Health & WellbeingHello I sought your advice recently about introducing a drinking fountain to my 18 yr old and 10 year old cats. It’s been about 4 days and neither of them will go near it. I’ve even given them treats and a meal near it. Do you think I should give it
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.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
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