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Whether you have a dog, a cat or both, keeping your pets hydrated is essential to maintaining their overall health. If your furry friend doesn’t drink as much as recommended, the best pet fountains can help encourage more effective hydration and ensure that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water without constantly refilling bowls.
A pet fountain is a water dispenser that prevents your pet’s water from becoming stagnant. It features a pump that circulates water from its tank throughout the container, so your pet has a constant supply of fresh water. Many cats and even dogs are attracted to running water, increasing their water intake. Some pet fountains have a filtration system that not only removes dirt and hair from the water but also potentially toxic chemicals, such as chlorine. A pet fountain’s size, material, noise level and ease of cleaning vary from model to model, so it’s important to find an option that best fits your pet’s needs.
At BestReviews, we’ve researched dozens of pet fountains to help us find the best available models. Our top choice, the PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain, features a convenient cordless design that lets you place it anywhere in your home. Its stainless steel construction and detachable water tank also make it extremely easy to clean.
Many pets are finicky about their water supply, and stagnant water in a traditional drinking bowl can be a turnoff. Moving water is cleaner water in the minds of our pets, and a pet fountain provides both static and dynamic interest.
Here are some other compelling reasons to provide your furry companion with a pet fountain:
Water bowls in high-traffic areas often accumulate dust and other debris, but contained pet fountains maintain a much cleaner water supply.
Many pet fountains offer a stimulating variety of ways for pets to get their hydration, from a still basin to a steady drip to a rushing cascade of water.
Pets who are fascinated by dripping faucets or leaking pipes can be encouraged to switch to a more sanitary and accessible pet fountain instead.
Pet fountain water is filtered water.
Indeed, investing in a new pet fountain addresses many of the issues owners have with their current water bowls, including sanitation and aesthetics.
Most pet fountains are made of one of three common materials: plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic.
These are inexpensive, lightweight, and relatively easy to keep clean, but they’re prone to scratches and cracks which can harbor harmful bacteria. If you want a plastic pet fountain, look for one that is BPA-free.
They are easy to maintain and corrosion-resistant. Some rust development is possible over time, however, and stainless steel fountains are noticeably heavier than plastic and ceramic pet fountains.
These can be pricey, and proper location is crucial, since the thin shell can be fragile and easily broken. Many pet owners seek ceramic fountains because the material does not react to the acidity of the water.
An average-size pet fountain generally holds 60 to 70 ounces of water. Larger pet fountains may hold 160 ounces of water or more.
Water capacity is a serious consideration, especially when multiple pets are involved. All pet fountains require replenishment as the water evaporates, but larger pet fountains need diligent attention to avoid running out of water and burning out the pump motor.
Some pet fountains have a one-piece design. Others break down into several pieces for easier cleaning and maintenance. And some, but not all, are dishwasher safe.
Ease of use matters, because if a pet fountain is too difficult to clean, you may end up not using it.
Look for a pet fountain with a pump assembly that’s easy to remove and clean. Better pet fountains allow users to take the water pump apart for more thorough cleaning and sanitation.
Look for a pet fountain with filters that are easy to purchase and just as easy to replace on a regular basis.
All pet fountains produce some noise because they feature a motorized pump. However, some fountains have louder motors than others. A loud motor can deter an anxious pet from using the fountain and can be annoying for other household members. You and your pet will likely be happier with a fountain that has a quiet-running motor.
How much does a good pet fountain cost? Prices range from under $35 to over $75. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each price range.
At the lowest price range, buyers can expect a plastic housing with a small electric water pump and a single source of flowing water. The water flows into a small basin, then recycles through the pump and filter. Carbon replacement filters are relatively inexpensive, and the capacity is generally sufficient for one or two small pets.
Pet fountains in this middle range may be made of BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic.
The capacity is noticeably higher – around 70 ounces on average. There may be several access points for multiple pets. A larger water pump can create more noise, but it will also generate a more appealing water flow. Many parts should be dishwasher safe.
Top-shelf pet fountains are almost always made of high-quality ceramic, stainless steel, or a combination of the two materials. These expensive models generally feature a sculptural design that fits in well with other decorative elements of the room.
The capacity is almost always generous, although some may have a 70-ounce limit.
The overall level of functioning may not be noticeably better than a mid-range model, but the aesthetic qualities are definitely a plus.
Ideally, a pet should feel comfortable using a pet fountain as his or her primary water source. But some pets take an interest in a new “toy” for a few weeks, then look for a more appealing alternative.
If a pet temporarily loses interest in a pet fountain, it pays to have another source of water available until that pet becomes interested again.
Cats and dogs can be creatures of habit; they may not take an immediate interest in a new water source. If the noise of the water pump seems to bother your pet, try leaving the motor off for several days. If the water flow is too fast, make the proper adjustments.
Just as a human would refuse to drink polluted water, a cat or dog will often boycott a pet fountain if the water quality is poor. Due diligence is required when it comes to replacing the water, cleaning the fountain’s components, and installing a new filter.
It’s safe to assume that a typical pet fountain is never far from empty. Water naturally evaporates throughout the day, and many pets are frequent visitors to the well. What’s more, a submersible water pump can burn out quickly when it becomes dry. As convenient as they are, pet fountains are not “set-and-forget” appliances.
Animals instinctively avoid water sources that may have become contaminated by spoiled food or feces. Instead, find a quiet location for the pet fountain – ideally in a separate room with minimal foot traffic.
Pet fountains all look fairly similar, but they’re not created equal. To identify the best models, we evaluated user reviews from several online retailers and analyzed which fountains best lived up to pet owners’ expectations.
In particular, we considered which offered the largest capacity, separated for convenient cleaning, provided the most comprehensive filtration system, produced the least noise and featured multiple water modes. Ultimately, we researched over a dozen pet fountains and selected our top models based on capacity, durability, filtration effectiveness, noise level, ease of cleaning and special features.
A. This problem is actually quite common. Many pets require a period of adjustment whenever new items are introduced to their environment. You could turn off the water pump and encourage her to use the fountain as a regular water bowl at first. You could try a different location, away from the main traffic areas, litter boxes, and food supplies. Give your pet time to discover the benefits of fresh water at her own pace.
A. Generally speaking, cats and dogs are not as territorial or possessive of their water supply as they are their food supply and/or litter boxes. You should be able to provide a communal source of drinking water in the form of a large-capacity pet fountain. A second fountain should only be necessary if some pets become too aggressive or territorial. Be sure to locate the main pet fountain away from food bowls and litter boxes to prevent cross-contamination.
A. Animals are very sensitive to changes in their environments, including their food and water supplies. Natural contaminants such as pet saliva, spoiled food, hair, and household dust can cause them to look for cleaner sources of water. The filter may need to be changed, or the entire bowl and pump could require cleaning and sanitation.
A. Different pet fountains produce different types of water flow. Some provide a steady drip of water much like that of a leaky water faucet. Others produce sheets of cascading water. With the right pet fountain, you should be able to adjust the water pump to simulate the slow trickle of a dripping faucet if that’s what your kitty wants.
