Introduction
A cat water fountain is a specialized water bowl designed to circulate and filter water for cats. Unlike regular water bowls, cat fountains provide a constant stream of fresh, filtered water to encourage drinking. The benefits of cat fountains over regular bowls include:
– The flowing water encourages cats to drink more. Cats are attracted to moving water and tend to drink more when water is circulated through a fountain (Maureen J., 2022).
– Fountains filter out contaminants in tap water like chlorine (Thomas R., 2022). Cats prefer the taste of filtered, flowing water.
– Water in a fountain stays fresher for longer compared to stagnant bowl water. Cats are picky and may avoid drinking stale water.
– Fountains come in electric and non-electric options. Electric fountains continuously circulate water while non-electric models need to be refilled more often.
– Most fountains hold more water volume so you don’t have to refill as frequently as standard bowls.
– They help prevent urinary tract diseases by encouraging cats to drink more water.
Pros of Leaving It On
Leaving a cat water fountain on all the time ensures that fresh, flowing water is always available for your cat to drink (1). This constant availability of fresh water encourages cats to drink more often, helping to promote proper hydration (2). Increased water consumption provides many health benefits including improved kidney and urinary tract health (3).
Cats are attracted to running water and prefer it over standing water. A constantly running water fountain can entice picky or finicky cats to drink more. The sound and movement of flowing water from a fountain seems to encourage cats to drink more than a stationary bowl. Having fresh water available at all times means cats don’t have to wait for owners to refill bowls or for water to be freshened.
Additionally, leaving the fountain on avoids any issues created when turning it on and off. Starting and stopping the flow could potentially harbor bacteria or other risks associated with stagnant water sitting in the fountain.
Sources:
(1) https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/cat-water-fountains/
(2) https://www.pethonesty.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-switching-to-a-cat-water-fountain
(3) https://www.petassure.com/maxscorner/pros-and-cons-pet-water-fountain/
Cons of Leaving It On
While leaving the cat water fountain on at all times provides a continual source of fresh, running water for your cat, there are some downsides to consider:
Leaving the fountain on 24/7 can waste electricity and water if your cat only drinks periodically throughout the day. The pump and filter will run constantly even when your cat is not actively drinking. This can drive up your utility bills over time. Consider your cat’s drinking habits and turn off the fountain when your cat is less likely to drink, such as overnight while sleeping [1].
You can also conserve electricity by using a fountain with an automatic shutoff feature that turns off the pump after a period of inactivity. Choose a model that allows you to customize the auto shutoff time.
Cats’ Natural Drinking Habits
In the wild, cats get most of their moisture from eating their prey. However, they still need to drink water to stay properly hydrated. Cats naturally prefer fresh, flowing water as it appeals to their natural hunting instincts. Stagnant water can seem unappealing as cats associate it with being unsafe to drink (Source).
Cats have a low thirst drive compared to other pets, so they tend to drink small amounts frequently throughout the day rather than drinking a large amount at once. Drinking small sips from flowing water sources allows cats to stay hydrated while minimizing the risk of upsetting their stomach or drinking too quickly. This is why many cats are attracted to faucets, fountains, or any running water source. It matches their natural preference for fresh, flowing water (Source).
Hydration Needs
Cats’ hydration needs depend on several factors including their age, health issues, diet, and environment. Kittens need more fluids than adult cats since their bodies are still developing. Senior cats also require adequate hydration to support kidney and urinary tract health. Cats with health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism need to drink more water to flush their systems. In terms of diet, cats eating wet food take in more fluids than those on an all-dry diet. Cats in hot environments or more active cats also require higher fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
On average, cats need approximately 60 ml of water per kg of bodyweight per day according to Vetwest. So a 4 kg cat needs around 240 ml or 1 cup of water daily. However, this amount can vary based on the factors mentioned. It’s important to monitor your cat’s hydration status and adjust their access to water as needed.
Source: https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/thirsty-cat-is-it-just-hot-or-is-something-up/
Risks of Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to serious health issues in cats if left untreated. Some of the main risks include:
Kidney Disease – Dehydration stresses the kidneys and causes them to work harder. Over time, this can lead to kidney disease, which is unfortunately common in older cats. According to WebMD, kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats over 10 years old.
UTIs – Concentrated urine due to dehydration makes cats more prone to developing urinary tract infections. These are painful and can lead to obstructions in males if untreated.
Constipation – Without adequate fluid intake, cats can easily become constipated. Hard, dry stools are difficult and painful to pass. Chronic constipation can cause megacolon and other serious digestive issues.
Other risks include electrolyte imbalances, poor nutrient absorption, and impaired immune system function. It’s clear that dehydration has cascading effects on a cat’s health, so it’s critical to keep them well-hydrated.
Tips For Encouraging Drinking
One of the best tips to encourage your cat to drink more is to provide a cat fountain. A cat water fountain circulates and filters the water, which helps keep it fresh and some cats prefer the gently moving water. The fountain should be placed in an easily accessible location where your cat spends time, and not tucked away in a corner. Be sure to clean and maintain the fountain according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Even with a fountain, it’s a good idea to also provide a few bowls of standing water in other locations around the house. This gives your cat options so they can drink whenever thirsty. Try placing bowls in multiple rooms, especially where your cat eats or uses the litterbox. That covers some of the key tips for encouraging cat hydration with fountains and providing multiple water sources.
When to Turn Off
While cat water fountains are generally safe to leave on 24/7, there are some situations when it’s best to turn them off:
- At night – While some cat owners choose to leave the fountain on at night, others prefer turning it off when cats are less active and unlikely to drink much. This can help conserve energy and potentially prolong the life of the pump.
- Before vacations – When going away on vacation, it’s best to turn the fountain off so it doesn’t run continuously without use. This prevents wasting water and electricity.
- During inactive times – When cats are sleeping or not around the fountain for long stretches, consider turning it off temporarily. There’s no need to have it running constantly if no one is drinking from it.
Turning the fountain off at strategic times can help optimize its use. However, don’t leave it off for too long, as fresh circulating water is still important for feline health. Monitor your cat’s drinking habits and only turn off the fountain when you’re sure it won’t be utilized.
Signs Your Cat Is Drinking Enough
There are several signs that indicate your cat is properly hydrated and getting enough water from their fountain or other sources:
Active, healthy fur and skin – Well-hydrated cats will have soft, smooth coats without dandruff or dry, flaky skin. Their fur will look vibrant and lush.1
Regular urination – If your cat is urinating normal amounts and the urine is diluted and light yellow, not dark or concentrated, then they are likely getting sufficient fluids.2
Overall alertness and energy – Well hydrated cats will be active, playful and alert. Lethargy, weakness or sleepiness can indicate dehydration.
Strong appetite – Cats who are getting enough water will show interest in food and treats. Poor appetite may be a hydration red flag.
Moist gum tissue – Check your cat’s gums. They should appear moist and slick. Dry or sticky gums suggest dehydration.
Conclusion
In summary, leaving a cat water fountain on all the time comes with both advantages and disadvantages. The constant water flow can help promote drinking and prevent dehydration, especially for cats that prefer moving water sources. However, it can lead to excess noise and electricity usage. The ideal approach is to turn the fountain on throughout the day and off at night when cats are less active drinkers. Monitor your cat’s water intake and signs of dehydration. As long as your cat seems properly hydrated, leaving a fountain on part-time should sufficiently meet their needs. Choose a quiet, energy-efficient model if leaving it on 24/7. Provide additional fresh water bowls around your home as well. With proper precautions, cat fountains can offer convenient hydration for our feline friends.