Water is one of the most important building blocks of life, and it’s just as crucial to pets as it is to people. If you’re having a hard time getting your cats to drink a healthy dose of water throughout the day, a ceramic cat water fountain can help them stay hydrated.
The constant flow of water both oxygenates the water and attracts cats to it, making it perfectly refreshing after eating tasty cat food, napping, or playing. Better yet, the ceramic design keeps the water free from stains and microplastics that can occur with cheaper, plastic-based designs.
If you’re looking to pick up a new water fountain today, you’re in the right place. We’ve listed our top picks below to help make dinner time more hydrated.
Best Ceramic Cat Water Fountain to Consider
If you’re in the market for a new ceramic cat water fountain, it’s essential to consider a few things before buying.
First, you’ll need to take into account how many pets you have. If you’re a restrained cat owner with only one cat, the process is fairly simple; just pick the fountain that suits you best and set it up for simple hydration throughout the day. However, if you have two, three, or an entire household of pets, things can get a bit trickier.
On average, adult cats drink between ten and twenty ounces of water a day, so if you have more than a few cats, they could drink the entire capacity of a ceramic fountain in a matter of hours. Also, some fountains are uni-directional, meaning that they’re designed to be drunk by one pet. If you have multiple cats, this can lead to cramped spaces or fighting for water.
To combat this, it’s best to get a cat water fountain that fits the number of pets that you have. Some fountains offer a design that flows out in a circle, making it easy for several cats to drink at once.
It’s also important to consider the cat fountain capacity, which can impact how frequently you’ll have to refill. If you find a cat water fountain that can adequately hold enough water to sustain your cats for an entire day or two, that should be more than enough.
PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Pet Fountain
It can be hard to find a water fountain that works for pets of all shapes and sizes, but this fountain from PetSafe is just about as close as you can get:
It features a stylish aesthetic, 360-degree accessibility, and a dual-layer design that lets pets drink from either the top bowl or the bottom bowl depending on their height and mobility. Naturally, this makes it perfect for multiple cats, no matter their size.
In addition to its convenient design, this fountain also comes in four different colors, so you can tailor it to fit your style. It may be pricey, but with a fill capacity of 70 ounces and a design that makes it suitable for cats of all kinds, it’s hard to beat this quality.
Pros:
- Great for multiple cats
- Features two bowl levels
- Comes in four different colors
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
Ceramic Cat Water Fountain
If you’ve just got a single kitty at home, you don’t need a huge water fountain that’ll take up heaps of space. The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain is a sleek little number that’s great for keeping your kitty hydrated. Featuring a replaceable charcoal filter to ensure top-quality water, a dishwasher-friendly design for easy cleaning, and a durable design that’ll last, this cat water fountain is a great pick. While it has a slightly smaller water tank at 60 oz, this is more than sufficient for single-cat households or those with kittens.
Pros:
- Not easy to tip over
- Cute design
- Enclosed tank
- Charcoal filter
Cons:
- May be too small for multiple cats
PetSafe Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountain
Water fountains are a clever way to help your cats drink more water throughout the day, but if the fountain has a pump motor that’s loud when operating, it could scare your cats away and prove to be counterproductive. If you’re looking to avoid that, this ultra-quiet fountain from PetSafe is a great option.
With a 360-degree tower and bowl design, it gives cats the option to drink from any angle and at multiple heights. They can sip from the tower where the water flows out, or they can drink from the bowl where it’s a bit stiller.
On top of that, the pump is quieter than almost any other option on the market, so it’s great for easily-frightened cats that would run at the sound of loud motors.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe design
- Features a tower and bowl
- Quiet water flow
Cons:
- The pump may be prone to fail after consistent use
PetSafe Cat Water Fountain
Giving your pet a steady stream of water shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and this ceramic fountain from PetSafe makes it possible to get a stylish fountain at a (relatively) affordable price. It features a sophisticated, modern design and comes in a great size that’s perfect for a household with one cat.
On top of its aesthetics, this fountain uses dual filtration for crystal-clear water that’s healthy and safe for your cat. If you’re looking to keep things as stylish as possible, it doesn’t get much better than this top-notch fountain.
Pros:
- Great aesthetic
- Cute, compact design
- Good price
- Uses dual filtration
Cons:
- No cons here
iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
Water fountains require minimal maintenance, but purchasing and replacing water filters on a regular basis is an important part of keeping the water clean for your pets.
If you’re looking to get a head start with your water fountain purchase, this set from iPettie comes with several filter replacements, so you’ll be set for at least the first few months of use.
On top of its convenient add-ons, it also boasts a fill capacity of more than 70 ounces, making it perfect for multiple pets. Additionally, it has a circular design that’s easy to access from all angles. Whether you have a household full of pets or you just want a fountain that can hold enough water for the entire day, this fountain has you covered.
Pros:
- Large fill capacity
- Comes with additional filter replacements
- Lotus water outlet flows in all directions
Cons:
- The power cord is very short
Benefits of a Ceramic Water Fountain
Choosing a ceramic water fountain offers numerous benefits for both you and your beloved feline companion. The elegant designs of ceramic fountains seamlessly complement your home’s aesthetic, while their easy-to-clean surfaces ensure optimal hygiene, too. Ceramics’ non-porous nature inhibits bacterial growth, promoting a healthier drinking routine for your kitty, too.
And there’s more: ceramic is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for cats with skin sensitivities. Plus, the material’s natural heat resistance also maintains a cooler water temperature, enticing your cat to drink more and stay well-hydrated.
In essence, a ceramic water fountain is a wise investment for the health and happiness of your cherished pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic?
Porcelain and ceramic are both made from heating up clay in a kiln, but there are slight differences in their composition.
Porcelain has lower water absorption and is made with refined clay at a higher temperature. Overall, it’s denser and more durable, but it tends to be heavier and more expensive. Ceramics are very similar but tend to be more affordable and common in cat water fountains.
Will a water fountain actually help my cat drink more water?
It’s hard to say what may help each individual cat, but in general, the running water in a fountain does tend to make cats more likely to drink more throughout the day. Cats are naturally attracted to running water, so fountains help pique their interest and stay healthy, alongside feeding them a diet with the best cat food.
How often do I have to refill a pet water fountain?
This depends on how many cats you have and how much water your fountain can hold at capacity. Most pet water fountains hold at least 50 ounces, which should be able to provide one adult cat with enough water for at least a day or two.
However, it helps to refill it before it gets too low, or else the flow will stop, and the water will become still. At the very least, we recommend refilling the water once a day to keep it fresh if you’re home and able to do it.
How much water should my cat drink per day?
As a general rule of thumb, cats should drink around four ounces of water for every five pounds of weight they have. For example, a cat that is five pounds should drink four ounces a day, a cat that is fifteen pounds should drink twelve ounces a day, and so on.
These are not hard and fast rules, but they serve as a great barometer to determine whether your cats are adequately hydrated.
Will my cat drink from a cat water fountain?
Cats can be quite finicky about their water sources, but many feline friends absolutely love cat water fountains. These nifty gadgets provide a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water, enticing even the most discerning kitties to drink more.
Cats are instinctively drawn to moving water, as it mimics the natural streams and rivers they would encounter in the wild. Plus, the constant circulation helps keep the water clean and oxygenated.
While there’s no guarantee your cat will drink from a water fountain, it’s definitely worth a try to encourage healthy hydration habits and keep your furry companion perfectly content.
What is the best material for a cat water fountain?
A ceramic fountain is a good option in terms of aesthetic, but it can be fragile and may crack if dropped. Plastic fountains are not recommended, as they can scratch easily and harbor bacteria, which we don’t want for our beloved kitties. In terms of durability, stainless steel is your best bet since it’ll withstand rust and wear and tear like a pro.
Do ceramic cat fountains get slimy?
Yes, ceramic cat fountains can get slimy over time due to the buildup of bacteria, algae, or mineral deposits. Thankfully for pet owners, it’s easy to beat: to prevent slime and maintain a clean fountain, just be sure to clean it regularly.
You don’t need any fancy products, you can just use a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1) to help disinfect the bowl and remove residue. It’s also good to use soap, warm water, and a small brush to clean the inside of the pump and the impeller.
So, by simply following proper cleaning practices, you can be a stellar cat parent and keep your ceramic fountain fresh and inviting for your kitty.
Are stainless steel cat water fountains better than plastic?
It’s true: stainless steel cat fountains are generally considered better than their plastic counterparts. Stainless steel is far more hygienic, as it’s less likely to collect pesky bacteria and other contaminants compared to plastic.
Not to mention, it’s more durable and less prone to scratches and daily wear and tear, and will often be dishwasher-safe, too. Overall, stainless steel cat water fountains are a safer and more reliable choice for your feline’s hydration needs.
Should I leave my cat water fountain on all the time?
Absolutely. Keep that cat water fountain flowing 24/7 to quench your furry friend’s thirst with an endless supply of fresh, clean H2O. You see, cats are creatures who prefer their water in motion, which not only tickles their whiskers but also keeps them happy, hydrated, and healthy. Just remember to pamper your pet’s personal oasis with regular cleaning, timely filter swaps, and water top-ups.
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