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Pet water fountains are actually really good for your dogs and cats

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Keep your pet hydrated and healthy with a water fountain

Do you notice your cat bounding over when they hear the kitchen faucet or your dog lapping up water as soon as you turn on the bathtub? As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry friends. To ensure your cat or dog stays hydrated, even when you're not home, it's probably time to upgrade that dated dog bowl or raised cat bowl to a pet water fountain.

In addition to providing fresh and clean water, it may also entice your pet to drink more. While pet fountains have only recently started to gain in popularity, they might be more vital to your furry friend's health than you realize. Whether you're constantly trying new ways to keep your cat hydrated or just want to make sure your dog is staying healthy, consider these top pet water fountains. 

In this article: PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pet Water FountainCatit LED Flower Fountain and Loomla Cat Water Fountain

Health benefits of a pet water fountain

For decades, pets drank their water out of a bowl that might get changed once or twice a day. While the water may look clean, stagnant water can actually be breeding grounds for bacteria, which is harmful to our furry friends. Pet water fountains create a healthier situation by continuously filtering the water and preventing bacteria from growing. 

For those who worry if their furry companion is staying adequately hydrated, water fountains can also entice pets to drink more often, thanks to their evolutionary instincts. From small to big cats, they are instinctually wired to seek out flowing water instead of stagnant ponds, as they seem fresher and cleaner, to ensure their safety and health. Staying hydrated can also improve some diseases in pets and prevent other diseases altogether, including kidney disease, urinary infections, blockages and diabetes. Plus, water fountains also cool the water, which both dogs and cats love.

Another benefit to all pet owners who are tired of cleaning up spilled water bowls is that pet fountains are much harder to tip over.

What to consider when choosing a pet water fountain

  • Ease of cleaning: While the water is constantly flowing to keep the water safe, the fountain still needs to be cleaned often. If you don't clean your pet fountain, it can harbor bacteria and start looking gross. To help you want to clean it often, make sure to get a model that doesn't have super-complicated cleaning instructions. For example, some pet water fountains have parts that can be put in the dishwasher, while others are entirely handwash only. You also want to consider how easy it is to take apart and put back together. 
  • Size and capacity: Whether you have one small cat, a large dog or multiple furry friends, you want a pet fountain that can keep up with the demand and keep your pets hydrated. But, you don't want to get a fountain bigger than necessary as it requires more cleaning and could scare away small pets. Also, pet water fountains take up more space than a traditional water bowl, so be sure you pick a model that fits in your allotted space. 
  • Noise: All pet fountains make noise. However, how disruptive it is depends entirely on the model. For instance, pet water fountains that bubble up from below the surface tend to be quieter than the waterfall style. Plus, you also have to consider the noise of the motor. 
  • Material: Pet water fountains are available in many materials, including plastic, stainless steel and ceramic. While plastic tends to be more budget-friendly, stainless steel or ceramic models may last longer and might also be easier to clean.
  • Extra features: Depending on what's more important to you and your furry best friend, be sure to check out as many pet water fountains as possible to decide what features you want. This includes app connectivity or wireless pumps. Some also have low-water indicators or better filter options.

Best pet water foundations

PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pet Water Fountain

With a 70-ounce capacity, this pet fountain is suitable for cats or small dogs. The submersible pump ensures it's quiet, and the circulating water keeps bacteria away. Since it's designed with ceramic, this model is not only more hygienic and easy to clean, but it also looks chic in any home.

Catit LED Flower Fountain

Every cat owner will love this adorable flower water fountain. Cats are known to be picky, and this model is designed with three different water flow settings to ensure you find the perfect one for your furry friend. It doesn't take up much floor space and features a water level indicator with an LED nightlight. What's more, it also had a triple-action softening water filter. 

ORSDA Cat Water Fountain

This stainless steel design is not only hygienic, it also resembles a regular water bowl to fit right in with other pet supplies. It features two types of spouts to suit any pet and a locking lid to prevent spills. This fountain is also dishwasher-safe and features only four components for effortless cleaning.

Loomla Cat Water Fountain

This pet fountain is made from plastic that is free of bisphenol A (BPA), making it safe for your furry friend and budget-friendly. It holds 85-ounces and has a window that allows you to know exactly how much water is left. The water pump is also whisper quiet. 

PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Dog and Cat Water Fountain

Encourage your large dog to drink more water with this automatic pet fountain that holds 168 ounces and features a built-in reservoir for fewer refills. The water is filtered through a replaceable carbon filter to ensure the water is healthy for your furry friend. What's more, it's dishwasher-safe on the top shelf for effortless cleaning. 

NautyPaws Ceramic Cat Water Fountain

This chic ceramic water fountain comes in several colors and is perfect for cat lovers of all styles. The material also makes it resistant to scratches. It's designed with a charcoal and foam filter to prevent pet hair and other debris from getting to the pump. 

PETLIBRO Cat Water Fountain

With its all-white design, this pet fountain will fit in with any decor scheme. It's designed with a wireless pump that makes cleaning a breeze and eliminates the risk of electric shock. To remove all impurities, every drop of water is filtered through multilayer filtration. 

Oneisall Dog Water Fountain

Whether you have one big dog or several, this large water fountain is perfect for dog lovers. It's made of 304 stainless steel and is simple to clean. The unique drinking design is made specifically to entice large dogs to stay hydrated. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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