High Initial Cost
One of the main cons of cat water fountains is their high initial cost compared to regular water bowls. While you can buy a basic bowl for just a few dollars, most cat fountains cost between $20-50 depending on the size, material, and features. This higher price point makes them a significant investment for cat owners.
The fountains have higher production costs due to their electric pump, filtration system, and flowing water design. These specialized parts drive the price up. Additionally, fountains are a niche pet product without the same mainstream demand as basic bowls. The smaller target market leads to higher retail costs.
For owners getting a cat fountain for the first time, the high initial outlay can be hard to justify over a simple bowl. While the fountain may pay off long-term by promoting hydration and health, the upfront cost is still much higher compared to the alternative. This can deter some owners from trying out a fountain in the first place.
Requires Maintenance
One potential downside of cat water fountains is that they require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria growth. The moist environment inside the fountain, combined with food particles and cat hair, can allow mold and bacteria to thrive if not cleaned regularly.
Experts recommend cleaning most cat fountains at least once a week to prevent buildup of slime, mold, and bacteria. This involves disassembling the fountain, scrubbing all parts with soap and water, and replacing the filter 1. The pump and tubing also need to be cleaned and properly aired out to prevent mold. Refilling the water reservoir is recommended daily.
For those that do not want to deal with weekly cleanings, this extra maintenance could be seen as a downside to using a cat water fountain. It takes time and effort to keep the fountain clean for safe pet drinking. Some pet owners may find this annoying or time consuming.
Noise
One of the cons of cat water fountains is that they can generate noise from the pump and flowing water, which some owners find disruptive. As Catmate Cat Water Fountain Review – TechnoMEOW discusses, most cat fountains do produce some level of noise, though some models are quieter than others. The pump motor and vibration from flowing water creates an audible hum or trickling sound. This may be distracting, especially for fountains placed in quiet environments like a bedroom. Some cats accustomed to silence may be startled or put off by sudden fountain noises. Noise levels depend on factors like pump type, fountain design, water flow speed, and surface material. Owners looking for a very quiet cat fountain may need to carefully research low noise models.
Not Portable
One of the cons of cat water fountains is that they are not very portable. Cat fountains require electricity to run the pump and filter, so they need to be plugged in at all times. This makes taking a cat fountain on the go very difficult. Unlike a regular water bowl, cat fountains cannot simply be picked up and moved from place to place.
The size and shape of most cat fountains also makes them bulky and inconvenient for travel. Even smaller cat fountains are quite heavy when filled with water. Trying to fit a fountain in a car when traveling with a cat can be very challenging.
For pet owners who like to travel with their cat or frequently move houses, the lack of portability of a cat fountain can be a major drawback. Not being able to bring the fountain with the cat to new environments could disrupt their water consumption habits.
Some cat owners try to overcome the portability issue by purchasing a special travel cat fountain. However, these travel fountains tend to have very limited capacity and may not work as well as a full-size fountain.
In summary, the stationary nature and cumbersome size of cat fountains make them impractical for travel or frequent moves. This can be a notable downside for owners who prefer to have their cat’s fountain accessible at all times.
May Promote Overdrinking
The continuous flowing water from cat fountains can cause some cats to drink excessively, leading to overhydration. According to one source, “Excessive consumption of water in cats can be a sign of kidney failure.” Overhydration dilutes essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium in the blood, causing potentially dangerous imbalances. Signs of overhydration include increased urination, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite.1
Cats with chronic kidney disease are especially prone to overdrinking from fountains. One study found that cats drank significantly more from fountains compared to bowls, concluding fountains “may not be appropriate water sources for cats with urolithiasis or CKD.”2 If your cat is drinking excessively from a fountain, switching back to a bowl may be advised to regulate fluid intake.
Potential Leaking
One of the most common issues reported with cat water fountains, especially cheaper models, is leaking and spilling water. Many fountains have parts that need to be assembled correctly to prevent leaks, such as the pump housing and tubing. Improper assembly is a frequent cause of leaks, according to Petsafe.
In addition to assembly issues, cheaper plastic fountains may develop cracks or splits over time, causing chronic leaks. This seems to frequently occur where cords attach to the fountain, as noted in this Reddit discussion. Constant leakage can damage countertops and be a significant annoyance.
Higher quality ceramic or stainless steel fountains may be less prone to leaking issues. But any fountain can develop problems over time, so monitoring your fountain and watching for leaks is advised.
Kitty Preferences
Some finicky cats may refuse to drink from a fountain. Cats can be very particular when it comes to their food and water sources. The sound and motion of the water flowing from the fountain can deter timid cats. Shifting to a new food or water dish can be difficult for cats since they tend to resist change once they get used to a routine. According to one cat owner’s experience shared on Reddit, their first cat refused to drink from the fountain at all while their second cat loved it. The key is patience and taking the time to properly introduce the fountain.
To encourage a reluctant cat to use a new fountain, keep their original water bowl next to the fountain at first so they have access to familiar water too. Don’t force or carry the cat to the fountain, as this will likely scare them more. Try putting a treat or catnip on top of or near the fountain to pique their curiosity and associate the fountain with something positive. Start with the fountain turned off and let them inspect it up close first before running water. Once turned on, keep the fountain on the lowest flow setting and gradually increase it over time as they get accustomed to the sound.
Safety Concerns
One potential downside of cat water fountains is the safety risk if the fountain gets tipped over or if any water leaks out. As noted in this Reddit thread, it’s important to make sure the fountain’s pump/power cord is positioned to prevent any electrocution hazards if your cat were to chew on or play with it (Water Fountain Safety?). You’ll also want to take precautions against water damage to floors or walls in case of leaks, such as placing a waterproof mat underneath.
Some cats may try to play in the fountain or bat at the water, which could tip it over. Placing the fountain in a spot that is not prone to getting bumped or knocked over can help avoid this. It’s generally recommended to keep cords secured and out of reach. You know your cat best – if they tend to be rambunctious around water sources, a fountain may present more risks than benefits.
Limited Capacity
One downside of cat water fountains is their limited capacity. Most fountains only hold between 1-1.5 liters of water at a time, which requires frequent refilling in multi-cat households [1]. Having to refill the fountain 2-3 times per day can be inconvenient, especially for owners who work long hours or travel frequently. The small capacity means the water supply is consumed quickly with multiple pets drinking throughout the day.
Cats may be left without fresh flowing water if their owner is unable to refill the fountain on time. Limited capacity also leads to more frequent filter changes and cleanings. While some larger capacity fountains are available, they are often more expensive and take up more floor space.
Conclusion
In summary, the cons of cat water fountains include the high upfront cost, the need for regular cleaning and maintenance, potential noise disturbances, lack of portability, possible overdrinking and leaking issues, limited capacity, and some safety concerns. While fountains keep water fresher for longer and encourage hydration, they may not be suitable for all cats or households.
Consider your cat’s preferences, your budget, and your ability to keep up with cleaning the fountain. Also make sure you get one with enough capacity and safeguards for your pet’s needs. If you have a finicky or noisy cat, a fountain may do more harm than good.
For the right cat and owner, fountains can be beneficial. But weigh all the potential downsides first to decide if a cat fountain is the best option for you.