Water Bowl vs Drinking Fountain for Cats
Water is water, right? Not necessarily. Running water doesn’t just provide a pleasant atmosphere in the home, but also encourages cats to drink more water. Even the classic water bowl has its advantages!
Why cats need to drink
Cats are desert animals by nature, with their ancestors having roamed the deserts of northern Africa. The African wildcat, their closest living relative, also lives in an environment in which drinking water is only available rarely. Like our cats’ ancestors, they absorb a large proportion of the fluids they need through food. After all, mice, the cat’s natural prey, contain up to 70 percent water! In contrast, dry food has too little moisture, so the cat must offset the maximum 10% moisture content by drinking more. If the cat drinks too little, the urine becomes concentrated, which can lead to urinary stones and gravel and kidney diseases. Sufficient fluid intake is the best precaution! But how do you encourage your cat to drink more water?
Purchase
Whilst the classic water bowl right alongside the cat’s food bowl was still the norm a few years ago, special drinking fountains for cats have now conquered the market. In contrast to indoor fountains, they are produced from non-toxic materials, are easy to clean and enrich the cat’s daily drinking experience. Drinking fountains come in many sizes, different designs and price brackets – there’s something for everyone.
Generally though, good drinking fountains are more expensive than mere water bowls. Most fountains require simple installation and have to be connected to the power supply, but they are worth the expense.
Aesthetic appeal
As desert animals, cats only rarely seek out their water bowl. However, water in motion attracts most felines. Curiously sniffing at the drinking fountain quickly leads to them taking a few essential gulps of the cool water.
In contrast, cats happily ignore the classic water bowl. This is especially the case when it is positioned right next to the food bowl.
Freshness
Moving water in a drinking fountain is constantly fortified with oxygen and tastes fresher than water in a bowl that has often gone stale.
However, you can make a classic water bowl attractive by providing clean, fresh water on a daily basis. Several bowls distributed across the home also ensure that your cat can take a little sip every now and then.
Climate
Dry heating air damages our skin and lungs. An indoor fountain provides healthy room air as a result of evaporation – even better if your cat can also use it as a drinking facility! Before you order a decorative indoor fountain, you should look for a special drinking fountain for cats. In this way, you’re doing something to benefit both for your cat and the air you breathe!
Hygiene
Water bowls and drinking fountains are only hygienic if cleaned regularly. Stale water and algae can soon become health risks and deteriorate the taste of the water… The classic water bowl scores points in this regard, because depending on the material, it can be quickly washed by hand or in a dishwasher. Cleaning a drinking fountain is often a bit more complicated and protracted.
Whatever decision you make is a question of personal preference. Especially during the warmer summer months, it’s important that your cat consumes enough water. You can enrich your cat’s drinking experience even with a simple water bowl: fresh water on a daily basis is essential. Several drinking bowls spread across the home are better. In this way you aren’t just benefitting your cat, but your interior climate too.
We wish you and your cat all the best!
Whatever decision you make is a question of personal preference. Especially during the warmer summer months, it’s important that your cat consumes enough water. You can enrich your cat’s drinking experience even with a simple water bowl: fresh water on a daily basis is essential. Several drinking bowls spread across the home are better. In this way you aren’t just benefitting your cat, but your interior climate too.
We wish you and your cat all the best!
