Cat Water Fountains and Bowls: What to Look for Before You Buy

Short answer: a good water setup is a wide bowl your cat's whiskers do not touch, made of glass or ceramic, in a spot where your cat can see its surroundings, with several water points around the home. A fountain can help if your cat likes running water, but it is an extra, not a requirement. These points come from the Four Paws guide to cat-friendly water bowls.

Bowl material

Four Paws says animals tend to favour drinking from glass and ceramic bowls, and suggests testing a few options to see what your cat uses. Whatever you choose, it should be easy to wash and free of chips or cracks, where bacteria can build up. This second point is our own practical advice rather than something the guide states.

Bowl size and shape

Choose a bowl wide enough that your cat's whiskers do not brush the rim. Four Paws notes that whisker contact gives the cat extra sensory input, which can cause stress. A wide, shallow bowl is a simple way to avoid the problem. Our hydration guide explains how much water cats typically need and how to tell if your cat is drinking enough.

Where to put the bowl

• In view. Four Paws suggests placing the bowl where your cat can see its surroundings while drinking, so it feels secure and less exposed.
• Away from the food bowl. The guide admits there is no direct evidence that cats dislike drinking near food, but many cats seem more comfortable when the two are separated.
• In several places. Put bowls around the home so water is always within reach and your cat has choices.

Are fountains worth it?

Four Paws says running water appeals to some cats, and recommends drinking fountains of the kind sold in many pet shops. A dripping tap may also interest a cat. If you try a fountain, keep a normal bowl available as well, so your cat can pick. Fountains have more parts than a bowl, so look for one that comes apart and washes easily. Check also that the pump is quiet, since a noisy pump may put a cat off. These two shopping tips are our suggestions, not findings from the guide.

Keeping water fresh

Four Paws advises fresh water every day. Rinse and wash bowls regularly with mild, unscented soap, and clean fountain parts according to the maker's instructions.

When drinking changes

A sudden increase or drop in drinking can signal illness, for example kidney or urinary problems. Contact your vet if you notice a change; our guide to chronic kidney disease in cats lists the signs, and the urinary problems guide covers litter box warning signs.

What to look for when you shop

• Glass or ceramic, with a wide, shallow shape.
• Smooth surfaces that are easy to wash.
• For fountains: removable parts, a quiet pump and a size suited to your home.
• Enough bowls for each room your cat uses.

One fountain to look at

If you decide a fountain suits your cat, one option to consider is the Cattasaurus 135 oz stainless steel water fountain. Its listing describes a 304 stainless steel build, a quiet pump, a smart sensor and six-layer filtration. Check it against the list above: parts you can take apart and wash, a quiet pump and a size that fits your home. Look at the current price and recent reviews on the product page before you decide.

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Quick checklist

• Wide bowl, no whisker contact; glass or ceramic.
• Water in view, away from food, in several places.
• Fresh water every day; wash often.
• Fountain optional; keep a bowl too.
• Call your vet if drinking changes suddenly.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• How much water should a cat drink?
• Chronic kidney disease in cats
• Cat straining to pee: urinary problems
• How much should you feed your cat?
• Caring for a senior cat
• Indoor cat enrichment

Sources

• Four Paws: Cat-friendly water bowl