Hydration Made Easy: The Best Pet Fountains for Cats and Dogs
Published on November 28 by Julia
As pet owners, one of our most important responsibilities is ensuring that our furry friends stay healthy and hydrated. While offering fresh water is a basic need, many pets, especially cats and dogs, can be picky about drinking from a stagnant bowl. This is where pet fountains come into play—an innovative and effective way to encourage your pets to drink more water by mimicking the flowing water of a stream or fountain.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of pet fountains, how to choose the right one for your pet, and the top products on the market to help keep your pet hydrated and healthy.
Why Do Pets Need Pet Fountains?
Dehydration can lead to a variety of health issues for pets, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and digestive issues. For cats and dogs, drinking enough water is essential for overall health, but many pets are reluctant to drink from still water bowls. Pet fountains offer a solution to this problem by providing fresh, filtered, and continuously circulating water, which mimics the natural running water that animals instinctively prefer.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a pet fountain:
Encourages Hydration Pet fountains encourage pets to drink more water, which can be especially helpful for cats, who are known to drink less water than they should. Cats tend to prefer running water because it’s instinctively seen as fresher and cleaner than still water, and pet fountains provide that very experience.
Cleaner Water Pet fountains often come with filters that help remove impurities, hair, and debris from the water. This keeps the water fresher and more appealing to pets, reducing the likelihood of contamination and unpleasant odors. Some fountains even come with charcoal filters to help neutralize bad smells and taste.
Healthier Pets Regular hydration is critical for your pet's health, particularly for urinary tract and kidney health. Cats, in particular, can be prone to urinary tract issues, and providing fresh, flowing water is a great way to help prevent these conditions. Drinking more water can also support better digestion and overall energy levels.
No More Stagnant Water A traditional water bowl can become contaminated quickly, especially if pets leave food particles or their own saliva behind. Pet fountains keep the water moving, which helps reduce bacteria build-up and keeps the water more hygienic over time.
Less Maintenance With a pet fountain, you don’t have to worry about refilling your pet’s bowl as often. Many fountains are designed to hold a larger volume of water than a traditional bowl, so they require less frequent refills. Additionally, the circulating water helps prevent it from becoming stale, reducing the need for constant cleaning.
How to Choose the Best Pet Fountain for Your Pet
When choosing a pet fountain, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you pick the best one for your pet’s needs.
1. Size and Capacity
The size of the fountain should match the size of your pet. For a single pet, a small to medium-sized fountain is usually sufficient. However, if you have multiple pets, you’ll need a larger fountain with a bigger water capacity to ensure there’s enough water available for everyone.
Consider the volume of water the fountain can hold and how often it needs to be refilled. If you’re going away for a few days, a larger capacity will help minimize the need for daily refills.
2. Material
Pet fountains come in a variety of materials, including plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel and ceramic options tend to be more durable and easier to clean, while plastic fountains are typically lighter and less expensive.
Stainless steel and ceramic are also more resistant to bacteria and odors, making them a great choice for long-term use.
3. Filtration System
Look for a fountain that includes a good filtration system to ensure the water stays clean and fresh. Most fountains come with replaceable filters, which can include activated charcoal to help remove impurities and odors.
Some pet fountains have multi-stage filtration systems, which provide better water quality and a more thorough purification process.
4. Noise Level
Not all pet fountains are created equal in terms of noise. Some fountains can be quite noisy, which might bother both you and your pet. Choose a quiet fountain that operates smoothly and doesn’t create unnecessary sound while the water circulates.
5. Ease of Cleaning
A pet fountain that is easy to clean is essential for maintaining a hygienic environment for your pet. Choose a fountain with removable parts that are dishwasher safe or easy to clean by hand. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
6. Design and Style
Pet fountains come in a variety of designs. Some are sleek and modern, while others feature a more decorative look. Choose a design that complements your home and is aesthetically pleasing. However, always prioritize functionality and ease of use over looks.
Top Pet Fountains on the Market
Here are some of the top-rated pet fountains to consider for your furry friend:
1. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
Best for: Multiple pets and large breed dogs
The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum is one of the most popular pet fountains due to its high capacity and advanced filtration system. With a 168-ounce capacity, this fountain is ideal for multiple pets or larger dogs. It features a free-falling stream of water, which is great for encouraging pets to drink more. The fountain comes with a replaceable charcoal filter and an additional pre-filter to remove large debris and hair from the water.
Pros:
Large capacity.
Dual filtration system for cleaner water.
Adjustable water flow to suit your pet's preference.
Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons:
Can be noisy on the highest flow setting.
Requires frequent cleaning due to the large surface area.
2. Catit Flower Fountain
Best for: Cats and small dogs
The Catit Flower Fountain is a stylish and compact fountain that features a unique flower design, making it both functional and decorative. With a 100-ounce water capacity, it’s perfect for cats, small dogs, and multi-pet households. The three water flow settings (calming, bubbling, or streaming) allow you to adjust the flow to suit your pet's preferences.
Pros:
Compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Multiple flow settings for variety.
Quiet operation.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
Smaller capacity, needs frequent refilling for multiple pets.
The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 is a high-quality stainless steel fountain designed for households with multiple pets. The 360-degree design allows pets to drink from any side of the fountain, making it ideal for homes with more than one animal. It also features a replaceable carbon filter and a free-falling water stream to encourage drinking.
Pros:
Large capacity (128 ounces) ideal for multi-pet households.
360-degree drinking area.
Dishwasher-safe parts.
Stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning.
Cons:
May be too large for small spaces.
A bit on the expensive side.
4. Veken Pet Fountain
Best for: Budget-friendly option with a great filtration system
The Veken Pet Fountain offers great value for money while still providing a high-quality drinking experience for your pet. It features a 95-ounce water capacity, which is ideal for smaller pets or households with one or two animals. It has a triple filtration system that keeps the water clean, and the quiet pump ensures minimal noise while running.
Pros:
Affordable price point.
Quiet operation.
Triple filtration system.
LED light for night visibility.
Cons:
Smaller capacity than some higher-end models.
May require more frequent refilling for large dogs or multiple pets.
Conclusion: A Happy, Hydrated Pet Starts with a Fountain
Pet fountains are an excellent way to encourage your pets to drink more water, maintain their health, and reduce the risk of dehydration-related health issues. Whether you have a cat that refuses to drink from a traditional bowl or a dog who needs a little extra encouragement to stay hydrated, a pet fountain can help keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
When choosing the right pet fountain, consider factors such as size, material, ease of cleaning, and the filtration system to find the one that best suits your pet's needs. With the right pet fountain, you’ll ensure that your pet always has access to fresh, clean water that encourages them to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Discover More Content
Effective Deshedding Tips for a Healthier Dog Coat
Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean: Why Toothbrushes Matter
How to Improve Your Dog’s Kidney Health with Diet