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Do Cats Prefer Running Water? What the Research Really Says

Short answer: some cats do. But the research is more interesting, and more honest, than most fountain adverts.

WoofWell Editorial 3 min read

You've seen the videos. A cat sticks its paw under the tap, licks the stream, and ignores the bowl beside it.

So do cats really prefer running water? Or is it just a few odd cats on the internet?

The real answer is more interesting, and it tells you exactly what to do about your own cat.

What the research actually found

In a 2019 study, cats were given still, falling and circulating water bowls in turn. On average, the group drank about the same from each.

But the averages hid the real story. Some individual cats showed a strong preference for one type of water.

In other words: not every cat cares. But the ones who care, really care. And a cat that waits at the tap is showing you which group it's in.

A cat pawing at the water before it drinks

Why that matters for your cat

The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that cats have a low thirst drive. So it helps to give them water they actually enjoy.

International Cat Care suggests trying a fountain for cats who like running water.

If your cat taps the stream, chases drips or sits in the basin, a fountain gives it that flowing water all day, without you standing at the tap.

The short version

On average, cats drink similar amounts from different bowls.
But many individual cats have a strong favourite.
Tap-chasing cats are showing a preference for moving water.
A fountain gives them that, all day.

WoofWell vs. a water bowl

	Bowl	WoofWell
The water	Sits still all day	Moves all day
Fur and crumbs	Float or sink in it	Caught by a filter pad
Your cat's interest	Easy to walk past	A stream they notice
Holds	A few hundred ml	2.2 litres
Material	Often scratchy plastic	Stainless steel
Water level	Noticed when empty	Lit window shows it

A cat drinking from the WoofWell Pure Fountain, with its usual bowl nearby

Quick answers before you decide

Will my cat actually use it? Most pets are curious about moving water straight away. Some take a few days. Put it somewhere quiet, keep the old bowl nearby for the first few days, and let your cat choose.

Is it noisy? No. The pump runs at about 30 dB. That's quieter than a whisper, so it won't keep anyone up at night.

Is it a pain to clean? Not at all. Rinse the steel bowl once a week and swap the filter pad every 3 to 4 weeks. There are no hidden corners for slime to hide in.

What does it plug into? It runs on a USB cable, so it works with any phone charger plug you already have.

Try it for yourself

If your cat is one of the ones who cares, give it the water it's been asking for.

The WoofWell Pure Fountain is R1,199, and delivery is free. Add 4 filters for just R100 more (R1,299, about 3 months of fresh water). Got two pets, or two rooms they love? Buy two Fountain + 4 filters bundles and get R599 off.

Every order ships with Aramex within 5 to 8 business days, anywhere in South Africa. You also get 7 days to return it if it's not right for your home.

Get the WoofWell fountain