Fountain for cats: popular models and manufacturers, building a drinking bowl with your own hands

Veterinarians, cattery owners and simply cat lovers have long been divided into 2 camps. The first believe that only natural food is acceptable for four-legged pets. Others say that industrial, dry and canned food is ideal for a balanced diet for cats, which cannot be achieved with a natural diet.

But there is one issue on which these 2 camps absolutely agree - cats need clean water. Water must be fresh and in sufficient quantity.

But the problem is that cats do not drink as much water as they need, especially on dry food.

How can you trick a cat into drinking enough water so as not to harm its kidneys? The solution is electric drinking bowls for cats.

Why is this a good idea, how to choose a device and is it possible to save money by making a drinker yourself?

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.

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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.

Why don't cats drink from a bowl?

There are 2 reasons here:

instinct;
freshness.

Wild cats drank running water from natural springs. This instinct was passed on to pets. Therefore, they are more interested in drinking from the tap or toilet.

Cats are clean animals and will not tolerate stale or dirty water in their bowl. And it becomes so after the first drink. Pieces of food and fur fall into the bowl and by the next time the cat is thirsty, it becomes not fresh.

To ensure constantly clean water in your cat's bowl, you need to change it after each approach. But what kind of owner wouldn’t be bothered by this, and not every working person has such an opportunity.

Science and technological progress have come to the rescue of cat owners. This is how automatic drinking bowls for cats were invented.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

A special pump allows you to regulate the pressure of the supplied liquid. This device is not silent, the murmur of water can be heard. Some animals are attracted to this sound and stimulate their appetite.

The case is durable, made of eco-plastic, but weighs only 105 grams. That is, the weight of a fully filled device will be about 2.5 kilograms.

If there are several animals in the house, they will be able to move it, but they are unlikely to knock it over.

Drinkwell Platinum

This device costs 6,000 rubles. The volume of the internal tank is large - 5 liters. Suitable for several pets.

The device is equipped with carbon filters for liquid purification and a silent pump for regulating the jet pressure. Water moves along a special chute with a quiet murmur that attracts the attention of animals, and flows out of a special spout that imitates a water tap.

It has several operating modes, can be quickly and easily disassembled, and all parts can be washed in the dishwasher.

Drinkwell D 360SS-EU-45

The device is made of stainless steel, the volume of the internal tank is 3.8 liters. The cost of the drinking bowl is 9,500 rubles.

The device is equipped with two types of filters. The carbon one is designed to eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors; it is made of foam materials - it traps any debris that gets into the water - wool, pieces of food.

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Their purpose is to keep the liquid and pump clean. They need to be changed once or twice a month. If there are a lot of animals or one of the pets salivates excessively, then it is better to do this more often.

It is a large bowl with a central cone that covers the pump. The parts are made of stainless steel. There are five special rings with spouts that fit onto the cone and imitate a stream of water from a faucet.

What the owners say

I am the happy owner of five cats of different ages and genders. They all willingly drink from an ordinary bowl. No whims, turning over containers and no desire to drink from the sink. The automatic waterer interested me solely because it makes it possible to leave animals unattended for the weekend. A large tank will probably be more practical than several bowls placed around the apartment. However, among my friends there are owners of truly discerning cats who really only like running water in the sink or bathtub. As a rule, these are purebred animals. Breeders note that some behavioral features of cats may be related to their origin, so they urge you to study the characteristics of the breed in advance when choosing a pet.

It is not difficult to find reviews on the Internet about the operation of automatic waterers for cats. They are very contradictory, which, however, is not surprising. There are no two identical cats, just like two identical people.

My cat and I are happy with the product. The fountain is great. Before him, no matter what I poured water into, the cat refused to drink. He climbed into the toilet and drank from the bucket for washing the floors. He was not interested in cups, mugs and bowls. He appreciated the fountain. Started drinking. Sometimes he dips his paws and just splashes water.))) The goods were sent in 5 days, it arrived in a week. Delivery by e-packet. It was packed in a bag and a cardboard box. The box was wrinkled, but the fountain was not damaged. The fountain is made of good plastic. High quality, bright. I took it for a European socket. There's a whole block there, not just a plug. ) Water is poured easily, we poured about 1.5 liters. There is a filter, so we filled it with tap water. The cord itself is long. I expected that there would also be a rug, but apparently it needs to be ordered separately. I didn’t communicate with the seller, there was no need. Everything is great. I recommend for purchase.
E***a
https://ru.aliexpress.com/item/1–6L/32881030679.html?spm=a2g0v.search0204.3.220.591f15e06NKQ0b&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_3_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10 2Csearchweb201603 _55%2CppcSwitch_2_ppcChannel&algo_expid=a27f2bd5–3714–4995-ac4b-ef1e1a20b328–24&algo_pvid= a27f2bd5–3714–4995-ac4b-ef1e1a20b328&priceBeautifyAB=0

Well, after a long time I’m adding a comment, my verdict on this thing: useless garbage!!! The cat rarely drinks from it, and he really can’t be forced to do so, not only is it noisy, it splashes the floor in front of it, it irritates me with its beautiful fur, it’s big, uncomfortable and unaesthetic!!! Ugh!!! Do not buy!!! I still couldn’t teach the cat to drink from it, he just sat in the sink and still sits, and most likely drinks from this trough while we are not at home.”
Tatka16
https://irecommend.ru/content/kot-ty-nam-ochen-dorogo-obkhodishsya

The drinking bowl is a great thing. The water is always clean and filtered. Plus, you can choose the water supply mode that your pet likes best. If the animal “recognizes” this drinking bowl, then without any problems you can leave it for the whole day or even a weekend with a supply of food and a “fountain”.
Martovskaya
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https://irecommend.ru/content/esli-vash-kot-ne-pyushchii-video-rabotayushchei-avtopoilki-v-raznykh-rezhimakh

In general, it turned out to be a very convenient and practical thing. The cats almost immediately (by evening) figured out what needed to be done. The older cat stopped drumming and started drinking normally. I've been using it for almost 3 weeks. I'm incredibly happy with the purchase, it's a pity I didn't buy it earlier!!!
karinagg
https://irecommend.ru/content/fontan-dlya-koshek-hagen-catit-pitevoi-3-l

My cats touched the water from the fountain with their paws and sniffed it first. Then they stopped paying attention to the fountain. They continued to drink from bowls. I removed the bowls and left one fountain. Did not help. Still, they stubbornly refused to drink from the fountain. I couldn’t experiment like this for a long time, because the sick cat, on the contrary, needed to drink more, and then the water consumption even decreased. I looked at this matter and had to remove the fountain. Alas. It also takes up a lot of space on the table. As you can see, it's bulky.
Pushinka Pushinkina
https://irecommend.ru/content/poilka-fontan-dlya-koshek-i-sobak-moi-dve-koshki-ostalis-ravnodushny

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why is it worth purchasing?

The device is very convenient because water flows into it constantly.

Continuous water supply in the fountain.
Filtration.
Attractive noise.
Constant access to fluid.

Cons: are there any?

Price. Not always budget friendly.
Consumables. Some models require additional purchases, while those that already exist require periodic replacement or repairs.
Circuit. Operating from electricity requires the water drinker to be close to the outlet, but if the cord is long, the problem is easily solved.

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.

In order to prevent diseases, the cat should drink water at the rate of 35-40 ml per 1 kg of weight per day. Low fluid intake can lead to the development of urolithiasis, constipation, cystitis, etc.

Natural instinct, formed over millennia, attracts cats to drink running river water, not lake water. Therefore, your pet may refuse to drink water from a bowl or consume it in small quantities.

A special fountain for cats will come to the rescue, since no one will always keep the water tap open.

Content

Kinds

All types of electric drinkers have the same operating principle: there are 2 reservoirs and a mini pump. The pump pumps water from one container to another.

The device also has a filter that purifies the water from hair and dirt. The constant movement of water saturates it with oxygen, which makes the water fresh all day long.

Drinker for 2 bowls. This is a design made from containers of different sizes. Small bowl at the top, big at the bottom. The pump constantly pours water from a larger container to a smaller one.

Due to the fact that the smaller bowl is in the middle, access to water is open for 2-3 cats.

Fountain with a dome. A fountain drinking bowl with a dome is interesting for a cat because it provides two ways to drink: lick the water from the dome and simply drink from the bowl where this water flows.

Drinking bowl. This is 1 container with a high wall from which a tube or tap protrudes. There is a pump inside the wall that pumps water from the bowl to the tap. This device is suitable for 1 cat.

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How to train a cat to use a fountain

It is easier to teach your cat to drink from an automatic device from an early age. First, you need to get her attention. For this, attractive aromas (fish, for example) are used.

The bowl from which the kitten drinks should not be removed immediately. During the training period, he must understand that the water from the new drinking bowl tastes better and is more interesting to drink.

In order for your pet to quickly get used to the automatic drinking bowl, you need to follow a few simple rules:

Before using the device, thoroughly rinse the surfaces in contact with water using a safe, odorless detergent and wipe dry;
choose a location for the drinking bowl away from other electrical appliances in a low-traffic area on a horizontal surface;
use only high-quality water (possibly bottled) at room temperature;
change drinking water once a day;
wash the drinking bowl once a week.

Types of drinking fountains for cats

There are several types of drinking bowls for cats: from cheap mechanical ones to expensive designer ones equipped with an electric pump.

The simplest option is a drinking bowl, which is designed based on the principle of communicating vessels. From a high reservoir, a stream enters a bowl when the water level in it decreases. Such an invention costs from 200 to 800 rubles. depending on volume.

Tiered fountains consist of two or three bowls located at different levels. From the lower bowl, water is supplied upstairs using an electric pump operating on a voltage of 12 V. The price of such devices starts from 2 thousand rubles. Most are equipped with replaceable filters. There are models powered by batteries.

Another variety can be considered a drinking bowl with a dome. From the reservoir below, water is pumped up to the center of the dome and flows down from there. Many kittens enjoy licking liquid from an inclined surface. The price for such varieties is 2.5-6 thousand rubles.

Choosing a drinker model

The first option is a drinking bowl. In this model, water is supplied according to the principle of communicating vessels. The stream flows from a reservoir (like a plastic bottle) into a bowl as the liquid in it disappears. The advantage of such devices is their simplicity of design, small size and lightness. Even small kittens are not afraid to drink from such a water bottle. This drinker can be used as an automatic feeder by pouring small granules of dry food into the tank. The cost of a drinking bowl ranges from two hundred to a thousand rubles, depending on the size and manufacturer.

The drinking bowl looks familiar to a cat

The second type is devices resembling drinking bowls for birds or rodents - with a nipple. They are used by both owners of farm animals and breeders of purebred cats. When drinking from such a device, the fur of cats does not get wet. This is the most budget device, the purchase of which will cost 150 - 300 rubles.

Drinking fountains have a completely different design. Water circulation in them is carried out using an electric pump. The device looks like a tiered fountain with two or several bowls. This drinking bowl is ideal for owners of several animals, as it has more access points to the water. Its cost, of course, will differ from the price of the first two types of automatic drinkers. The more complex the design and more interesting the design of the fountain, the more expensive the product will be.

And finally, let's look at a drinking fountain with a dome. In such a device, the pump pushes water out, it ends up on the dome and flows down into the tank. Some cats not only like to drink from this reservoir, but also lick the liquid from the dome. You will have to spend at least two and a half thousand on such a drinking bowl. The popular model “CATIT Hagen 50050,” for example, costs about four thousand rubles.

Fountain with a dome - a drinking bowl for discerning cats

Most electric waterers have settings that allow you to choose how fast the water moves—like a fountain, waterfall, or stream.

When purchasing a drinker, other important parameters should be taken into account.

Sippy cup size. A small device with a miniature bowl is enough for one animal. Some cats will need a larger tank or a two- or three-bowl model.
Volume of the water tank. It ranges from 1 to 10 liters. For one animal that remains unattended for no more than a day, a small tank is sufficient. The more animals in the house and the longer the owner’s absence, the greater the water supply should be.
Material, its safety and environmental friendliness. Pets are unlikely to be able to move or turn over a drinking bowl made of ceramic or metal. If you choose a plastic option, it is important to check that the device has non-slip feet or a rubberized coating. Plastic models will be the most inexpensive. The main thing is that such a device does not have a repulsive specific odor.
Replaceable filters. Of course, they will need to be changed periodically. Therefore, find out in advance that for the selected model you can easily find replacement filters on the open market. It is better to call several retail outlets in the city to make sure of this. It is equally important that changing the filter is not difficult for the owner, especially if he is an elderly person.
Noise level during compressor operation. An automatic sippy cup should not scare away the cat with its sound or disturb family members. A high-quality device will quickly teach even the most capricious animal to maintain an optimal drinking regime.
Manufacturing company. These are Pioneer Pet (USA), Savic and Moderna (Belgium), Trixie (Germany), Stefanplast and CROCI (Italy), Feedex and PetSafe (USA-China). Experienced breeders recommend choosing products from Europe or the USA. However, automatic drinkers made in China are sometimes not inferior in characteristics to European ones and at the same time cost much less (about one and a half thousand rubles per fountain).
Pet's temperament. If your cat has an active and playful disposition, a weighty ceramic fountain-type model would be a smart choice. A standard drinking bowl or fountain with a dome will suit calm and quiet animals.

Popular brands and manufacturers

The most common models in Russia are supplied by Fid-ex, Xiaomi, Pioneer, Ferplast, Petsafe, Sevik.

Among the many proposals are the following:

Catit by Hagen Inc. - a white bucket with a volume of 2 or 3 liters with a green lid, in the recess of which there is a fountain in the form of a decorative flower - a daisy. The only version of the drinking bowl that reminds your pet of nature.
Designer RainDrop bowl from Pioneer Pet. Water from the fountain flows down a wide curved groove in a spinning stream. The bowl is available in plastic (3 thousand rubles), ceramic and metal (6 thousand rubles) versions.
Feed-Ex Spring device costs RUB 1,200. It is a 3-liter gray bowl made of dark gray plastic, the engine and filters in which are located on the side and covered with a light gray casing at an angle of 45º. A stream of water flows from the casing.
Drinkwell Platinum priced at 6 thousand rubles. with an internal 5-liter tank and carbon filter elements. The pressure is regulated by a silent pump. Water flows into the bowl from a spout that resembles a faucet.
The white Xiaomi Kitten & Puppy Water Dispenser is made in the form of a cube with rounded corners and an inclined upper side, bordered around the perimeter by a transparent side. It has an optimal height of 17.5 cm and a volume of 2.5 liters. The device has built-in protection against network overloads. Indicators indicate low water level and the need to change the filter.
The Vega ellipsoidal drinker from the Italian company Ferplast is made in the Gaudi style (without corners) and is reminiscent of the cycle of nature. Water swirls into the funnel, flowing from the top along a crescent-shaped groove.
The Belgian Savic Cascade water fountain offers your cat a choice. A babbling “geyser” awaits her at the top, a stream in the middle, and below - water flowing into the bowl along a plane.
The round drinker Drinkwell from PetSafe shows that everything ingenious is simple. In the center of the bowl, a cone-shaped cylinder rises to a height of 20 cm, from which 1 to 5 streams of water can flow into the bowl through a spout attachment. The product holds 3.8 liters and is designed for multiple animals.

Catit by Hagen Inc. and the Savic Cascade fountain are popular with cats.

Criterias of choice

Cats have an independent and willful character. The slightest unpleasant factor can lead to ignoring the newly purchased fountain.

These include:

The smell of the material. Cheap, low-quality plastic will not only smell bad, but also release pollutants (phenols, etc.).
Lightness of design. The drinking device will be perceived by the cat as a toy that can be moved with its paw and make puddles on the floor.
Small diameter of the drinking bowl. The whiskers will touch the edges and irritate the animal.
Lack of filtration will lead to poor water quality over time. Therefore, the selected model must come with replacement filters, which can also be purchased additionally.
The loud noise of the motor will scare away the animal.

Thus, the main criteria for choosing a product come down to the absence of foreign odors, a weak sound of the motor, a sufficient volume of the water tank, heavy material for making the bowl (ceramics, glass, metal), and the ability to replace filters. The choice of model should ensure ease of use.

How to make it yourself

For the simplest manufacturing method, you need the following set of items:

heavy bowl with a diameter of 30-40 cm;
deep bowl with a diameter of up to 15-20 cm;
aquarium pump with outlet on the top surface;
straight piece of water pipe 20 cm;
T-fitting;
adapter from pump to pipe (if necessary).

A hole is made in the center of the bowl based on the diameter of the pipe. The latter must be connected through an adapter to the pump and be in a vertical position.

The structure is placed in a bowl and covered with a bowl with a pipe passing through the hole. A T-fitting is placed on the top of the pipe. Water is poured 1.5 cm to the edge, and the pump is plugged into an electrical outlet. The homemade fountain is ready.

When the owner leaves home for several days, and it is impossible to send the pet to visit neighbors or relatives, an automatic device for supplying water to the animal will help out. This useful item can be bought or made with your own hands at home.

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

Main advantages:

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.

What is an automatic waterer and why do cats need it?

Owners often complain: cats are reluctant to drink from bowls, preferring water flowing from a tap or even a toilet. Of course, such a source of life-giving moisture can hardly have a positive effect on the condition of the animal. And the reluctance to drink is even fraught with health problems. In these cases, a drinker comes to the rescue.

Manufacturers of automatic waterers claim that the device encourages animals to drink more often and also guarantees fresh, oxygenated water. Another reason for purchasing a device is the owner’s upcoming departure from home for a short time.

An automatic drinker consists of a container with liquid, a motor for pumping water, a drinking bowl and a carbon filter system. Water circulates through the filter, removing dust, hair and food particles. No bowl can cope with such a useful task.

Electrical devices operate from the network. Good news for budget-conscious owners - drinkers consume energy at a minimum level (from 6 to 12 W). The power supply does not pose any danger to the pet, since its level does not exceed 12V.

Some drinkers are equipped with LED lighting, which serves only an aesthetic function. If the device has a built-in UV lamp, it additionally provides antibacterial protection of the water. However, compared to water from a bowl, the liquid from the automatic drinker will in any case be much cleaner.

Types of automatic drinkers

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Fountains for cats or cats are divided into several varieties.

Pet stores sell:

automated bowls;
two-cup devices;
drinking fountains.

The last variety is considered the most popular.

Automatic drinkers come in different prices and configurations

Photos of drinking bowls for cats

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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"

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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.”

Volume Features

The choice of drinking bowl volume depends on the following nuances:

the more pets, the more liters. For one cat, 1.5 liters is enough, and if there are several of them, choose tanks of 2 or more liters. This approach will allow you to avoid adding additional water during the day;
sound insulation - the larger the volume of the drinker, the quieter it works.

Rating of the best automatic drinkers

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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.

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.