Yes, for most cats, a water fountain does increase how much they drink — and the reason comes down to instinct, not novelty. Cats evolved as desert animals that got most of their moisture from prey, so they never developed a strong thirst drive for standing water, and many are additionally put off by water that's gone still or picked up a faint smell from a plastic bowl. Moving, aerated water mimics a flowing stream, which cats are instinctively more inclined to trust and drink from.
Why this actually matters for cat health
Cats prone to urinary crystals, kidney issues, or on a mostly dry-kibble diet are the ones where increased water intake makes the biggest practical difference — more fluid through the system means more dilute urine and less mineral concentration, which is a meaningful piece of long-term urinary health. If your cat has ever had a vet mention water intake as a concern, a fountain is one of the simplest changes you can make at home.
What to look for in a fountain
Our Sleek Cat Water Fountain uses a quiet, continuous flow design that keeps water aerated and fresh-tasting throughout the day, with a large enough reservoir that it doesn't need refilling constantly. The Smart Pet Water Fountain adds smart filtration for households wanting an extra layer of cleanliness, particularly useful if you're also running a dog through the same water source.
Whichever fountain you choose, the filter and reservoir need a proper clean every 1-2 weeks (not just a rinse) — a fountain that isn't kept clean can actually put cats off more than a plain bowl, since they're sensitive to any change in smell or taste.
When a fountain isn't the right fit
Some cats genuinely don't take to fountains, usually due to the motor noise or the sensation of moving water on their whiskers. If that's the case, or if you need something simpler for travel or a multi-pet water station, the Compact Portable Pet Water Bottle is a good no-fuss alternative that still keeps water fresher than an open bowl left out all day.
Placement also matters more than people expect: put the water source away from food and away from the litter box — cats instinctively avoid drinking near where they eat or eliminate, which is a common, invisible reason a cat seems uninterested in an otherwise good fountain.
FAQ
How long does it take a cat to start using a new fountain? Some cats drink from it immediately; others take a week or two of curiosity before trusting it. Leaving an old water bowl available during the transition helps.
Do fountains need to run all the time? Yes — the moving water is the whole point, so they're designed to run continuously and use very little power doing it.
Browse the full range in our Cats collection or the wider Pet Supplies collection. Questions about which fountain suits a multi-cat household? Ask us.