If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ve probably noticed how picky they are about water. Some will walk right past a full bowl and act like they’ve never had a drink in their life. The trouble is, when cats don’t drink enough, it can lead to serious health problems—especially urinary tract infections. That’s why many cat owners are switching to pet water fountains. But can they really lower the risk of UTIs?
The Low Thirst Drive of Cats
Cats are not considered to be big water drinkers. This can be traced back to their ancestors who lived in deserts, and their main source of moisture was live prey. Even nowadays, domestic cats do not always feel the need to drink water until they are already slightly dehydrated. When your cat consumes mostly dry food and hardly touches his or her bowl, then it is a problem in the making.
What Urinary Problems Affect Cats?
There are several common urinary issues cat owners should know about:
- UTIs, which are caused by bacteria, and more likely when urine is concentrated
- Urinary conditions in cats, FLUTD, is an umbrella term
- Obstructions of the urethra, particularly in male cats, may be fatal
These are painful and in some cases urgent issues. One of the most effective methods of reducing the risk is hydration.
The Reason Why Hydration is Important
The more water a cat consumes, the more diluted its urine is. That makes it more difficult and minimizes the risk of crystals or stones. When your cat is well hydrated, it flushes the bladder and keeps everything flowing as it should. The problem is that you need to make your cat drink more when they do not like bowls.
How Water Fountains Can Help
Cats are attracted to running water. It is an indicator of freshness and safety as opposed to standing water that may become stale or smell bad. Water in pet fountains is circulated, and this makes it more attractive. You can see that your cat is drinking more simply because they are interested in the stream.
There are some other advantages of fountains:
- Better-tasting filtered water
- Reduced accumulation of slime or biofilm
- Several spouts are ideal when you have more than one pet at home
- Maintains water cool and aerated
All this translates to improved hydration- and urinary health.
What Vets Say
Although little research directly correlates fountains with a reduced number of UTIs, vets agree that a cat should be prompted to drink more water. An article published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2011 observed that cats that were given clean running water and high-moisture food experienced fewer urinary issues. The fountain is therefore not a magic solution, but it assists in living a healthier life.
Watch for These Warning Signs
UTIs may still occur even when a fountain and improved hydration are present. Watch out:
- Difficulty in urinating or crying in the litter box
- Urinating outside the box
- Pink or bloody urine
- Visiting the box repeatedly without much output
- Lethargy or hiding
If your cat shows any of these signs, call your vet. Catching it early can save a lot of pain—and expense.
Easy Ways to Avoid UTIs
There is no need to change a lot to ensure the health of your cat. Some daily routines can assist:
- Wet food or add some water to dry kibble
- Install additional water points in the home
- Wash the litter box daily to prevent the accumulation of bacteria
- Take the vet regularly to checkups
Final Thoughts
The concept of changing to a water fountain might not seem like a major change, but it can make a big difference. Probably the easiest thing you can do to assist your cat with urinary health is to get them to drink more. A fountain will not solve all the problems, but it is a big step to keep your cat hydrated, healthy, and comfortable.
