The journal
Can I put tap water in my cat's water fountain?
Check local drinking-water suitability, the fountain’s instructions and any veterinary requirements for your cat. Keep the water fresh and follow the model’s cleaning guidance.
Check the fountain’s water requirements and the local drinking-water advice first. If your tap water is considered safe to drink and your vet has not given different guidance, it may be suitable for your cat’s fountain. A fountain filter must not be assumed to make unsafe water drinkable. Cat-welfare guidance focuses on making water easy and appealing to drink , freshness, access and cleanliness , rather than requiring a special water type. Keep the fountain where your cat feels safe, away from food bowls, and maintain it so the water stays inviting (Cats Protection: Preparing for a cat; International Cat Care: Cat-friendly home modifications guide).
Make tap water work well in a fountain
- Keep water separate from food. Cats prefer to drink away from their food to avoid cross-contamination; place the fountain in a quiet area apart from feeding stations (Cats Protection: Preparing for a cat).
- Offer choice and easy access. More than one water station reduces stress and lets your cat pick their preferred spot; this is useful in any home and especially where there’s more than one cat (International Cat Care guide).
- Consider comfort and height. Many cats, particularly those with stiffness, prefer water that’s easier to reach. A slightly raised bowl or a tall, stable tumbler-style vessel can be more comfortable to drink from (International Cat Care guide).
- Quiet, low-traffic placement. Choose a calm corner so your cat can drink without disturbance (supported by both sources above).
When to try something different
If your cat hesitates to drink from the fountain, keep offering your regular drinking water but add variety:
- Set up a second station elsewhere in the home so your cat can choose a different location (International Cat Care guide).
- Try a different vessel shape or height (for example, a wide dish versus a taller cup) to see what your cat prefers (International Cat Care guide).
If your local water has a strong taste or odour that puts your cat off, offering an alternate station with water that tastes different is reasonable. The priority is regular, appealing access to water.
Keep the fountain clean so water stays appealing
Cleanliness encourages drinking. Disassemble and wash the parts as your fountain’s manual recommends, and place the unit well away from food to avoid splashes or crumbs falling in (Cats Protection: Preparing for a cat). For safe cleaning products and steps, see our separate guide: What should I clean my cat's water fountain with?
Encouraging a reluctant drinker
If your cat is new to fountains, introduce it gradually and keep a still-water bowl available too. More ideas here: How to encourage your cat to drink from a water fountain.
Put this into practice
Start with the safety of your local drinking water and the fountain maker’s instructions. If the cat has a prescribed water or health plan, confirm that plan rather than assuming a fountain filter makes any source suitable.
Quick checks for better fountain drinking
FAQ
Where should I put the fountain? Choose a calm location away from food bowls and in easy reach. Many cats drink more when water is not next to food, and when they can approach without being disturbed (Cats Protection: Preparing for a cat; International Cat Care guide).
