How to get a cat to drink from the fountain
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you chose to purchase your cat a water fountain, and shockingly, they are uninterested. Perhaps they are even scared of the abnormal new gadget that has supplanted their trusty water bowl.
This can be unsettling and disappointing for cat owners. You purchased the fountain with good intentions, and for reasons unknown, they are disinterested!
Luckily, there are things you can do to assist your cat with changing its new water source. Continue reading to learn more out cat water fountains and how you can increase the usage from your cat. And if you enjoy the article, make sure to check out our ranking of the best cat water fountains.
How Cat Water Fountains Help Your Cat
One of the best ways you can keep your cat healthy is to ensure that they have new, clean water consistently. A cat water fountain is a great affordable way to accomplish this task.
They are great for many reasons, including:
- They persistently cycle the water through a channel that prevents bacterial development and makes it simpler to ensure their water is new and clean.
- Fountains urge your cat to drink more because cats are normally drawn to running water.
- They are cost effective and don’t require a huge monetary investment to get the benefits
Tips for Training Your Cat to Drink From a Cat Water Fountain
1) Clean and Rinse the Water Fountain Before Use
Despite the fact that fountains come un-used packaged in a box, it doesn’t mean they are immediately ready for use. Wash the bowl out with a natural/organic soap and water, and try to flush the channel. Flushing the channel completely disposes of free particles before use. By flushing it out, you guarantee that no particles are left behind that could filthy the water.
2) Keep the Fountain Turned off until They are Comfortable
In the chance that your cat is disturbed by the clamor the fountain makes, keep it wound down until they are accustomed to drinking from it. This will allow them to get comfortable with the new fountain gradually.
3) Allow Them to Investigate
Perhaps your cat is too watchful to even consider coming up to the fountain or doesn’t see there is water in the bowl. While they are looking, place your hand or finger in the bowl and bring it up to their lips. This will tell them there is water in the bowl.
4) Keep Food Away From the Fountain
If water from the fountain sprinkles on their food, they might be less keen on drinking from it for dread that it will get their food wet. Fortunately, some pet water fountains accompany flexible settings for the progression of water. Nonetheless, if your cat is a chaotic drinker, by and large, it’s ideal to get their water far from their food.
5) Keep Fresh Water Available in a Different Bowl
In the event that turning on the water fountain went poorly, have tolerance and keep on giving them a substitute wellspring of clean water. Don’t force them to drink from the fountain by eliminating other water sources. This could make them have a negative relationship with the fountain. If a cat doesn’t get enough water they are at risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
6) Reward Your Cat for Using the Fountain
At the point when you see your cat drink from the fountain, give them a cat treat. This will tell them they are accomplishing something acceptable and will give uplifting feedback to utilizing their new water source.
7) Turn the Fountain On and Continue Rewarding Them
Whenever they have reacted to the uplifting feedback and begun drinking from the fueled-off fountain more, turn it on and check whether they drink from it. Make sure to be patient and not to force them to the fountain, as it can make them apprehensive.
8) Slowly Remove Secondary Water Source and Taper Back on Rewards
At the point when your cat begins drinking from the fountain, screen how much water they are drinking. This will assist you with deciding when you can eliminate the auxiliary water source.
Keep in mind, cats need one ounce of water for each pound of their body weight day by day. When they foster a positive relationship with the fountain, you can gradually tighten back on remunerating them with treats and verbally acclaim them.
