Cat Fountain or Water Bowl? Selecting the Best Water Solution for Your Cat

Making sure that your cat has plenty of water helps them stay healthy. For most cat lovers, this comes down to choosing a water fountain or bowl that fits their feline friend’s preferences. When you’re stuck between the two options, you can use this guide to pick one that your favorite cat will enjoy drinking from throughout the day.

What is a Water Fountain?

Water fountains for cats simply use a motorized device to create a constant stream of water. Cats in the wild are naturally attracted to the sight and sound of moving water and most, though not all, domestic cats respond similarly to those same sights and sounds in the home. Aside from moving water being more enticing to most cats, a cat fountain’s continuous flow of water can prevent buildup in the bowl. However, not every cat is attracted to fountains, so it is recommended to have both a cat fountain and a bowl of still water in the home until you’ve determined that all of the cats in your home prefer moving water to still water.

Since cats need to drink around four ounces of water for every five pounds of their body weight, enticing them to lap up as much as they can is good for their health. Keep in mind that water fountains aren’t usually directly linked to a plumbing system. Thus, for standalone fountains, you may need to plan for pet sitting in Chicago to fill up the basin when you are away from home.

How to Choose the Best Water Fountain

Water fountains come in a variety of materials that you can select from to make sure the one you pick lasts. While most water fountains are manufactured to meet safety standards, you’ll want to keep an eye out for reputable brands. You can start your search by looking for these qualities.

Avoid Plastic

Plastic bowls are harder to clean and disinfect due to their semi-porous nature. They can also develop scratches over time that harbor bacteria. Although the running water deters mildew and bacterial growth, it’s simply best to opt for a cat fountain made of metal.

Prioritize Locally Made and Sourced Materials

Being an eco-friendly cat owner is important for preserving the environment and keeping your pet as safe as possible. Starting by looking for water fountains that are locally made helps to ensure that they meet general safety standards for both your pets and the environment.

How to Choose the Best Water Bowl

If your cat prefers a water bowl, then you still have many options for finding one that suits their tastes. You can start by choosing a bowl that is wide and shallow, since many cats prefer to avoid having their whiskers touch the sides. Arranging for once- or twice-daily cat sitting in the Chicago area also helps you ensure that the water stays clean, cool, and fresh. A cat sitter can even add an ice cube or two if that’s something your cat enjoys.

Choose Non-Toxic and Pet-Safe Materials

Water bowls for cats come in lots of materials that may not always be the safest for your furry friend. Just like you would for your children, you’ll want to select a bowl that is made using non-toxic materials that won’t cause illnesses. If your pet is feisty, then it’s also important to make sure that the bowl can withstand being knocked around without breaking into sharp pieces.

Opt for Stainless Steel

Stainless steel water bowls have several qualities that make it easier to care for your cat. For instance, the non-porous material makes them easy to clean. You can even put this type of water bowl in the dishwasher to sanitize it. Stainless steel bowls also help to keep the water cooler, which deters bacterial growth and makes it more appealing to your cat. Furthermore, plastic plates and bowls can cause cats to break out around their mouth and nose. Stainless steel lessens the risk of cats getting facial acne, particularly with water bowls and fountains.

Every cat needs a quality water bowl or water fountain, and you may find that having several around the house is a great way to encourage hydration for your pet. In fact, you can opt to have both fountains and water bowls in your cat’s favorite places to determine which they prefer most. Pairing a water system with regular pet sitting to replenish your pet’s supply of fresh, clean water keeps your cat hydrated and healthy for a long lifespan.