How to choose a cat water fountain?
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A cat that drinks little is a cat that suffers in silence. Yet, the solution is often simpler than we think.
Why your cat snubs its water bowl
Cats are desert predators. In the wild, they hydrate primarily through their prey and drink from running water sources. The stagnant water in a bowl, still and often near their food dish, triggers an ancestral instinct of wariness in them. It's not a whim; it's biology.
The result: a cat fed kibble and given water in a standard bowl often doesn't drink enough. In the long term, this chronic dehydration promotes urinary stones, kidney infections, and urinary tract diseases, which are extremely common pathologies in domestic cats.
A cat water fountain recreates the natural movement of water. It continuously filters, oxygenates, and renews, which instinctively encourages your cat to drink more.
Essential criteria for making the right choice
1. Material
This is the first criterion to consider. There are three types of fountains based on their material:
Plastic fountains are the cheapest but quickly accumulate bacteria in micro-scratches. Some cats also develop a plastic allergy, which manifests as feline acne on their chin.
Ceramic fountains are aesthetically pleasing and hygienic but fragile and often heavy.
304 stainless steel fountains are the benchmark in terms of hygiene and durability. BPA-free, scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and unalterable over time. This is the material we have chosen for all Liore fountains.
2. Capacity
The capacity of your fountain should be adapted to the number of cats in your household:
- 1 cat: a 2 to 2.5-liter fountain is sufficient
- 2 to 3 cats: opt for a fountain of at least 3 liters
- More than 3 cats: choose a large capacity or multiple fountains
An appropriate capacity avoids frequent refilling and ensures consistently fresh and filtered water. Discover our 2.2L fountain ideal for 1 cat, and our 3.2L fountain designed for 1 to 3 cats.
3. Noise level
A noisy fountain stresses your cat and prevents you from placing it in the bedroom or living room. Choose an submerged pump operating at less than 30 dB, which is equivalent to a whisper. All Liore fountains operate below this threshold.
4. Filtration system
A good fountain must continuously filter water to eliminate hair, impurities, and bad odors. Activated carbon is the most effective filtration system. It absorbs chemical residues and keeps the water fresh and neutral-tasting.
Remember to change your filters regularly, ideally every 3 months, to maintain optimal water quality. Discover our Liore replacement filters compatible with all our fountains.
5. Shape and flow mode
Some cats prefer to drink from a stream of water, others from a gentle rain. There are two main types of flow:
The spout creates a continuous and regular stream, ideal for cats who like to drink directly from the source. Our 3.2L spout fountain is perfect for this profile.
The flower fountain disperses water in a gentle rain through petals, replicating the effect of a natural spring. Ideal for sensitive or anxious cats. Discover our 2.2L flower fountain.
6. Ease of maintenance
A difficult-to-clean fountain always ends up being poorly maintained. Choose a dishwasher-safe model with simple disassembly and accessible parts. All Liore fountains are dishwasher-safe and can be disassembled in a few seconds.
Ceramic, stainless steel, or plastic fountain: which to choose?
| Criterion | Plastic | Ceramic | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | ⚠️ Fair | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Durability | ⚠️ Fragile | ⚠️ Fragile | ✅ Very strong |
| Maintenance | ⚠️ Delicate | ✅ Easy | ✅ Dishwasher-safe |
| Price | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Accessible |
| BPA-free | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
304 stainless steel stands out as the best compromise between hygiene, durability, and price. This is why all Liore fountains are made from this material.
How to get your cat used to a fountain?
Some cats adopt the fountain immediately. Others are more wary. Here are some tips to facilitate the transition:
- Place the fountain away from the food bowl. In the wild, cats never drink near their food source; it's instinctive.
- Leave the fountain running from the beginning. The sound and movement of the water naturally attract the cat's curiosity.
- Do not remove the bowl immediately. Give your cat a choice for a few days; it will naturally turn to the fountain.
- Place the fountain at an accessible height, avoid areas that are too high or difficult to reach, especially for older cats.
Should you put a mat under the fountain?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Splashes around the fountain are inevitable, especially with cats who play with water. A silicone food-grade protective mat protects your floor, prevents slips, and facilitates cleaning. Our Liore protective mat is non-slip, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe.
Our selection of cat fountains
At Liore, we have designed a range of premium 304 stainless steel, silent, and filtered water fountains, suitable for all cat profiles:
- 3.2L Spout Fountain: ideal for 1 to 3 cats, -30dB pump, triple filtration
- 2.2L Compact Fountain: perfect for 1 cat, compact and discreet design
- 2.2L Flower Fountain: gentle rain flow, ideal for sensitive cats
All our fountains come with an included activated carbon filter and a 2-year warranty. Free delivery from 40€.