do i need a water fountain for my cat?

A tiger in the Indian forest doesn't have a waterfall nearby. A lion on the African plains doesn't always have a running river to drink from.

Cats the world over live successfully without running water.

The idea behind a water fountain is a reasonable one: running water may encourage some cats to drink more. And there are certainly cats that enjoy drinking from a running tap or a fountain.

But most of those cats will also drink from bowls of fresh water, changed regularly and placed in different areas of the house.

The water itself is more important than how it is presented.

Fresh water every day, in a clean glass or ceramic bowl, is simple and effective. A fountain needs regular cleaning, including the pump and filter, and can develop mould or biofilm if it isn't maintained properly. Some cats may also dislike the noise.

So, do you need a water fountain for your cat?

No.

If your cat enjoys one, that's fine. But fresh water, clean bowls and several places to drink will hit the sweet spot.

Stuart Ralph BVSc
Veterinarian and founder of WellCat