Hydration for Pets: A $20 Water Fountain Could Improve Your Cat or Dog’s Health

A simple $20 device could boost your pet's health by improving hydration, veterinarians say. Water fountains provide fresher, cleaner water by continuously filtering impurities and reducing bacterial growth. “Water fountains can deliver a lot of benefits for cats and dogs,” said Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian who specializes in animal nutrition and works on-staff at Wellness Pet Company.

An easy way to promote your pet's overall wellness is a fountain that features a 5-step filtration system, a water-level window, and a quiet pump. The Veken water fountain is on sale for about $20 and is made of food-grade materials, with two flow options and a blue light designed to attract pets. It also uses a five-stage filtration system intended to curb debris and biofilms that can develop in standing water; the system purifies water, reduces scale, and keeps it fresh. “Water bowls that sit out all day can often be breeding grounds for bacteria,” said Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City.

For cats, the moving water is especially appealing because it aligns with their evolutionary preferences for fresh sources. Bernal noted that “for cats especially, their evolutionary heritage often saw them seek out fresh water sources over stagnant ponds for their safety and wellbeing,” and that using a water fountain “mimics that preference,” which can encourage healthier hydration. Fox added that cats are more susceptible to kidney disease, and proper hydration can help reduce risk. Beyond kidney health, fountains may benefit pets with diabetes, frequent urinary infections, and other endocrine issues, according to both veterinarians.

A water fountain is also less likely to be knocked over than a bowl and is less prone to water pooling on floors, a common complaint in multi-pet homes. Bernal said fountains are typically more challenging for pets to tip over and can help ensure water remains available even when some animals drink more quickly than others.

There are several options on the market that vets commonly recommend. One sturdy stainless steel fountain is designed for larger dogs and multi-pet households, offering a large 7-liter capacity with multi-layer filtration and two flow types. A whirlpool design from Petlibro holds 8 liters and helps keep water cool while whisking debris into filtration; its anti-splash shield helps prevent messes on floors. A popular Petsafe model emulates a human-style water fountain with a 4.9-liter reservoir, and its adjustable flow can be tailored to the pet’s preference. A smaller, stainless-steel option and a multi-tiered ceramic fountain are also in circulation, appealing to seniors or animals with arthritis and those who prefer a more elevated design. Consumer reviews cited by retailers indicate that owners appreciate features such as easy disassembly for cleaning and reliability during power outages.

As with any pet product, buyers should consider their household needs: how many pets share the fountain, the drinking patterns of their cats or dogs, and whether a design will be easy to clean and maintain. The ongoing cost of filters and replacement parts should factor into the purchase decision, and experts emphasize regular cleaning and timely filter changes to ensure the water remains appealing and safe for pets.