Water Fountain-Pet Friendly?

[Debbi64]

Hi!

Gypsy, our kitty, now refuses to use her kitty bowl for water - she demands (patiently) for running water from the faucet!

We bought a water fountain, but are afraid that the "paint" on the interior may be toxic.

Are there "safe" water fountains? Where may we purchase one? Our water bills will be getting out of control!

Thank you!
Debbi

[suepez]

I know a cat whose owners leave the sink faucet on a slow drip all the time for him to drink!

As for your fountain, is the "paint" anything like the paint that would be used on a dinner plate, painted ceramic pet bowl, or any household dish (ie. acrylic)? My guess would be that if the paint looks to be in good shape and not rusting or flaking off, then you shouldn't have to worry about toxins. If the paint is lead-based then it could be dangerous. Why don't you ask your vet for their opinion?

Remember that kitty will drink whatever is available when it's thirsty enough. She's not going to stop drinking to spite you! If you choose to have kitty use only her bowl then eventually she will learn that this is where she's going to get a drink, not the faucet. http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Debbi64]

Hi SuePez!

Thank you so much for your response!

We bought the "fountain" last summer (regularly about $65 for about $40) but not until we actually put water in it and let it stand, (before permitting Gypsy to know about it) did we become concerned. We didn't know whether it was air pollution or the fountain - and we certainly were NOT going to take any chances! If it was a dinnerware material, we might not have been concerned!

The "drip" sounds like a great idea - but she likes/purrfers a "stream"!

She does use the water bowlS (she has always shared them with her older sister - a poodle) - but now she uses them only to wash her face!

Thanks for informing me that she will eventually drink if she doesn't have access to the faucet! You would think someone would make a pet-friendly fountain - for both kitties and pooches!

Pleasant Dreams!
Debbi

[This message has been edited by Debbi64 (edited 01-25-2001).]

[suepez]

Hi Debbi,

I'm sure most of the indoor table-top fountains that are available commercially (and that are so popular these days!) are perfectly safe for cats to take a drink from, especially the ones that look like real stone (I would not go for metal.) I would think that so long as the electrical mechanism is well hidden and not accessible for pets' tongues you would have nothing to worry about.

If you're doubtful at all about your fountain, then DON'T use it! Trust your gut. If you wouldn't take a drink from it why would you let your cat?

http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif Sue

[Debbi64]

Hi SuePez!

That's EXACTLY what we purchased! It's the one withOUT too many extra pepples - it's the one that looks like black "rock" in "steps" that taper to the top for more of a WaterFALL effect!

When after only one or two days, to see stuff floating around the water (even after we had washed it thoroughly on the onset) - as you wrote, if we wouldn't drink the water, we would expect Gypsy to either!

The "electrical" stuff was extremely well hidden from either Gypsy's tongue or paws - that was the reason we bought it!

Thanks again...
Debbi

[suepez]

Ewww...sounds like it wouldn't look very good with stuff floating in it! http://petshub.com/ubb/eek.gif Maybe there's some kind of sludge coming off of the electrical parts?

Well, either way you're absolutely right to keep Gypsy out of it. I guess she'll have to use the boring old bowl until something more fun comes along!

http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif Sue

[Debbi64]

Hi SuePez!

The electrical connections do not even come in contact with the water - the waterFALL appears completely "safe" in that area!

It must be the composition of the "rocks" and/or the paint (if that is what is covering the "shape").

I checked into another Forum as to a safe epoxy or permanent "covering" that would be pet-safe - and no one could come up with a 100 percent remedy!

So, back to your suggestion - if it's made of "dinnerware" material (and/or glass, plastic, plexi-glass, etc.) - it's best not to take any chance!

Pleasant Dreams....
Debbi

[VivverBean]

I stumbled across your message board while searching for a second fountain for my cats.

I'm not usually one to advertise a product, but this has been terrific in my multi-cat household. It's by veterinary ventures - the drinkwell pet fountain. It even has a charcoal filter.

I've been using one for about five years. I've seen a newer-looking, bigger model for about $45. It's certainly better than having 4 cats on the bathroom sink, or in the bathtub.

This is my first posting to a message board, hope it helps.

[Debbi64]

Hi VivverBean!

You did GREAT for your first contribution - and you helped me tremendously! Thank you so much!!!
http://www.vetventures.com/

The above is their "site" with all the valuable information! You know I'll be calling to order it for our Gypsy!

Again, thank you!
Sincerely, Debbi

[Debbi64]

Hi Again VivverBean!

Just so you realize your endeavor to share your information is appreciated...I just ordered the Pet Fountain and filters for Gypsy! We'll be receiving it in two weeks!

Now I'm going to other Message Boards/Forums to share this wonderful information! (Yes, I will give you the "credit"!!!!)

ThanX so much!
Debbi