How to Make a Filtered Cat Water Bowl

Cats enjoy drinking fresh, running water, like from a fountain.

Cats who drink more water avoid urinary tract issues, dehydration and possible kidney problems, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. To encourage your cats to drink a sufficient amount of water, provide them with free access to fresh, filtered water. A specially designed cat fountain can provide this, but you don't have to purchase an expensive one at your local pet store. Instead, make your own cat fountain for a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• 10-gallon hanging aquarium filter
• Filtration cartridge
• 6-qt. stainless steel flat-side animal feeding pail
• Rubber bands
• Ribbon
• Small rectangular piece of plastic or wood (optional)
• Glass beads (optional)

Instructions

1. Assemble the hanging aquarium filter according to the manufacturer's directions. Place a filter cartridge into it.

2. Hang the filter on the outside of the flat edge of the stainless steel pail, with the water flow facing inward. If the pail you have does not have a flat edge, place a small, rectangular piece of wood or plastic, an inch thick or so, between it and the filter to keep it flush and vertical. You can wrap the filter and the small wooden or plastic piece with a rubber band to keep the piece in place. Alternately, you can prop up the filter on glass beads outside the container. Position the intake tube inside the pail.

3. Secure the filter to the pail with a rubber band or tie a ribbon around the filter and pail.

4. Fill the bucket with water about 2 inches from the top. Add water to the top of the filter and plug it in an outlet. Your filter will now clean the water in the pail and let it freely flow like a waterfall.

5. Allow your cat to investigate the fountain itself, so you do not startle it. Place it where you would normally keep your cat's water bowl so it can get used to it. The stainless steel will not harbor bacteria like most plastic ready-made fountains, preventing cat acne infections.

Tips & Warnings

• If the water splashes on the floor, place a plastic storage box or sheet pan under the pail to catch the spill.

• You can substitute any type of container for the stainless steel pail, including glass or plastic.

• Clean your filter and bucket weekly.

• Change the filtration cartridge monthly for the freshest water.

• Place some glass beads on the bottom of the pail to help catch large debris if your filter gets clogged regularly.

• You can also place the filter inside the container, ensuring all holes in it are plugged with caulk. Use the glass beads to prop it up.

• Keep the fountain a few feet away from the power outlet to prevent any splashes near it.

References

• TNT Puff: Cat Water Fountain
• Purrfectkeeperz: Drinking Fountain
• Frederick Cat Vet: Does Your Cat Drink From the Faucet?
• House Paws Pet Sitting Services, Morganton, NC: How to Make a Pet Water Fountain
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Kidney Disease
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Cat Health Chat Transcript

Resources

• Catster: How Much Water Should My Cat Drink Every Day?