If you’re the companion to a lovely feline, then you’ve probably noticed that cats don’t really like drinking water. Yup, it’s almost like they hate the stuff. Actually, cats just have a really low thirst urge. But not drinking enough water can lead to kidney and health complications for your kitty. You can prevent this by adding wet food to your cat’s diet and setting up a water fountain for your cat. I’ll tell you why in a jiffy.
In the wild, cats eat a lot of high-moisture meat, so they rarely need water. However, your cat isn’t Mufasa and will require you to give them all the moisture they can get. Did I mention that cats are also very picky about where their water comes from? Yes! Cats hate stagnant water, and their natural instincts equate running water to fresh, clean water. So, if you see your cat turning away from its kitty water bowl, then it’s probably time to invest in a cat water fountain.
Why Should You Get A Cat Water Fountain?
If you’ve been considering buying your cat a water fountain, and you aren’t sure they actually need it, well, here are five (5) reasons why getting a cat water fountain is the right idea.
1. A Fountain Increases The Cat’s Water Intake
If you think your cat drinks enough water from the water bowl, think again. I thought the exact same thing until I decided to use a water fountain for my cat. My cat used to drink from her water bowl several times per day, but when I set up a water fountain for her I noticed she increased her water drinking by about 10%. It was really unexpected.
A study conducted by David C Grant and published in the Journal of Feline Medicine And Surgery concluded that water fountains don’t greatly increase a cat’s water intake, but they do increase it in comparison to a bowl. The group of this study was small, with 10 healthy cats (3 cats were removed from the study). According to the study, the cat’s response regarding drinking more or less from a water fountain will depend on the individual. I can attest that my cat Sophie really increased her water intake a lot. Watch my cat drinking water in her new fountain for the first time:
As a side note, the study also concludes that the cat’s urine dilution can’t be achieved by only using a water fountain, wet food needs to be added to the cat’s diet. In my article about what’s the best type of food for a cat, I mention the importance of feeding your cat dry and wet food.
2. Cats Are Enticed To Drink From Circulating Water
If you’ve been around cats for a while, you must have noticed that they are enticed to drink circulating water. It’s in their nature. That’s why Kitty is always running to sip from the kitchen tap or hangs around the shower waiting for you to turn it on, and there’s an excellent evolutionary reason behind it.
3. Cats Find It Tastier
Due to their instincts, cats believe that trickling or flowing water tastes better than water in a bowl; and they aren’t far from the truth. Water that’s been left out for too long can lose its refreshing taste, turning bland or flat-out awful. This may be caused by the bacteria that can collect on the stagnant water. Cats with their sensitive noses can smell stale water and may avoid it like the plague.
Water fountains are a surefire way to keep your kitty’s water fresh and cool – just the way they like it.
4. A Bowl Hides Water Depth
Cats don’t have a great sense of depth when there’s water involved. Water in a bowl may seem too deep and scary for your cat. However, a cat water fountain solves the whole depth perception problem, letting your cat drink without any fear of falling in.
5. Cats Have Sensitive Whiskers
One of the most sensitive parts of a cat would be its whiskers. Cats use their whiskers to feel the space around them and don’t like anything suddenly touching them. A water bowl would mean that your cat may have its whiskers continually rubbing against the bowl. This can be disconcerting for the poor fella and can also lead to whisker fatigue or stress.
6. It’s Cleaner
No matter how often you change the water in your pet’s bowl, you can’t prevent all sorts of nasty little bacteria from growing on the water’s surface once it’s been left to stand. But you know what can? A good old water fountain. Many water fountains come with filters that continually clean the water as it passes through it. Plus, it’s harder for bacteria to grow on moving water. So, your cat gets a clean and healthy drink.
7. It’s Fun For Them
The same study conducted by David C Grant concluded that most of the cats ended up playing with the water fountain. The reason for this is simple, a water fountain is fun for cats; they like to paw at it. This makes the water fountain a device with a double function: to increase your cat’s water intake and also your cat’s activity. The water’s movement and the trickling sounds it makes is like a magnet to cats and persuades them to drink more and also play.
You can’t go wrong with a water fountain for your cat. All you need to do is pick a good quality cat drinking fountain that’s sturdy and purrfect. Aim for products that don’t make a lot of noise and are safe for your pets. Excellent maintenance culture is also essential. Be sure to clean the cat water fountain regularly and place it in the right spot too.
Don’t hesitate to reach me if you’ve got any questions. I am here. Always.
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