ᐉ Drinking bowl (fountain) for cats: rating of the best 4, how to make it yourself

Cats aren't exactly like humans, but when it comes to water consumption, we're similar to our feline friends. As a general rule, the more water we consume, the better it is for us. Cats especially need to drink enough water to prevent the bladder problems they are prone to.

A 10 pound cat needs 7-9 ounces of water per day. In the wild, they get this amount from catching and eating prey. The problem is that it is difficult to get cats to drink from a bowl at home. Drinking water from a standard bowl is not their favorite activity. Solution? Fountains for cats!

Types of automatic drinkers

Wild cats often lived in arid places - steppes and deserts, lacking clean water. Moisture in greater quantities entered the animals' bodies with the blood of their victims. Such animals are accustomed to endure thirst for a long time.

Other cat species were forest dwellers. Such predators chose a stream as a source of moisture and often settled on a tree near it. They covered the key with leaves, digging it up for drinking. The sound of running water was their signal to return to the house.

The descendants of these cats prefer to drink running water, and the bowl of liquid is usually “digged” before dipping their face into it.

Pets, especially those whose diet is dominated by dry formula, need plenty of clean water. Its deficiency can lead to unpleasant consequences, for example, urolithiasis and kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to organize a proper drinking bowl for the cat that attracts attention, and from an early age to teach him to drink often and in large quantities.

Today, industrial devices with circulating water are produced for cats. These are automatic drinkers, powered by electricity or batteries. They are safe for pets, since the voltage consumption does not exceed 12 volts. They can be equipped with lighting and a bactericidal lamp, and equipped with a timer to regularly turn off the water supply.

Drinking bowl

This is an ordinary deep cup, into which a stream of water falls freely from a height or flows down a special chute. Usually the pressure of the supplied liquid can be adjusted. Such drinking bowls are convenient when there are one or two pets in the house.

Two-bowl drinking bowl

It consists of two containers located one above the other. The small upper bowl has holes through which liquid flows freely into the large lower bowl.

The pump is used submersible, the device operates silently. This drinking bowl is convenient when there are kittens or many pets in the house, since the large volume and stability of the device allows everyone to drink at once.

Drinking fountain

In this case, there are also two containers, but above the top there is a small dome in the form of a hemisphere. Water is pushed upward by a pump from the middle part of the device, flows down the round walls and falls into the lower bowl.

By place of application

You can choose any improvised cat “pond” for location in a city apartment. The main thing is that it is comfortable, stable, and not too noisy.

There are special requirements for devices for enclosures. When used outdoors, stainless steel products are the most practical, without unnecessary decoration. Mechanical devices without the need to connect to the network or battery-powered fountains are suitable.

All elements (bowls, reservoirs) of the accessory must be equipped with fastenings to a mesh or wall. This way cats won’t knock over or break devices. If there are many pets living in the enclosure, you will have to buy several automatic drinkers, placing them at different heights.

Ceramic device

Caring for drinking bowls

In order for pets to drink truly clean water, automatic devices should be operated correctly and their technical condition monitored.

To do this you need:

Before first use, thoroughly wash all parts of the drinker with dishwashing detergent and dry them completely.
Place the device on a flat, hard surface in a place where it will not disturb anyone and, preferably, away from other electrical appliances.
Once every few days (depending on the volume of the tank and the number of pets), pour clean drinking water (preferably bottled) at room temperature into the drinking bowl.
If the machine operates continuously, then once a week it must be turned off, completely disassembled and thoroughly washed all components, including the filter.
Do not connect the drinker to the electrical network if there is no water in the device or there is some kind of breakdown.

Operating instructions

In order for four-legged animals to constantly consume fresh water, it is necessary to properly operate the device. It should be poured depending on the volume of the tank. Constant monitoring of the technical condition of the device will significantly extend its service life. If the device operates continuously, then approximately once every 7 days it needs to be turned off, disassembled and washed.

Turned it on and forgot: is it true?

The operation of the automatic drinker must be monitored. The tank needs to be replenished - turning on the device with an empty container leads to breakdowns or to someone becoming thirsty.

Cleaning

The new product is thoroughly washed and dried. Subsequently, the drinking bowl must be cleaned once a week. For cleaning, use products that are used for washing dishes and a sponge. The pump should be cleaned of limescale with a vinegar solution. The filters included in the kit must be changed once a month. If an animal becomes infected, the device is discarded after the disease so that it does not recur.

Water should be poured into drinking bowls at room temperature!

Criteria for choosing a drinker

When choosing an automatic device for providing animals with water, you must be guided by the following criteria:

It is advisable to choose a drinking bowl from a reputable manufacturer. Today, the best drinking bowls are produced in Western Europe. They are made from safe materials and have the best price-quality ratio. The cost of devices is from 1,200 to 10,000 rubles.
When choosing a device, you need to understand how many animals it is intended for. It is better to buy a large fountain for the nursery, and for one pet a small bowl with a falling stream will be enough.
It is also necessary to take into account the material from which the drinker is made. Light plastic can be easily moved and knocked over by animals. If there are a lot of pets, then it is better to choose a metal or ceramic heavy device.
You should also consider the availability of replacement filters. When buying a drinker, you need to make sure that these consumables for this device model are on sale and that they are easy to replace yourself.
We must not forget about the noise level from the operating device. It is better to check this parameter in the store and make sure that it will not interfere with household members.
You need to choose a drinking bowl for your pets based on their preferences. Most often, Bengals, Abyssinians, and all active breeds love to drink water from a fountain; apparently, the babbling sound reminds them of the stream from which their wild ancestors drank. For long-haired cats, it is better to buy a model with a dome, in this case the liquid does not splash and the fur remains dry.

Review of the most common drinkers

Nowadays, on pet supply websites and in pet stores you can see a wide variety of automatic waterers for pets.

Feed-Ex

The device is relatively inexpensive - 1,190 rubles. It has a tank made of durable plastic, equipped with internal carbon filters and a silent pump motor. The principle of liquid supply eliminates splashing and overflowing.

The drinking bowl has a convenient height and dimensions, allowing one or several pets to drink at the same time. The capacity of the container is 3 liters, the water supply is enough for several days.

Sititek Pets Uni

The cost of this device is 2,990 rubles.

The uniqueness of the device is that it is equipped with a drinking bowl with a capacity of 1.8 liters and a reservoir for dry food designed for 800 grams of mixture.

The manufacturer assures that pets quickly get used to this model and prefer to eat and drink only from it.

There are replaceable double filters that are easy to install yourself. Typically, their average service life is two months, but this indicator depends on the quality of the water.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic drinking bowls for cats

Cats are more willing to drink from water bowls due to their undeniable advantages:

The water is always running, cool, fresh, it has no unpleasant odors or debris, and does not stagnate.
In addition, the water is constantly enriched with oxygen, which makes the liquid beneficial for the health of pets.
The jet is located at a distance from the floor that is convenient for the animals; they do not have to tilt or raise their heads.
Animals drink more from water bottles because they are attracted by the sound of water or the sound of falling water.
Mechanical drinkers, created on the principle of communicating vessels, can significantly reduce the time required to maintain the device.
Nipple drinkers, similar to rodent devices, help avoid splashing and keep your pet's fur dry and clean. This is especially true for long-haired breeds.

The disadvantages of automatic drinkers include:

The need for their timely maintenance and filling the tank.
If there is a power outage, pets may be left without water. Drinkers with independent liquid supply can help out here.
High cost of devices.

cat fountain

This type of fountain is great for cats who don't want to drink standing water. If your cat tends to drink from taps or other places where she shouldn't drink, it may be because she prefers fresh, running water.

The solution may be a drinking fountain for your cat.
These are usually drinkers with very small electric motors.
Fill the bowl with water and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating.
The cat will then be able to drink from a stream of water or from a reservoir where the water falls.

Many water fountains also come with filters that help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. The fountain can also cool the water - ideal for the summer months.

Mr. Cat recommends: DIY cat water bowl

In order not to spend money on purchasing an expensive device, you can easily make a water bowl for your cat yourself.

Bottle and bowl model

The simplest model will require a plastic bottle, a metal bowl and wooden planks.

A platform, a holder for a container with water and a support are made from wood. The hole in the support is cut so that the neck of the bottle is firmly fixed.

All wooden blanks have grooves and tenons cut with a jigsaw. Then they are assembled into a single structure and fastened together using PVA glue. Next, pour water into a clean bottle, close it with a lid and place it upside down in a support above a metal bowl. To make the structure rigid, secure the bottle to the holders with an elastic band.

The lid is opened and some of the water is immediately poured into the bowl. As the liquid in it runs out, it gradually enters the container from the bottle.

Drinking fountain made from flower pots

You will need two flower pots. The lower one is large and better made of good lined ceramics. The second one is smaller, made of high-quality plastic. The diameter of its upper part should be slightly smaller than the bottom of the first tank.

A small aquarium pump is placed at the bottom of the ceramic pot, it is covered with a plastic bowl, in the bottom of which a hole is cut for water. After the ceramic container is two-thirds filled with water, the pump is connected to the electrical network, and the water rises upward through the hole in a fountain.

You can attach a special aquarium tube of a suitable diameter to a plastic pot in the hole.

Homemade automatic drinker

You will need a plastic trough (for example, from IKEA), a small bucket with a lid (such as a 2-liter tabletop trash container), an aquarium sponge of medium porosity, small suction cups, a piece of hose and a pump (aquarium products are suitable), and a garden valve.

A hole is cut in the bottom front of the bucket and a sponge is inserted. Suction cups are attached to the bottom from the outside. The container on them will be firmly fixed in the trough.

A round hole is first made on the side of the bucket, into which a garden valve is inserted, and an aquarium hose of the required length is inserted into it. A small groove is drilled in the cover for the electrical wire.

After the bucket is installed in the trough, a pump is placed on its bottom, and the electrical cord is threaded through the hole in the lid. The electrical appliance turns on only after the second end of the hose is connected to it (the first is brought out through the garden valve) and liquid is poured in.

If you want the water to gurgle, leave the protruding tip of the hose short. For quiet operation of the drinker, it can be made long and lowered into the water in the trough.

For one pet, it is enough to change the water in this design once a week. You can additionally set a timer and turn off the water supply at night.

Requirements

A drinking bowl for a mustachioed pet is a necessary attribute, as is a feeder. It also needs to be chosen carefully so as not to make a mistake in the choice. When going to the store in search of a suitable model, you need to keep in mind what requirements a high-quality drinker must meet.

The structure must be made of high-quality and safe materials that, in contact with water, do not become a favorable environment for the proliferation of dangerous microorganisms.
The drinking bowl should be comfortable. Seals should be able to drink at any time without encountering obstacles.
The design should be such that it can be easily washed or cleaned if necessary.
The drinking bowl must be assembled with high quality. All details must be in place.

Otherwise, the automatic model will not work correctly and will be of no use.

Certain requirements are imposed not only in relation to drinking bowls for cats and cats. The water should also be ideal for these pets.

The liquid in drinking bowls must always be fresh and clean. There should be no pieces of food or pet fur floating in it. It's important to keep an eye on this.
The water temperature should not be too high or too low. It is advisable that it be at room temperature.
The container itself from which pets drink must be kept completely clean. Otherwise, the dishes may turn into a source of infection for animals.

We talk about how to properly organize a “watering area” in an apartment

Did you know how closely cats resemble their predatory relatives? The similarity is not only in their grace and the beauty of their ponytails. The cat family is united by both the habits of the hunter and everyday habits.

In nature, lions, cheetahs and other big cats prefer to protect water bodies from pollution (this is what we should learn from them). Cats eat their prey away from the watering hole, and the greater the distance from the bloody feast to the pond, the better. In a cat's natural habitat, water is prized. The remains of the feast must not pollute the source!

Lionesses at a watering hole

The habit of eating away from the drinking bowl has also been preserved among domestic cats. Seals consider water placed away from the bowl from which they eat to be the cleanest.

This is why, by the way, cats climb into their owners’ cups and try to drink from aquariums.

Some tea, purrrlord?

How to choose?

With a large assortment of different drinkers, choosing the optimal option usually does not cause difficulties. The main thing is to rely on a number of basic criteria.

It is advisable to buy drinking bowls produced by well-known brands. The highest quality designs today are made in Western Europe. Branded models are made from high-quality materials, and they last much longer. Drinking bowls from unknown manufacturers, bought in street shops, can harm the health of cats.
When choosing a drinking bowl, it is very important to consider how many baleen will use it . It is recommended to install a large fountain in the nursery. If there is only one cat living in the house, then one bowl with a trickle of water falling from above will be enough. This model is cheaper, and the cat will have enough of it.
It is equally important to take into account the material from which the drinker is made . A pet can accidentally move a lightweight plastic model and spill everything on the floor. Most often, cats move light plastic models. If there are a lot of them in the house, then it is recommended to purchase more stable and heavier options made of metal or ceramics. They will be more difficult to move or knock over.
It is also important to consider the availability of changing filter parts in the design . When purchasing a cat water bowl, you need to make sure that all consumables for the selected model are on sale and can be easily replaced with your own hands.
It is also worth considering the noise level emanating from the selected devices in operating condition. It is advisable to check all the necessary parameters in the store before making a purchase. This way you can find out whether the structure will not interfere with the work of household members, disturbing their peace.
We must not forget about the preferences of the animals themselves when choosing a drinking bowl. For example, Abyssinians, Bengals and other active representatives of their breeds prefer to drink from a fountain. As for long-haired pets, it is advisable for them to buy models with a dome. In these devices, the liquid does not splash, so the cats’ fur does not get wet.
The design of the drinker is also taken into account. If you want to purchase a more stylish and interesting model, then you can choose the option with blue backlight.

Design and advantages of automatic drinkers

It makes sense to purchase a fountain for a cat if the animal remains alone for a long time or likes to drink water at night when the owners are sleeping. An automatic drinker is a device that runs on batteries or from an electrical network and supplies the animal with a stream of running water.

The animal should always have fresh water

the cat should not endure thirst for a long time;
animals like to drink water not from a bowl, but from a stream, as in the wild;
the sound of the murmuring liquid has a calming effect on the animal;
Unlike a regular bowl, your pet will not spill water by accidentally hitting the dish with its muzzle.

Considering all these features, it is undoubtedly worth spending money on purchasing an interesting device.

Is a cat fountain a good investment or an unnecessary gadget?

Each animal owner must provide him with constant access to fresh water. However, cats are picky and refuse not only to eat, but also to drink water from their bowl. Therefore, provide them with an alternative in the form of a fountain.

Proper hydration is critical to a cat's health; like humans, they are 80% water. Cats fed dry food should drink about 150-200 ml of water per day (for a cat weighing about 3-5 kg).

Cats that eat wet food drink less because some water is provided by the food. However, you need to monitor how much fluid your pet consumes because both under-hydration and excessive fluid intake can lead to serious health problems.

Criterias of choice

Drinking fountains for cats have different options. When choosing, you need to consider the following:

volume;
presence or absence of a filter;
"cat collar"

The choice of volume depends on the size and age of the animal.

Water filtration

The most expensive models are usually equipped with filters that remove impurities from the liquid. Cartridges for filtration devices are not included, but they are sold in pet stores.

For reference! It makes sense to buy a model with a filter if the tap water is of poor quality.

Volume Features

Sippy cups for cats are available in different volumes - from 0.5 to 2 liters.

The optimal volume for a medium-sized adult cat is 1.5 liters. However, if the owner often leaves for a long time, it makes sense to buy a 2 liter model.

Cat collar

Products intended for long-haired animals have a special dome. It is needed so that the pet does not wet its luxurious fur during the “watering hole.”

Rating of the best automatic drinkers

The leading positions in the ranking are occupied by products from Western European manufacturers. When compiling the rating, the following are taken into account:

the material from which the drinking bowl is made;
volume of the liquid container;
popularity among animal lovers;
the ability to automatically supply not only water, but also food.

The best models are equipped with a built-in timer to control the time of feeding and drinking water.

Automated water supply devices can be purchased at pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.

Feed-Ex

A distinctive feature of this cat drinking bowl is its increased strength and long service life. The product with a volume of slightly less than 2 liters is made of metal with the addition of plastic. Also suitable for small dogs.

The average cost is 3,000 rubles.

Feeder-drinker for cats Trixie

Automated device for supplying water and food made in Germany. Volume 0.6 l.

A transparent container helps the owner notice in time when food or water is running low. The drinking bowl is small and well suited as a travel option.

You can buy the device for only 300 - 400 rubles.

Attention! Automatic feeders use only dry food. Any other food spoils quickly, especially if it’s hot at home.

Ferplast Vega

High-quality water bowl for cats at a reasonable price. The 2-liter sippy cup is made of high-quality food-grade plastic. The water circulates constantly and always remains fresh.

The device is easy to use.

Drinkwell Platinum

Large, but compact and convenient automatic drinking bowl for cats. Volume 2 l.

The product has an original design and a beautiful silver color. Motion sensors are working.

The model can be found in the online store and ordered by phone, telling the consultant the code and article number.

The average cost of such a drinking fountain is 5,000 rubles.

Pioneer Pet Rain Drop fountain bowl

One of the best options for an automatic waterer for cats. The water pressure can be adjusted by making a strong or weak stream.

The product is equipped with an additional plastic filter. Therefore, the pet drinks water without impurities.

What do fountains have to do with it?

You ask: “What does this have to do with fountains?” It’s simple: if the water flows, it is not stagnant, which means it will not bloom, will not go rotten, and is generally clean. It's true: the constant movement of water does not allow it to bloom or fade quickly, especially in a hot place in the summer. And the temperature of flowing water is much more pleasant than that of water standing in an ordinary deep bowl.

This is why a freshly drawn bath causes such delight among animals, and friends of the channel’s editors even have a cat who drinks only from the tap.

Automatic drinking bowls in the form of fountains are considered the ideal device for watering cats. The stream, which the cat can even play with, causes the water in the tank to circulate and reduces the likelihood of its spoilage.

Compared to ordinary bowls that we are used to using for watering cats, a fountain is expensive. However, for the health and comfort of the cat it is simply necessary!

Among other things, the industry produces inexpensive and high-quality versions of automatic drinkers.

The channel's editors studied drinkers based on the following characteristics:

Device price.
Noise during operation.
Method of power supply and durability of mechanics.
Convenience.
Dimensions and bulkiness.
Easy to care for.
Availability of additional functions (filtration, ionization, etc.)

Having studied Yandex.Market, the channel realized that the minimum price for automatic drinkers of acceptable quality ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, and the most expensive ones can cost up to 10,000 rubles. Stores like DNS, Ozon and M.video sell truly complex and expensive drinking bowls with the ability to connect to the Smart Home system. Owning such an advanced accessory for your beloved pet is a pleasure!

Among inexpensive drinkers, there are also those in which water enters the reservoir as its level decreases. This is a common model: such drinking bowls are made for rodents and birds. Unfortunately, the water in them stagnates and deteriorates very quickly; it must be changed frequently.

Such a drinking bowl is good for the road, but it is not suitable for permanent use in an apartment. The device requires constant care, a brush and detergents that are safe for cats. (Animal bowls should not be washed with regular dishwashing detergents.)

Ceramic bowls are considered the most functional. The high cost of dense and heavy material is justified. In a ceramic container, water does not change its taste and - most importantly - is not contaminated with unwanted impurities, as happens with plastic containers.

We liked one option on the “Take!” marketplace. - a not very expensive Feed-Ex automatic drinker with a wide reservoir, a fountain stream and a trickle nozzle.

The reservoir is designed for 1.8 liters, water replacement is required every 2-5 days, but, of course, the more often the better.

We highlight the following advantages:

1. Neutral colors (gray, white) will fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment. Dimensions are small – 27x21x12 cm; Finding a place for the device is not difficult even in a one-room home.

2. Comes with two attachments: a jet (as in the main product image) and a stream that allows cats to lick the flowing stream of water. At the same time, cats can drink from the tank if it is convenient for them.

3. Can also be used for small dog breeds.

4. The shape of the bowl prevents water from splashing out again. But keep in mind that cats can play with the stream, so you will have to place the drinking bowl either on a waterproof floor or on a moisture-absorbing material.

5. Possibility of adjusting water pressure.

6. Replaceable carbon filter, safe for cats and dogs, ensures long-term use of the drinking bowl.

7. Power supply via a low voltage adapter is safe for animals. There will be no electric shock even if the wire is chewed. The power cord is 2 meters long, which allows you to place the drinker at a great distance from the outlet. The device also runs on batteries.

8. The price of the drinker at the time of writing the review did not even reach 3000 rubles.

Among the disadvantages we highlight:

1. Noise (hum) when the engine is running. There may be an increase in noise as the motor wears out. According to reviews, cats are indifferent to the noise produced by the drinking bowl.

2. Case material - plastic and metal.

3. The need for regular maintenance of the drinker: changing filters, disassembling and cleaning pumps. However, this drawback is characteristic of almost all models of electric drinkers.

Let's sum it up

The Feed-Ex waterer is a good budget option. The device is good for the health of cats and provides them with comfortable conditions for drinking water. An electric drinking bowl can become an unusual entertainment and can turn ordinary drinking water into an exciting game.

Tell us how your whiskered-tailed ones drink.

DIY drinking bowl

Making an inexpensive fountain for cats will not take much time and effort; any home craftsman can handle the job. The pet will certainly like this product and will help out the owner when he has to go away.

Drinking fountain made from flower pots

You can make a fountain for cats yourself from scrap materials (for example, from plastic bottles or flower pots).

To work you will need two flower pots, plastic and ceramic. A small aquarium compressor is placed in a clay pot and covered with a plastic tank with a hole for water to flow in. When the ceramic pot is filled, the compressor is activated and a stream of water flows upward.

Materials

Water bowls for cats are made from 3 groups of materials:

Plastic. Due to the lightness, they often turn over. If the device is scratched or cracked, harmful microorganisms will grow there.

Often plastic drinking bowls for cats look better in photos than in real life. Keep this in mind if appearance is important to you.

Ceramics or glass. Stable. Mold may form on ceramics without enamel.

Metal. If the vessel begins to rust, it will harm the animal. Choose stainless steel drinkers.

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Why do animals refuse to drink from water bottles?

Having bought a drinking fountain for cats, you should gradually accustom your pet to the new dishes. Most often, pets are scared away by strong water pressure. In this case, you just need to adjust the jet. Usually kittens under the age of one year are afraid of high pressure.

Not all cats like water bottles

Attention! If the animal “inherited” new dishes from another cat or small dog, perhaps the pet is simply scared off by someone else’s smell. In this case, you need to thoroughly wash the bowl with soap or other detergent.

Mini fountain drinking bowl for animals MISS ROS 2.5 l (191916 cm)

Seller's reliability: excellent!

Delivery within Russia: free!

Give your pet a caring friend - a fountain drinking bowl for animals. It constantly filters the water, purifying it from bad microorganisms, making the water clean and saturated with oxygen. The size of the device is 19*19*16 cm. If the water level is low, the fountain turns off and the indicator lights up. Spare filters are not included in the kit. Perhaps this is the best fountain for cats and dogs from Aliexpress. Order it with free delivery throughout Russia.