Best Water Fountains for Oriental Shorthairs

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Oriental Shorthairs are known for their sleek, fine coats and energetic personalities, but they can be prone to under-drinking, which can lead to urinary and kidney health issues. Providing a constant supply of fresh, running water is essential for this breed. In a typical household, an Oriental Shorthair will often be found near a water source, meowing loudly until someone turns on the faucet. This instinctual preference for running water is a key factor in choosing the right water fountain. The Oriental Shorthair's tendency to under-drink can be exacerbated by a lack of stimulation and company, making it essential to choose a water fountain that encourages hydration and provides mental stimulation. A water fountain with multiple flow settings and a quiet pump can help to create a soothing and engaging environment for your cat. By providing a suitable water fountain, owners can help to promote their Oriental Shorthair's overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of costly health issues such as respiratory problems, dental disease, and amyloidosis.

What to look for

Flow Settings and Pump Noise

Oriental Shorthairs prefer running water, so a fountain with multiple flow settings is a must. Additionally, a quiet pump is essential to prevent startling your cat, especially if they are prone to skittishness or anxiety. A fountain with a gentle flow setting can help to encourage your cat to drink more, reducing the risk of urinary and kidney health issues.

Capacity and Filtration

The capacity of the fountain should match the size of your household and the number of cats using it. A fountain with a large capacity and effective filtration system can help to ensure that your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. For a medium-sized cat like the Oriental Shorthair, a fountain with a capacity of at least 60 oz is recommended.

Material and Ease of Cleaning

The material of the fountain should be easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth. Stainless steel or ceramic fountains are good options, as they are hygienic and durable. A fountain with a simple design and easy-to-remove parts can make cleaning a breeze, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and keeping your cat healthy.

Energy Efficiency and Safety

Oriental Shorthairs are energetic and curious, so it's essential to choose a fountain that is safe and energy-efficient. A fountain with a low-voltage pump and a secure design can help to prevent accidents and reduce your energy bills.

Our top picks

Catit Flower Water Fountain

Best for High-energy cats that need stimulation

The Catit Flower Water Fountain is a great option for Oriental Shorthairs, as it provides multiple flow settings and a triple-action filter to keep the water clean and fresh. The 3L capacity is suitable for medium-sized cats, and the gentle flow setting can help to encourage your cat to drink more.

✓ Multiple flow settings to stimulate your cat
✓ Triple-action filter for clean and fresh water
✓ Large 3L capacity for medium-sized cats

✕ May be too large for small households

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Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Water Fountain

Best for Cats that prefer a quiet and peaceful environment

The Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Water Fountain is a great option for Oriental Shorthairs that prefer a quiet and peaceful environment. The stainless steel material is hygienic and durable, and the quiet submersible pump won't startle your cat.

✓ Quiet submersible pump for a peaceful environment
✓ Stainless steel material for hygiene and durability
✓ Charcoal filter for clean water

✕ May be too small for large households

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PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain

Best for Large households with multiple cats

The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is a great option for large households with multiple cats. The large 1.3-gallon capacity and adjustable free-falling stream can help to encourage your cats to drink more, reducing the risk of urinary and kidney health issues.

✓ Large 1.3-gallon capacity for multiple cats
✓ Adjustable free-falling stream for stimulation
✓ Charcoal and foam filtration for clean water

✕ May be too large for small households

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Veken Pet Fountain Automatic Cat Water Dispenser

Best for Cats that need a simple and easy-to-use fountain

The Veken Pet Fountain Automatic Cat Water Dispenser is a great option for Oriental Shorthairs that need a simple and easy-to-use fountain. The 3 flow settings and 3-stage filtration can help to keep the water clean and fresh, and the water level window makes it easy to monitor the water level.

✓ Simple and easy-to-use design
✓ 3 flow settings for stimulation
✓ 3-stage filtration for clean water

✕ May not be suitable for large households

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Pioneer Pet Ceramic Drinking Fountain (Raindrop)

Best for Cats that prefer a quiet and peaceful environment

The Pioneer Pet Ceramic Drinking Fountain (Raindrop) is a great option for Oriental Shorthairs that prefer a quiet and peaceful environment. The ceramic material is hygienic and durable, and the quiet pump won't startle your cat.

✓ Quiet pump for a peaceful environment
✓ Ceramic material for hygiene and durability
✓ Charcoal filter for clean water

✕ May be too small for large households

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Frequently asked questions

Why do Oriental Shorthairs prefer running water?

Oriental Shorthairs prefer running water because it stimulates their natural instinct to drink from a flowing water source. In the wild, cats would typically drink from a stream or river, so providing a fountain with running water can help to encourage your cat to drink more.

How often should I clean my cat's water fountain?

It's essential to clean your cat's water fountain regularly to prevent bacterial growth and keep the water clean and fresh. You should clean the fountain at least once a week, and more often if you have multiple cats using it.

What type of material is best for a cat water fountain?

The best material for a cat water fountain is one that is easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth. Stainless steel and ceramic are good options, as they are hygienic and durable.

Can I use a human water filter in my cat's water fountain?

No, you should not use a human water filter in your cat's water fountain. Human water filters are not designed for use in cat water fountains and may not be safe for your cat to drink from. Instead, look for a fountain with a built-in filter specifically designed for cat use.

How can I encourage my Oriental Shorthair to drink more water?

To encourage your Oriental Shorthair to drink more water, you can try providing a fountain with running water, using a wide, shallow bowl, and placing the water source in a quiet and accessible location. You can also try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing to your cat.

When choosing a water fountain for your Oriental Shorthair, it's essential to consider their unique needs and preferences. Look for a fountain with multiple flow settings, a quiet pump, and a large capacity to encourage your cat to drink more and reduce the risk of urinary and kidney health issues. By providing a suitable water fountain, you can help to promote your cat's overall health and well-being, and reduce the risk of costly health issues down the line.

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