Are stainless steel water fountains better for cats?

If you want to provide your pet with a great place to drink and entertain, then a cat water fountain is a must. Not only do they provide your cat with a constant flow of water, but they also replicate natural water sources (such as streams and rivers) that wildlife drink from. However, choosing the right stainless steel cat water fountain can be a headache. With so many factors to consider and features to sift through, it almost feels like an overwhelming choice. This is where we come in. In our detailed buyer's guide below, we've broken down everything you need to consider when choosing your cat's favorite water fountain. We'll discuss why stainless steel is the material of choice, why cats love fountains, and how to clean and maintain your fountain so it lasts. To find the answers to all your cat fountain questions, keep reading!

What is stainless steel water fountains used for?

Stainless steel is a very common choice for fountains. The reasons are as follows:

it resists water flow

Water fountains spout tap water every day, and some materials can easily corrode or become damaged over time if there is a constant flow of water. However, stainless steel is incredibly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for cat waterers.

easy to clean

Depending on how clean the water you feed your cat is, the waterer can end up getting a bit dirty over time. This can also happen if the area around the fountain is dirty (such as placed outside or near a door). Regardless, fountains will eventually need cleaning, and stainless steel is especially easy to clean. The material won't stain unless you use damaging chemicals, and many fountains are dishwasher safe.

How to Maintain Your Fountain?

change the water as often as possible
Drinking fountains are slightly better than water bowls in the sense of preventing water stagnation. By keeping the water flowing, bugs, dirt, and other grime are less likely to contaminate the water. Also, if you live in a hot, humid climate, a fountain can keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water, especially if your fountain is located outside or near your door.

Again, dust can be a big problem. Dust in the room is constantly moving around, and some may end up mixing with running water. Over time, the water can accumulate more dust, which can negatively affect your pet's health. That's why it's a good idea to change the water as often as possible; we recommend changing it at least once a day.

Get a new fountain every few years
Fountains don't last forever—the pumps used to move the water can become clogged with dirt or damaged over time. For this reason, we recommend investing in a new fountain every few years or so, or at least replacing the pump. This will allow your pet to drink running water without fear of contamination.

Are fountains safe?
Many pet owners are concerned that electric water fountains for cats and dogs are not safe. While this makes perfect sense (electricity and water don't usually mix well), in practice, cat water fountains are generally safe to use. Think of them like most fountains you find in public places around the world. The "electrical" components are constructed and designed in such a way that they do not come into contact with water. So your dog or cat is less likely to have an accident while sipping from the fountain.