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My cat is afraid of the new drinking fountain. How can I help them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 18 years old | 9.5 lbs

Hi! I bought my cats a drinking fountain. It’s only been a few hours but they seem afraid of it. Any advice or do they just need to decide to give it a try? I left their old water bowl out and they’re still choosing it over the fountain. Thx!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Juliana, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2018

Water fountains are a great item to have available for your cats! You are right! They may just need a little time to get used to the sounds of the fountain and the movement of the water. Let them explore I️t on their own and at their own pace for a few days. You can also give them positive reinforcement associated with the fountain- eg feed them their favorite treats when they are near the fountain or feed them their food close to the fountain. I️ hope they come around the fountain encourages them to drink often :).

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 9th, 2018

    I didn't see the first question so I may be repeating the same advice, but there are a few other things you can try: One is picking up any other water bowls, and leaving the fountain unplugged and not running for a few days, but with water in it. This will allow your cats to get used to it without the added "scariness" of the running water for a bit. Once they are more used to drinking from it, you can then plug it in, and if it has various settings, set it to a quiet or low setting. Continuing to feed near it or place treats around it (high value ones, such as warmed boiled chicken, not just crunchy cat treats!) may also entice them to check it out, however some cats prefer not to have their food next to their water dishes- in which case, moving the food away for a few days and seeing if that improves things may also help. I'd keep experimenting with it, and if your cats are truly afraid to approach it at all, then trying something else instead may be best.

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