The benefits of a water fountain for your cat

Written by Nova | May 13, 2026

Cats naturally often drink too little. Because many cats find running water more appealing than still water, a water fountain can help encourage fluid intake. This not only supports your cat’s hydration, but also provides fresh, clean drinking water throughout the day.

Why do cats often drink too little?

Cats originally descended from desert animals and naturally have a low thirst drive. In the wild, they obtained a large part of their fluid from their prey. Domestic cats today are often fed dry food, which contains much less moisture. This makes it important that they continue to drink enough. If a cat consistently takes in too little fluid, the urine can become more concentrated. Drinking enough helps support the urinary tract and kidneys.

Why do cats like running water?

Many cats prefer running water to still water. Moving water attracts attention more quickly and is often perceived as fresher. In addition, running water contains more oxygen and does not remain still for as long. The location and shape of a water bowl also play a role. Some cats prefer drinking from a wide water fountain where their whiskers touch the edge less. A water fountain therefore often better suits the natural drinking behaviour of cats.

The benefits of a water fountain for cats

A water fountain for cats keeps the water moving continuously. This can encourage cats to drink more often and in larger amounts. Many models also contain a filter that helps filter hairs, dust and food residues from the water.

A water fountain offers even more benefits:

The water stays fresh for longer
Cats have access to clean drinking water all day
Running water can be more appealing than a still water bowl
Some models are suitable for multiple cats at the same time

For households with multiple cats, a larger water fountain can be especially useful. There is then enough water available throughout the day.

How do you encourage your cat to drink more?

In addition to using a water fountain, there are several ways to encourage cats to drink more. For example, place several drinking spots around the house and change the water daily. It often also helps not to place the water bowl directly next to the food bowl.

Some cats prefer drinking in a quiet place with a good overview. By placing a water fountain in an open spot in the house, your cat may feel more comfortable while drinking.

What should you consider when choosing a water fountain?

Water fountains are available in different sizes, materials and models. When choosing a suitable cat fountain, pay attention to the capacity of the water reservoir, the noise level and how easy the parts are to clean.

There are water fountains made from plastic, stainless steel and ceramic. There are also compact models for one cat and larger water fountains for households with multiple cats.

Are you looking for a suitable water fountain for your cat? View the range of Beeztees water fountains and discover which model suits your cat’s needs.