a day, she's staying hydrated. But she also eats a can of wet food a day.