Cat water fountains are one of the most effective ways to combat dehydration in cats. Cats are often very picky eaters and refuse to drink from a bowl of stagnant water that is not always filled with fresh, clear water.
Cat water fountains make water more appealing to cats, encourage them to drink more, keep them hydrated and healthy, and avoid serious health complications that can occur if they don’t drink enough water. can solve this problem.
Cat water fountains are often equally appealing to cats with healthy water intake, so they shouldn’t be considered only by owners concerned about their cat’s immediate health.
Health problems due to dehydration
Dehydration in cats is rare, but it cannot be ignored. Dehydration in cats can lead to serious health problems similar to humans, such as the breakdown of vital organs and toxicity from the accumulation of waste products and harmful bacteria in the body.
Even dehydration can make your cat feel even worse and keep him from eating, which can have a cascading effect on your cat’s health. Health problems are exacerbated because cats don’t get the nutrients they need.
Dehydration is often caused by other disorders, and dehydration makes symptoms worse. Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common causes of dehydration in cats. However, it can also be caused by diabetes or kidney disease. These symptoms are exacerbated by inadequate fluid intake.
signs of dehydration
cat owner Cats should be monitored for signs of dehydration, especially if untouched water bowls are a concern.
Typical signs of dehydration in cats include low energy, regular shortness of breath, loss of appetite, or refusal to eat at all. Owners can also check the cat’s gums. A healthy cat’s gums are moist, while a dehydrated cat’s gums are dry or sticky. Sunken eyes are an extreme sign that your cat is dehydrated.
There are tests that allow owners to identify signs of dehydration. Gently lift a piece of skin around the shoulder and release. If healthy, the skin will quickly return to its original position. If the speed is slow, your cat is at least partially dehydrated. If it remains elevated, it indicates severe dehydration and veterinary intervention is recommended.
diet effect
It’s important to note that cats don’t need to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Experts say that 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight is sufficient. And even then, many cats don’t need to actively drink this water to meet their needs.
That’s because as long as your cat eats wet food, or ideally raw food, it gets most of its water from its diet. These foods have a high moisture content and contribute significantly to your cat’s daily needs. However, it does not completely negate the need for a water bowl or fountain.
Because many cats are fed dry food, Convenience, they need to drink more from the water bowl. Also, if your cat is particularly picky, a cat water fountain can be very helpful. However, it is a good option for all cats, not just those on a dry diet.
water oxygenation
a cat water fountain As the name suggests, it’s a miniature fountain that provides fresh water for your cat. And because the water is always flowing, it contains oxygen, and fresh oxygen is added to the water as it bubbles.
This helps make the water taste more refreshing and cool. The water is not completely stagnant, which makes it more appealing to cats and encourages them to drink. Cats are more interested in running water and are more attracted to fountains than just water bowls.
Some cat fountains are designed for cats to drink from the pool rather than from the fountain itself, but it still makes the fountain and water movement fresh for the cat, making it more intriguing. You can
fountain material
cat water fountain Manufactured using a variety of materials, there are three main options: ceramic, metal, and plastic.
Plastic fountains are the least recommended as they can harbor bacteria. Plastic cat water bottles and other bowls are known to be one of the leading causes of acne in cats. However, they are the cheapest option.
Metal bowls (usually stainless steel) are sturdy and better from a bacteria standpoint, while ceramic fountains are a more premium option. Also, ceramic pet fountains are heavy, so they won’t get pushed around when your cat drinks.
Of course, the heavier it is, the more difficult it is to clean.
filtered freshness
Cat fountains are designed to get your cat to drink more water and avoid dehydration, but they also have other benefits. Many are filtered and can purify your cat’s water.
Fountains usually have at least a rudimentary filter to catch fur and other debris that falls into the fountain bowl. Cats don’t drink very clean alcohol, so they always have hair loss. cat litteror food debris that got into the fountain – the filter removes them as the water circulates back through the fountain, keeping the water fresh.
However, more advanced models may purify the water more, encourage cat drinking, and remove bacteria.
noise problem
One of the potential drawbacks of using cat fountains is the noise level they sometimes produce.
A premium cat fountain is better. We use a pump with a low noise level, so when you turn it on, you may only hear a gentle hum in the background, along with the soothing sound of splashing water from the fountain.
However, cheap or poorly made cat fountains will make a louder pump noise. Also, picky cats may not naturally want to drink water, so the addition of a gurgling sound from the fountain will add to the reluctance effect.
Cat owners should switch on the cat water fountain when the cat is away. The sudden noise of the pump running can startle animals. If a cat associates fear with a fountain, it may be reluctant to drink the water.
easy maintenance
Some cat fountains are designed purely with cats in mind. Some also consider human factors such as maintenance. With removable parts that are dishwasher safe, cleaning the fountain is much easier.
This is important when helping cats that don’t drink enough water. If the cat’s owner cannot easily keep the fountain functioning properly and free of food debris and fur, the cat will not be tempted and will still not be properly hydrated.
An effective filter that can be easily removed and emptied, combined with a bowl that is easy to wash and remove dirt and residue, makes life much more manageable for the owner, ensuring that the fountain is always fresh. We will be able to provide delicious water. Attractive for picky cats.
multiple cat households
Many cat fountains are large enough to comfortably accommodate multiple cats at once. Owners with multiple cats should ensure that all cats have access to the fountain, as all cats may be reluctant to wait their turn. Doing so can ruin any attempt to convince a fussy cat to drink water.
A large fountain has space and access points for multiple cats to drink at once. Some of them have fountains installed in multiple directions, so cats who enjoy playing in the moving water do not compete for the same place.
Alternatively, you can purchase multiple smaller cat water fountains to keep on hand. If your cat is at risk of dehydration, it’s a good idea to provide water in different areas of the house anyway. It reminds the cat of the option to drink water. If you’re not satisfied with the location of your main drinking bowl, we offer a quieter, less stressful alternative space.
cat water fountain cost
of cat water fountain price It depends on the style of fountain you choose. Plastic fountains are inexpensive and can run you around $40-50, but the best cat fountains made of metal or ceramic can be much more expensive.
Owners should also consider the cost of replacement filters. Some filters have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after use. Purchasing a cat fountain can be a long-term expense. However, if buying to address potential dehydration issues, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Many cat owners buy and try plastic cat fountains first. Not all cats get used to water fountains, so buying an inexpensive model at first can help your cat get used to water fountains. If popular, the fountain can be upgraded to a premium model that won’t cause acne or other bacterial problems.
Jenny is the founder floppycats.com, a website dedicated to uniting (ragdoll) cat lovers around the world. Since 2008, Jenny’s strong and sincere approach to caring for cats helps cat owners live more harmoniously with their kittens.