Homemade Cat Fountain

It is important for your cat to have a supply of clean, fresh water available at all times. Water consumption is directly related to kidney function as well as urinary tract health, and adequate water consumption lessens the chances your cat will develop problems. The use of a drinking fountain may entice your cat to drink more water than using a normal water bowl. The water in a drinking fountain is fresher, and the sound of trickling water often attracts a cat̵7;s attention.

  1. Container

    • The type of container you use for your cat's drinking fountain can be either stainless steel, glass, or ceramic; some feline enthusiast, though, believe a cat will drink better from a glass bowl because he can see his immediate surroundings while he is drinking. Plastic is not recommended. Some cats are allergic to plastic and can develop small acne-like bumps on their chin from contact with it. In addition, plastic tends to absorb chemicals and detergents, which may cause the water to develop an unpleasant taste. The container should be large enough to fit your cat's whole head without her whiskers touching the sides of the container. Some suggestion include: a fish aquarium or fish bowl, a ceramic flower pot (fill the hole at the bottom with silicone), or a deep stainless steel roasting pan.

    Filter

    • An aquarium filter keeps the water circulating and provides filtration as well. The water flows through an intake, is filtered, and then flows back into the container. Most cats will drink the water that is flowing back into the container. You can choose a filter that attaches to the inside or outside of the container; outside filters, though, will require a bit deeper container. Some suggestions for filters that hang on the outside include Tetra Whisper PF10 Filtration System, AquaClear Aquarium Power Filters, or Aqueon Aquarium Power Filters. Inside filters inclue Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filters, Tom Aquatics Dive Clean Mini-Internal Filter, or Supreme Ovation Submersible Power Jet Filter.

    Glass Beads

    • A two-inch layer of glass beads or marbles should be placed at the bottom of your container. The beads will help capture debris, such as hair and food particles, between cleanings.

    Assembly

    • Place your container is the desired location, add glass beads, and fill it three-quarters full with water. Assemble and attach the aquarium filter to the container. Plug it into a GFI outlet or place a safety protector over the plug. It is also advisable to create a drip loop in the electrical cord, which basically means allowing a potion of the electrical cord to drop lower than the outlet and then back up again. It will prevent water from getting to the plug if your cat is a messy drinker or likes to play in the water. Observe your cat to see if he perfers drinking from the flowing water coming from the filter or from the container itself. If he prefers to drink from the container, you can add more water.