Are Water Fountains Safe for Cats? What Owners Need to Know

We recommend giving your cat fresh drinking water in a clean pet bowl or a fountain made for pets. Do not use our decorative garden fountain as your cat’s drinking bowl. Moving water can still collect dirt, droppings and other contamination.

Keep Drinking Water Separate

Water flowing into an outdoor fountain basin

Leaves, bugs and bird droppings can fall into outdoor fountains. Keeping the pump running does not make that water suitable for your cat to drink.

Keep Cords Out of Reach

Keep cords out of reach and stop using the fountain if a cord is damaged. For outdoor use, use a suitable GFCI-protected outlet. Unplug the fountain before cleaning or adjusting the pump.

Clean the Fountain Without Treating It as a Pet Bowl

White vinegar and a soft brush beside an outdoor fountain

For routine cleaning of our painted basin, we recommend one part white vinegar and nine parts water. Wipe gently with a soft cloth or brush, then rinse thoroughly. Do not add essential oils, fragrance or household cleaners to the operating water.

See our outdoor fountain cleaning guide for bowl and pump care. Choose an outdoor fountain for your garden and give your cat a separate source of fresh drinking water.

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