Pet water fountains

Running water is attractive to some cats. That is the extent of the official claim this guide can stand up. PDSA's vets say a cat on a complete diet needs water, and that a fountain is one thing to try if you think the cat is not drinking enough. They do not say a fountain is required, and they do not name a model. No fountain shop page was opened, so this guide names none and invents no flow rate.

What PDSA says to offer

PDSA's diet guide says a cat needs constant access to fresh, clean water from a clean bowl. It suggests shallow bowls, ceramic rather than plastic because plastic is harder to clean and can hold odour, separate food and water bowls, and an extra of each. Some cats want the water away from the food. Food and water should be well away from the litter tray.

The vet Q&A on milk says there is no benefit to milk if the cat is on a balanced complete diet. Kittens need their mother's milk and should then be weaned onto cat food and water. The page says many cats prefer running water, so a fountain is worth trying, alongside several bowls that you wash and refill. The RSPCA's rescue-cat guide agrees that milk is a poor idea because cats do not digest lactose properly, and that milks sold for cats can still be fatty. Its shopping list includes a cat water fountain as an optional extra, depending on the cat, next to a bowl you were going to buy anyway.

A fountain that is dirty is not "fresh, clean water". PDSA's instruction to wash bowls still applies to a pump, a filter and a reservoir. The maker's cleaning interval, if you buy one, is the interval to follow. This page will not substitute a number of days.

When the fountain is the wrong plan

Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 includes a suitable diet among the needs a keeper in England and Wales must take reasonable steps to meet. Drinking water is part of keeping a cat fed and well. If the fountain needs mains power, a power cut or a tripped plug stops it. Keep a bowl that does not. The short version is in what happens in a power cut.

If a cat that used to drink well stops drinking, a new fountain is not a diagnosis. Phone a vet. The RSPCA points dog owners at the RCVS register, findavet.rcvs.org.uk, and the same register is the public list of veterinary practices. Sure Petcare, on its cat flap shop page, says its products do not replace veterinary care. A fountain is in the same category of helpful equipment.

Mains-powered water next to a cable is also an electrical product. The safety rules for electrical goods in Great Britain are in batteries, chargers and product safety. Do not run a damaged lead, and do not take a pump apart to dry it while it is plugged in.

Food portions are a different decision. A cat can drink more and still be overfed. See smart feeders and portions.

Does every cat need a fountain?

No. PDSA says constant fresh water from a clean bowl. A fountain is the extra it suggests if you think the cat is not drinking enough, because many cats prefer running water. The RSPCA lists a fountain as optional.

Can I give cat milk in the fountain?

PDSA says cats only need water, and that milk is not a benefit on a complete diet. The RSPCA says milk can upset the stomach and that cat milks can be high in fat. Put water in the fountain.

How often do I clean it?

PDSA says refresh and clean water bowls regularly, and to keep them clean. It does not publish a fountain-specific timetable on the pages opened for this guide. Follow the maker's instructions for the model you buy, and do not wait for the water to look unpleasant.

Sources

• Vet Q&A: can cats drink milk? — PDSA, accessed 14 November 2026.
• The best diet for your cat — PDSA, accessed 14 November 2026.
• Getting ready for your RSPCA rescue cat — RSPCA, accessed 14 November 2026.
• Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 9 — legislation.gov.uk, accessed 14 November 2026.
• Find a vet — RCVS register, linked from the RSPCA rescue-dog guide, accessed 14 November 2026.