Choosing the right water fountain for your cat may seem simple, but there are several important factors that make the difference between a fountain your cat will ignore and one it will use every day.
Material: stainless steel vs. plastic vs. ceramic
Material is the most important factor. Plastic is the cheapest but easily accumulates bacteria and can release odors that deter cats. Ceramic is hygienic and aesthetic but fragile. Stainless steel is the best option: durable, hygienic, easy to clean, and odorless. At CatLoft, our fountain is made of food-grade 304 stainless steel.
Capacity: how many liters do you need?
For a single cat, a capacity of 1.5 liters is sufficient. If you have several cats or a dog, choose at least 2.5 liters so you don't have to refill it constantly. The CatLoft fountain has a 2.5-liter capacity.
Filtration system
A good fountain should have at least an activated carbon filter that removes chlorine, impurities, and odors. The best fountains incorporate triple filtration: a sponge for hair and particles, activated carbon for odors and impurities, and cotton for final filtration. Change the filter every 2-4 weeks.
Noise level
Nervous cats may reject noisy fountains. Look for fountains with a low-power, silent-operating pump. The CatLoft pump operates at less than 35 decibels, practically inaudible.
Ease of cleaning
The fountain should be easy to disassemble so that each part can be cleaned separately. Ideally, the parts should be dishwasher safe. Clean the entire fountain once a week.
Water level indicator
Very useful for knowing when to refill without constantly checking. The CatLoft fountain includes an LED indicator that activates when the level is low.