Do Vets Recommend Water Fountains for Cats?
Are you concerned about your cat drinking from the garden hose? If so, you're not alone. A recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats exposed to water from public fountains developed urinary tract infections (UTIs) at a rate three times greater than cats who drank from indoor water sources.
As you might imagine, there are many factors that contribute to a cat developing a UTI, including inappropriate toileting habits, being fed wet food, or living in an environment with high levels of bacteria. If you're wondering whether or not your cat should drink from a water fountain, it's important to do your research first and consult with your veterinarian.
What is a Cat Water Filter?
A cat water filter is a tool that can be used to purify the water used in your cat's bowl. Cats are very sensitive to impurities and chemicals, so it is important to make sure you have a good filter on hand at all times. The filters are available in different types, such as carbon filters and UV light models. A good filter will help remove impurities from the water, making it safer for your cat to drink.
Are Cat Water Filters Necessary?
The short answer is yes, water filters are necessary for cats.
Cats can be prone to kidney disease and other health issues due to their sensitive digestive systems. They require a clean, fresh source of water that does not contain any harmful bacteria or parasites. A cat water filter is designed specifically for cats' needs and will provide them with the safe, clean drinking water they need.
Cat water filters remove particles from the water such as dirt, rust, dust, and debris. The filters also eliminate any potential toxins or hazardous chemicals from the water supply such as chlorine or fluoride that could be found in your tap water. This means that you'll have clean drinking water every time you refill your cat's bowl or fill up his or her automatic pet fountain!
Do All Cat Water Fountains Need Filters?
The answer to the question of whether or not all cat water fountains need filters is no. The reason for this is that some cat water fountains are designed to make use of gravity to keep the water fresh and clean. In other words, these types of cat water fountains do not need filters because they do not use pumps or other mechanisms that could potentially clog over time.
When you are buying a cat water fountain, it is important to consider whether or not your pet will be able to use it properly. If you have an older cat who has difficulty getting into and out of its bowl, then a gravity-based fountain might be the right choice for you. These types of fountains are easy for older cats and dogs to use because they work simply by filling a bowl with fresh water and placing it on the floor next to their food bowl.
If your pet has trouble getting into their bowl because they are arthritic or have mobility issues, then you should consider buying a gravity-based fountain instead of one that requires electricity or batteries in order to operate properly.
What's the Best Water Filter for Cats?
The best water filter for cats is one that is easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to maintain. If you can find a filter that does all of this, then you are in for a treat.
There are many different brands and types of cat water filters out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others, but there isn't one model that stands out above the rest.
The CatCare Ultra Clean Pet Water Fountain is the best water filter for cats because it does a great job of filtering out the chlorine and other contaminants from tap water.
The best water filter for your pet depends on a few things:
Size: The size of your cat will determine how much space they need in their bowl. If they are small enough to fit in your sink or bathtub, then you can get away with using a smaller fountain with fewer moving parts. However, if they are larger than average cats (like Maine Coons) then you will want something bigger with more features.
How often it needs cleaning: If you have an indoor cat that drinks only once or twice per day then it doesn't matter how often you clean the filter because it won't get dirty very fast at all! However, if you have an outdoor feline who drinks several times per day then the filter needs replacing more often due to bacteria growth from frequent use over time!
Can Bacteria Grow in a Cat Water Fountain?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can be found in water, soil, and plants. Some species are harmless while others can cause disease. Bacteria grow best at temperatures between 25 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit and 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bacteria can grow in a cat fountain if the fountain is not cleaned properly. If you have noticed that your cat's water source has a foul smell or is foamy or discolored, it may be due to bacteria growing in the unit's reservoir. Bacteria thrive in warm environments and require oxygen to survive. They can't survive without oxygen for long periods of time but may contaminate your cat's drinking water if the fountain isn't cleaned frequently enough.
If you suspect that your cat's drinking fountain is contaminated with bacteria, take steps to clean it thoroughly with hot water and soap before refilling it with fresh water for your pet's use again.
Do Vets Recommend Water Fountains for Cats?
The short answer is yes, veterinarians recommend water fountains for cats. In fact, veterinarians often recommend them to their clients as a way to help their cats stay hydrated.
Dr. Karen Becker, DVM: "Cats are not natural drinkers from a bowl. They prefer running water and will drink more if it's available. Fresh water should always be available for your cat."
Dr. David Joffe, DVM: "I have many patients with kidney disease who are unable to eat without vomiting or diarrhea. A fountain helps them stay hydrated."
Dr. Monica Jablonski, DVM: "Yes, water fountains do keep cats hydrated and healthy!"
Conclusion
There is a lot of confusion out there about whether or not vets recommend giving cats water from water fountains. Some people swear by it, while others say that it's unsafe and can lead to kidney problems. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle - of your cat seems thirsty and you think providing them with a fountain might help quench their thirst, go for it! Just be sure to monitor their hydration levels closely, and keep an eye on any changes in behavior or health status.