March 11, 2026, 3:57 pm | Read time: 12 minutes

Why the topic of drinking is so important to me with Remo

I know how quickly “strange behavior” can turn into a real health problem–because I’ve experienced it with Remo. I rarely saw him at his water bowl. Sometimes a few sips after eating a portion of dry food. That was it. I was aware it was little, but not that it already had health effects.

Animals don’t always show pain clearly. Some cats become quieter, others more aggressive. Remo did something that immediately alarmed me: He suddenly started hissing at his own tail, chasing it, and biting it so hard that he injured himself. This was accompanied by fever and clear pain reactions when touched on his back.

What’s so tricky about this: Such symptoms can have many causes–from skin irritations to neurological problems to severe pain somewhere in the body. The first vet visits didn’t provide a clear diagnosis, just painkillers and antibiotics–and I felt like I was groping in the dark. Only in a cat-experienced practice with more thorough diagnostics did it become clear that Remo had noticeable kidney values. It was a shock–but in hindsight also a blessing, because we could intervene early. More about the experiences that led us to this diagnosis can be read here: My cat chases its own tail! What could be behind it.

Since then, it’s clear to me: For Remo, fluid intake isn’t a “nice to have,” but a central component to relieve the kidneys and keep him stable in the long term. I’m all the more consistent with anything that can support his daily water intake and have tried many things–with varying success. Catnip teas and drinks? No luck. Salt-free tuna broth? Yes, but too labor-intensive to prepare. Kidney-friendly cat drinks? Good, but costly in the long run. This is where a water fountain can be a useful tool if it suits the cat and is actually used in everyday life.

Why many cats drink too little

The fact that cats drink little is biologically explainable. As mentioned earlier, our domestic cats descend from the African wildcat–a desert animal. In their original environment, they obtained most of their fluids from their prey. A mouse consists of about 70 to 80 percent water. Eating like this means they hardly need to drink additionally.

The problem: The reality for modern indoor cats is different. Many animals receive dry food or mixed feeding. However, dry food contains only about five to ten percent moisture. The natural “thirst mechanism” doesn’t automatically kick in–the cat would have to actively go to the bowl. And that’s something many do only very reluctantly.

Additionally, cats instinctively prefer to drink away from their feeding area–though not everyone is aware of this, and countless combo bowls for water and food are still sold side by side. In the wild, a water source next to prey would pose a contamination risk. Stale water or a bowl made of plastic or silicone, which quickly absorbs odors, can also be off-putting–cats have a much keener sense of smell than we do.

Why is this so important? Because chronically low fluid intake can increase the risk of urinary tract problems and kidney disease–two of the most common health issues in cats. Especially for animals with already noticeable kidney values, like Remo, adequate drinking becomes a crucial health factor.

How we tested

Everyday life with an honest cat–not in the lab

I didn’t want to write a technical comparison, but rather find out in a practical test: Would Remo actually use these fountains? Because data sheets are of little help to me personally if the device ends up untouched in the corner. That’s why I integrated each fountain into our normal daily routine for several days–with home office, evening routine, and everything that goes with it.

Remo is exactly the type of cat these devices are designed for: rather reserved, sensitive to noise–and due to his kidney issues, reliant on reliable fluid intake.

Another factor is movement: Flowing water signals freshness. That’s why many cats prefer to drink from the faucet or even the watering can rather than from a still bowl. This is where water fountains come in–they make water “livelier” and can thus more strongly trigger the natural drinking impulse.

The test criteria at a glance

Acceptance–not just curiosity

A cat’s curiosity is quickly piqued–but also quickly lost. I was interested in whether it would become routine. Remo was allowed to look at each fountain initially turned off–naturally, because the “curious nose” has to be involved when I bring something new and spend a long time with it.

I observed how he reacted when I just left the water fountains standing–without pressure. Especially with sensitive cats, it’s crucial whether they feel they can decide for themselves. I also tested how well the devices can be positively associated: Can a bit of lick paste or drinking soup be offered in it, or does it immediately clog the pump because the device can’t be turned off?

Noise development–even with decreasing water level

I am sensitive to constant noise myself–as a migraine patient almost an unavoidable consequence–and cats often are even more so. That’s why I didn’t just let the fountains run freshly filled, but deliberately waited until the water level dropped.

Does the splashing change? Does it become higher, louder, or more irregular?
Remo reacts to such differences immediately–sometimes with just a brief, skeptical look. But it’s precisely this look that ultimately decides whether he drinks or not.

Cleaning–honestly doable or only theoretically easy?

A point often overlooked in product descriptions: How does the cleaning really feel? I completely disassembled each fountain, removed the filter, cleaned the pump, and reassembled it. I asked myself: Would I do this once a week without rolling my eyes internally? Because a cumbersome fountain is quickly neglected in a busy daily routine. And Remo accepts stagnant water even less than a loud motor.

Technology–helpful or overwhelming?

Especially with the app-controlled model, I checked:

• Does the tracking really help me?
• Or do I spend more time with the app than with the cat?

For owners with health-compromised animals, a drinking statistic can be very useful–I know this all too well. But technology shouldn’t make the relationship with the pet more complicated than it needs to be.

Test winner: Pretty Paw Aqua Flow

Very quick acceptance and quiet operation

The Pretty Paw Aqua Flow impressed us in the test mainly for one reason: It is quickly accepted. And that’s the most important criterion for a cat fountain. However, it was also the last fountain we set up, so Remo was already accustomed to the concept of fountains here.

Nevertheless, it was noticeable that after a brief positive association with some lick paste, he began to drink from it independently. Particularly helpful: The fountain can initially be used as a regular water bowl with the plug pulled. This allows cautious animals to get used to the new object without noise.

The water flow is calm and constant, without disturbing splashing, which made the difference. Remo almost exclusively used this one, even though he had the choice between several devices.

Advantages

• Very quick acceptance
• Quiet, consistent water flow
• Good option for gradual acclimatization
• Large capacity

Disadvantages

• Cleaning is somewhat cumbersome
• Wired

Conclusion:
The Pretty Paw Aqua Flow is the most convincing fountain in the test because it excels where many models fail: in acceptance by the cat.

Petlibro Dockstream 2

Technically strong–with some app weaknesses

The Petlibro Dockstream 2 brings modern technology into the living room. Drinking times and amounts can be evaluated via an app, and the system also reminds you to change filters and clean. I have also written a detailed individual test on this fountain.

In the test, the device also operated almost silently–a clear plus. The acclimatization was also super easy, as the water flow can be interrupted and restarted via the app. However, the app itself sometimes seems overloaded. Some functions–such as detailed evaluations–are only available with a paid subscription. The cleaning also showed: The filter sits relatively tight and is somewhat difficult to remove.

Another point became apparent during charging: The cable couldn’t be stored in the base without being pinched. I therefore removed the base from the body, which then charged separately to avoid damaging the cable. Accordingly, Remo couldn’t use the fountain in the meantime.

Advantages

• Whisper-quiet operation
• App with drinking statistics
• Two drinking modes
• Large capacity

Disadvantages

• Important app functions only with subscription
• Cleaning is somewhat cumbersome
• Charging requires disassembly

Conclusion:
A useful fountain for tech-savvy owners who want to closely monitor drinking behavior. Overall, almost as good as the Pretty Paw model. However, for those seeking a straightforward solution, it might be too complex.

DownyPaws FurSink

Flexibly placeable–but loud at low water level

The DownyPaws is wireless and therefore flexibly placeable. It also scores points in cleaning: It can be easily disassembled, and the filter and pump are easily accessible.

However, a crucial weakness became apparent in everyday life: When the water level drops, the fountain begins to splash noticeably. This noise significantly affected acceptance in the test. Remo drank without issue when the tank was full–but avoided the device as soon as the noise increased.

Advantages

• Wireless
• Easy to clean
• Sensor and timer mode

Disadvantages

• Noticeable splashing at low water level
• Acceptance fluctuates
• Water level must remain consistently high for quiet operation

Conclusion:
Practical to handle, but not acoustically consistent enough. Less suitable for noise-sensitive cats.

More on the topic

Smart Cat Accessories Petlibro Dockstream 2 Water Fountain in Practical Test

Advantages and Disadvantages Drinking Fountain or Water Bowl – Which Is Better for Cats?

Our Conclusion

The Pretty Paw Aqua Flow is the most convincing cat fountain in the PETBOOK test because it operates without technical hurdles and remains consistently quiet in everyday life. The quick and stress-free acceptance by test cat Remo was decisive.

A water fountain doesn’t replace veterinary care, of course–but it can be a useful component to support daily water intake, especially for cats that naturally drink little.

What do I do if the cat doesn’t accept the fountain at all?

A new water fountain is a household appliance for us, something we’ve spent money on and thought about. But it’s frustrating if the cat simply doesn’t cooperate and the device sits unused in the corner. However, there’s no ill intent behind it. For the cat, it’s an unfamiliar object in its own territory. So here are a few personal tips on how to make it easier for the cat to accept the fountain.

1. Choose the right location

Place the fountain in a quiet spot where your cat feels safe. Ideally, it should be a place with some distance from the food. Remember: Many cats instinctively don’t like to drink right next to their feeding area. Additionally, the location should be free from traffic, loud appliances, or vibrating surfaces.

2. Initially use as a regular bowl

Before turning on the pump, the fountain can stand turned off for a few hours or even a day or two. This gives the cat a chance to sniff it in peace and, ideally, start drinking from it–without any noise. Only once the new object is accepted should the water be set to flow. This gradual acclimatization alleviates skepticism for many animals.

3. Create positive associations

Praise, a calm voice, or a small treat can help associate the fountain with something pleasant. Some cats can initially be motivated with tuna water or a bit of cat soup–but only with the device turned off, so no food residues get into the pump. It’s important not to apply pressure, but to gently encourage interest.

4. Be patient

While some cats immediately drink from a water fountain, others need several days or even weeks. Observe your cat, but don’t push it. The more relaxed the situation remains, the greater the chance it will voluntarily accept the new offering.

5. Don’t remove the old bowl immediately

The previous water bowl should remain in place initially. Only once the cat regularly and reliably uses the fountain should the old bowl be gradually removed. This avoids stress and ensures your cat continues to get enough fluids.