Why Cats Prefer Running Water (and How to Pick the Right Fountain)

If your cat ignores a full water bowl but comes running the second you turn on the faucet, you're not imagining it. Lots of cats would rather drink moving water than still water, and there are good reasons for it.

It's instinct

Cats Protection's behaviour manager traces it back to the African wildcat, which drank from fresh, flowing streams rather than standing pools. In the wild, still water is more likely to go stale, so moving water reads as the safer choice. A bowl that has sat all day, collecting dust and fur, can trigger the same "skip it" reaction.

Freshness, whiskers and fun

A vet writing for PetsRadar gives a few more likely reasons:

• Running water seems cleaner and safer to cats.
• Cats like their water kept away from their food.
• Drinking from a stream means their whiskers don't keep brushing the sides of a bowl.
• Moving water is also just fun to bat at.

Vets often suggest a fountain as an easy way to encourage a cat to drink more.

What a fountain does that a bowl can't

A fountain keeps water circulating through a filter, so hair and debris get caught instead of floating on top. The water stays moving all day, not only when someone remembers to refill the bowl. Most cats figure it out within a day or two.

How to choose

• If you want it quiet: pick a pump you won't hear at night. Our quiet cat water fountain, WhisperFlow, runs under 30 dB with 4-stage filtration and a lit water-level window, so you can check it in the dark.
• If you have more than one pet: go for capacity. Our large cat water fountain, TriStream, holds 85 oz (2.5 L), its filter lasts up to 90 days, and a 450 ml backup reservoir keeps water available during short power outages.
• If you prefer stainless steel: our stainless steel cat water fountain, PureFlow, has a stainless steel bowl and top that go in the dishwasher. A motion sensor starts the flow when your cat walks up, and the pump shuts itself off if the water gets low.

Tips for getting your cat to use it

• Put the fountain away from the food bowl and the litter box.
• Rinse it regularly and change the filter on the maker's schedule.
• Keep a regular bowl out for the first few days while your cat gets used to it.

Compare all three side by side in our fountain guide.

Sources: Cats Protection, "Why do cats like drinking water from the tap?"; PetsRadar, "Why do cats like running water? Vet reveals 4 fascinating theories."