How to Get Your Cat to Drink from a Fountain

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Maret 23, 2025

Dipublikasikan Januari 09, 2025

How to Get Your Cat to Drink from a Fountain

Cats are notorious for being picky drinkers, and many cat owners struggle to get their felines to drink enough water. Cats need about 100 milliliters of water per day for every pound of body weight, so a 10-pound cat needs about one cup of water each day. When cats don't drink enough water, they can become dehydrated, which can lead to a number of health problems, including kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and constipation.

One way to encourage your cat to drink more water is to get a cat fountain. Cat fountains are designed to keep water fresh and circulating, which makes it more appealing to cats. The sound of the flowing water can also attract cats to the fountain. If you're having trouble getting your cat to drink from a fountain, there are a few things you can do to make it more enticing.

In the following section, we will discuss several tips and tricks to help you get your cat to drink from a fountain. By following these tips, you can help your cat stay healthy and hydrated.

How to Get Your Cat to Drink from a Fountain

Follow these tips to entice your cat to drink from a fountain:

Choose the right fountain
Place the fountain in a quiet area
Keep the fountain clean
Change the water regularly
Add a water additive
Make sure the fountain is the right size
Try different types of fountains
Be patient
Consult a veterinarian

By following these tips, you can help your cat stay hydrated and healthy.

Choose the Right Fountain

The type of fountain you choose can make a big difference in whether or not your cat will drink from it. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cat fountain:

Size: Make sure the fountain is large enough for your cat to drink comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to choose a fountain that holds at least 1.5 liters of water.

Material: Choose a fountain made from a durable material, such as stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid fountains made from plastic, as they can harbor bacteria.

Type of water flow: There are two main types of cat fountains: those with a continuous water flow and those with a intermittent water flow. Some cats prefer the sound of running water, while others prefer the stiller water of an intermittent fountain. Experiment with different types to see what your cat likes best.

Height of the water: Some cats prefer to drink from a fountain with a high water level, while others prefer a lower water level. Choose a fountain that has a water level that is comfortable for your cat.

Once you have chosen a fountain, be sure to place it in a quiet area where your cat feels safe and comfortable drinking. You should also clean the fountain regularly and change the water every few days.

Place the Fountain in a Quiet Area

Cats are easily spooked, so it's important to place the fountain in a quiet area where they feel safe and comfortable drinking. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid high-traffic areas: Place the fountain in a room that your cat frequents but that is not too busy. Avoid areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or where other pets are likely to be present.
Choose a secluded spot: Some cats prefer to drink from a fountain that is tucked away in a corner or under a piece of furniture. This can make them feel more secure and less likely to be disturbed.
Avoid noisy appliances: Place the fountain away from noisy appliances, such as the dishwasher or washing machine. The noise can startle your cat and make them less likely to drink from the fountain.
Consider your cat's personality: If your cat is shy or easily stressed, you may need to place the fountain in a very quiet area, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom.

Once you have found a quiet spot for the fountain, make sure to keep it clean and the water fresh. This will encourage your cat to drink from the fountain and stay hydrated.

Keep the Fountain Clean

Cats are very clean animals, and they prefer to drink from a clean water source. A dirty fountain can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can make your cat sick. To keep your cat's fountain clean, follow these steps:

Rinse the fountain daily: Every day, rinse the fountain with warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to rinse all of the nooks and crannies, including the pump and the spout.

Wash the fountain weekly: Once a week, wash the fountain with a mild dish soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse the fountain thoroughly afterwards to remove any soap residue.

Replace the filter regularly: If your fountain has a filter, replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty filter can harbor bacteria and make the water taste bad, which can discourage your cat from drinking from the fountain.

Descale the fountain as needed: If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to descale the fountain every few months. Descaling removes the mineral deposits that can build up on the fountain and make the water taste bad.

By keeping your cat's fountain clean, you can help ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will encourage them to drink more water and stay hydrated.

Change the Water Regularly

In addition to keeping the fountain clean, you also need to change the water regularly. Fresh, clean water is more appealing to cats, and it will encourage them to drink more. Here are a few tips for changing the water in your cat's fountain:

Change the water every few days: Even if the water in the fountain looks clean, it's important to change it every few days. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Change the water more often if necessary: If your cat drinks a lot of water, or if the fountain is in a warm or sunny location, you may need to change the water more often. You should also change the water more often if you notice any signs of dirt or debris in the fountain.
Rinse the fountain before refilling it: Before you refill the fountain, rinse it out with warm water to remove any soap residue or mineral deposits.
Use filtered water: If you have access to filtered water, it's a good idea to use it in your cat's fountain. Filtered water is free of impurities and tastes better than tap water, which can encourage your cat to drink more.

By changing the water in your cat's fountain regularly, you can help ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. This will encourage them to drink more water and stay hydrated.

Add a Water Additive

Some cats are picky about the taste of water, and they may be more likely to drink from a fountain if it contains a water additive. There are a variety of water additives available, including:

Tuna water: Tuna water is a great way to add flavor to your cat's water. Simply add a few tablespoons of tuna water to the fountain.
Chicken broth: Chicken broth is another flavorful option that many cats enjoy. Be sure to choose a broth that is low in sodium.
Catnip water: Catnip is a natural herb that many cats find appealing. You can add a few drops of catnip extract to the fountain to encourage your cat to drink more.
Commercial water additives: There are also a number of commercial water additives available that are designed to make water more appealing to cats. These additives often contain a variety of ingredients, such as flavors, vitamins, and minerals.

If you decide to add a water additive to your cat's fountain, be sure to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount until you find a concentration that your cat likes. You should also avoid using water additives that contain artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to cats.

By adding a water additive to your cat's fountain, you can help make the water more appealing and encourage your cat to drink more.

Make Sure the Fountain is the Right Size

The size of the fountain is also important. A fountain that is too small will not hold enough water for your cat, and they may be less likely to drink from it. A fountain that is too large may be overwhelming for your cat, and they may also be less likely to drink from it.

Choose a fountain that holds at least 1.5 liters of water: This will ensure that there is always enough water available for your cat, even if they drink a lot.
Consider your cat's size and activity level: If you have a large or active cat, you may need to choose a larger fountain.
If you have multiple cats, you may need to get a larger fountain: This will ensure that there is enough water available for all of your cats.
If you are unsure what size fountain to get, ask your veterinarian for advice: They can help you choose a fountain that is the right size for your cat.

By choosing a fountain that is the right size for your cat, you can help ensure that they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. This will encourage them to drink more water and stay hydrated.

Try Different Types of Fountains

If your cat is still not drinking from the fountain, you may need to try a different type of fountain. There are a variety of fountains available, each with its own unique features. Some cats prefer fountains with a continuous water flow, while others prefer fountains with a intermittent water flow. Some cats prefer fountains with a large water reservoir, while others prefer fountains with a smaller water reservoir. Some cats prefer fountains that are made from stainless steel, while others prefer fountains that are made from ceramic or plastic.

The best way to find a fountain that your cat likes is to experiment with different types. You may need to try a few different fountains before you find one that your cat is willing to drink from.

Here are a few different types of fountains that you can try:

Ceramic fountains: Ceramic fountains are a popular choice for cat owners because they are durable and easy to clean. They also come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your home décor.
Stainless steel fountains: Stainless steel fountains are another good option for cat owners. They are durable and easy to clean, and they also have a sleek, modern look.
Plastic fountains: Plastic fountains are a more affordable option than ceramic or stainless steel fountains. However, they are not as durable and may need to be replaced more often.
Fountains with a continuous water flow: Fountains with a continuous water flow provide a constant stream of fresh water. This can be appealing to cats, as they like to drink from moving water.
Fountains with a intermittent water flow: Fountains with a intermittent water flow release water in pulses. This can also be appealing to cats, as it mimics the natural flow of water from a stream or river.

By trying different types of fountains, you can find one that your cat likes and is willing to drink from. This will help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy.

Be Patient

It may take some time for your cat to get used to drinking from a fountain. Be patient and consistent, and eventually your cat will learn to love it. Here are a few tips for being patient with your cat:

Don't force your cat to drink from the fountain: This will only make them more resistant to it. Instead, place the fountain in a quiet area where your cat feels safe and comfortable drinking.
Make sure the fountain is clean and the water is fresh: Cats are very clean animals, and they will not drink from a dirty or stale fountain.
Try different types of fountains: Some cats prefer fountains with a continuous water flow, while others prefer fountains with a intermittent water flow. You may need to try a few different fountains before you find one that your cat likes.
Add a water additive: Some cats are picky about the taste of water. You can try adding a water additive to the fountain to make the water more appealing to your cat.

With a little patience and consistency, you can eventually get your cat to drink from a fountain. This will help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy.

Consult a Veterinarian

If you have tried all of the above tips and your cat is still not drinking from the fountain, you should consult a veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cat to avoid drinking water. Some medical conditions that can cause decreased water intake include:

Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause cats to drink more or less water than usual.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause cats to drink more water than usual.
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism can cause cats to drink more water than usual.
Dental disease: Dental disease can cause cats to avoid drinking water because it is painful to do so.
Nausea: Nausea can cause cats to avoid drinking water.

If you are concerned about your cat's water intake, it is important to consult a veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of any underlying medical conditions can help improve your cat's overall health and well-being.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting your cat to drink from a fountain:

Question 1: Why won't my cat drink from the fountain?
Answer 1: There are many reasons why your cat might not be drinking from the fountain. Some common reasons include: the fountain is not clean, the water is not fresh, the fountain is too loud, the fountain is in a location that your cat does not like, or your cat simply prefers to drink from a bowl.

Question 2: How can I make the fountain more appealing to my cat?
Answer 2: There are a few things you can do to make the fountain more appealing to your cat. You can try: cleaning the fountain regularly, changing the water frequently, adding a water additive to the fountain, or placing the fountain in a quiet area where your cat feels safe and comfortable drinking.

Question 3: What kind of fountain should I get for my cat?
Answer 3: The best type of fountain for your cat will depend on their individual preferences. Some cats prefer fountains with a continuous water flow, while others prefer fountains with a intermittent water flow. Some cats prefer fountains that are made from stainless steel, while others prefer fountains that are made from ceramic or plastic. You may need to try a few different fountains before you find one that your cat likes.

Question 4: How often should I clean the fountain?
Answer 4: You should clean the fountain at least once a week. You may need to clean it more often if your cat drinks a lot of water or if the fountain is in a dusty or dirty area.

Question 5: How often should I change the water in the fountain?
Answer 5: You should change the water in the fountain every few days. You may need to change it more often if your cat drinks a lot of water or if the water starts to look dirty or cloudy.

Question 6: What can I do if my cat still won't drink from the fountain?
Answer 6: If you have tried all of the above tips and your cat still won't drink from the fountain, you should consult a veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cat to avoid drinking water.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy.

In addition to the tips above, here are a few more things you can do to encourage your cat to drink from a fountain:

Tips

Here are a few tips for getting your cat to drink from a fountain:

Tip 1: Start them young: If you can, introduce your cat to a fountain when they are still a kitten. This will help them get used to drinking from a fountain and make it more likely that they will continue to drink from it as they get older.

Tip 2: Place the fountain in a quiet area: Cats are easily spooked, so it's important to place the fountain in a quiet area where they feel safe and comfortable drinking. Avoid areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or where other pets are likely to be present.

Tip 3: Keep the fountain clean: Cats are very clean animals, and they will not drink from a dirty fountain. Rinse the fountain daily and wash it with a mild dish soap and warm water once a week. You should also replace the filter regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tip 4: Experiment with different types of fountains: Some cats prefer fountains with a continuous water flow, while others prefer fountains with a intermittent water flow. Some cats prefer fountains that are made from stainless steel, while others prefer fountains that are made from ceramic or plastic. You may need to try a few different fountains before you find one that your cat likes.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy.

If you have tried all of the above tips and your cat still won't drink from the fountain, you should consult a veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cat to avoid drinking water.

Conclusion

Getting your cat to drink from a fountain can be a challenge, but it is important for their health and well-being. By following the tips in this article, you can increase the chances that your cat will start drinking from the fountain. Remember to be patient and consistent, and eventually your cat will learn to love their new fountain.

Here are a few key points to remember: