A Comparison Between Cat Fountain Vs. Bowl

Cats have some of the strangest behaviors in the animal world, and for good reason. From their graceful walk around the house to their odd relationship with water, cats never fail to confuse us.

One minute, they seem indifferent to the still water you have placed out for them. Next, they take great interest in the fascinating waterfall or the gurgling fountain. As cat owners, we often try to make sense of these behaviors to ensure a better understanding of their care.

After all, water is the key to keeping a cat healthy. It ensures the kidneys work properly, helps with digestion, and can help prevent urinary problems—pretty common problems amongst cats. Cats are also notorious for setting very odd and almost endearing preferences for some food, so keeping them hydrated is a chore.

This brings us to a few major questions: Should you replace a standard cat water bowl with a fountain? Or are cat water fountains good? 

The following information should make the choice easier by listing all the advantages a cat water fountain entails and the disadvantages of one. By the end, you’ll know the answer to the cat fountain vs bowl dispute.

Let’s begin.

Why Is Hydration So Important For Cats

Before the cat fountain vs. bowl breakdown, answer the question: Why should your cat be kept hydrated?

Cats drink very little water — their ancestors roamed the desert. They used to get water from the animals they ate. Now, cats drink less water because they eat dry food. This can make them sick.

To avoid such issues, you must ensure your cat gets enough water. But which is the better hydration solution—running water bowl cats or a traditional still water bowl?

Traditional Water Bowls: Pros & Cons

Here are the pros and cons of traditional water bowls:

Pros of Using a Water Bowl:

● Affordable & Wide Availability: A simple water bowl is the cheapest and most readily available option.

● Little To No Maintenance: No electricity or filters to worry about; you simply clean and refill.

● Known By Most Cats: Most cats drink water from a still water source, making the change much more manageable.

Cons of Using a Water Bowl:

● Water Gets Stale: Your cat could be licking water from the bowl, but it might not even be drinking clean water — water stagnates, it gathers dust, debris, and bacteria, and it makes for a rather unpleasant setting

● Lower Water Intake: Not all cats are fond of drinking stagnant water, resulting in reduced water intake, which could be a disaster.

● Must Be Changed Daily: If the water is not changed daily, harmful bacteria and algae will develop and cause uncleanliness.

Cat Water Fountains: The Pros and Cons

Below, we will discuss the benefits of water fountains for your cats:

Pros of Using a Water Fountain

● Encourages Hydration: Cats are susceptible to running water. So, this answers the question: Do cats like water fountains? Yes, they do! The noise produced by a fountain’s action usually encourages the cat to drink more.

● Water Purifiers & Filters: Most cat water fountains are bundled with filters, ensuring the water provided to the cat remains clean and free from any impurities.

● Reduces Bacteria Growth: Moving water is fresher for longer than static water in a dish to avoid bacteria growth.

● Good water quantity: Fountains contain more significant amounts of water, which means you refill them less often. This is perfect for the busy cat mum/dad.

Cons of Using a Water Fountain

● Requires Regular Upkeep: It is necessary to wash the fountain regularly, remove mineral buildup, and clean the filter periodically, which needs to be done.

● Significant Expense: An ordinary water bowl costs less than a cat water fountain.

● Some Cats Might Have to Become Accustomed to the Water Fountain Gradually: Many cats love water. However, easily adapted to the movement as easily.

Cat Fountain Vs. Bowl: Do Cats Need a Water Fountain?

Some have no problem with a water bowl, while others prefer the fountain.

So, do cats need a water fountain?

Whether or not your cat is hydrated is a complex ordeal based on their health, behavior, and even what they are like as a cat. Cats, by their nature, enjoy drinking from flowing water sources but not stationary ones.

If your furry pal isn’t using its water bowl enough to stay hydrated, using a fountain is an innovative idea you could implement.

Especially important for cats that live solely on dry food. This means that cats will certainly not be getting enough water.

In felines with recurring urinary tract problems, renal system disease, or other holistic issues, these issues can compound. Cats with these issues must be well and correctly hydrated to keep worse conditions at bay.

Fountains also help to reduce bacterial buildup as they keep the water fresh and appealing by constantly circulating it.

The flowing water enhances the hydration habits of even healthy cats, enabling better health.

The Best Water Fountain for Cats at WOPET

If you consider replacing your cat’s water bowl with one that uses a constant water flow, WOPET has some lovely water fountains for pets.

The core devices offer fresh filtered water and improve cats' drinking habits, benefiting their health and overall well-being.

Here are the reasons why these foundations are unique -

Key Attributes Of WOPET’s Water Foundations for Pets:

● Improved Drinking Habits

Numerous cats are already inclined towards drinking running water as it resembles a waterfall or river in the wilderness.

They are WOPET water fountains for pets with continuous water circulation, which draws attention to cats, and drinking often occurs.

This is especially helpful for cats not consuming water directly from a bowl. Proper hydration is crucial to avoiding common health problems like urinary tract infections and kidney disease.

● Advanced Filtration System

It needs to be cleaned, and with the help of WOPET’s multi-stage water filtration system, cleaning won’t be your job.

They have advanced filtration systems, which can remove dirt, hair, food particles, and other impurities like mold, reducing chlorine and unpleasant odors. To learn more about maintaining a clean and healthy water fountain for your cat, visit WOPet's guide on preventing mold in cat water fountains.

This filtration system continuously supplies fresh, fresh-tasting water and encourages less bacteria growth, thus providing healthier water for pets for extended periods.

● Ultra Silent & Doesn't Waste Energy

This model is specialized for quiet use because pets’ drinking water fountains, such as the WOPET, can be loud and disruptive.

Each fountain has a low-decibel pump that aims to be as quiet as possible, not to produce irritating buzzing, which is great for light sleepers or skittish dogs. Experts concur that their construction is also environmentally friendly since these machines require little electricity while they work nonstop.

● Great Water Reservoir

This water feature truly stands out with its most distinct characteristic- its generous capacity that builds a good supply of water that lasts for several days.

This is very helpful for busy cat owners or households with several cats since the need to refill water amounts frequently is considerably reduced.

● Easy to Clean & Maintain

Cleaning pet fountains every other day can be time-consuming, but WOPET makes maintenance more manageable than most.

These fountains feature straightforward and proper disassembly for every part, making eliminating grime easy. The filter enables the water to avoid stagnation and guarantees continual freshness.

In addition, the design does not allow for slime or mold, which can be humid and filthy. Every pet owner dreams of setting up their cat's drinking station effortlessly.

Check out the WOPET Water Pet Fountain here to learn more and make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do cats prefer a fountain or a bowl?

Every cat is different! Although some are fine with an ordinary bowl, others cannot resist moving water. (Don’t try the same trick with your cat; if he seems ambivalent about cats drinking from a bowl, a fountain might promote better hydration.)

Q2: How regularly must I clean my cat’s water fountain?

Once a week is perfect to wash your cat’s water fountain to keep the water fresh and without bacteria. This means washing out the reservoir and replacing the filters per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Q3: Can I use a cat water fountain all the time?

Yes! Most fountains are meant to run constantly, providing fresh water. Just check the water level often so the pump doesn't run dry.

Q4: Are the water fountains noisy and disturb my cat?

The best cat water fountains, including the WOPET, are designed to be as close to whisper-quiet as possible. If your cat is jittery, a quieter model with a gentle bubbling sound is a good choice.

Q5: Is it worth getting a cat water fountain?

Absolutely! Cats and owners will enjoy a water fountain that promotes hydration while minimizing bacteria growth.

Conclusion

Ensuring your cat consumes enough water is important regardless of what tool you opt for. Although cats might be enigmatic, they frequently reveal their drinking habits to us. Your cat should be able to drink water well if raised with excellent manners.

But if your cat drinks from the running faucet, you should get them a water fountain. A fountain is more enticing to cats than a stagnant water bowl because it simulates a babbling brook.

Ultimately, a happy cat equals a happy home, regardless of whether you are in a debate about cat fountain vs bowl. Prioritize your cat's needs and exceed their basic expectations for a harmonious home.