How to Make a Cat Fountain?

Creating a DIY cat fountain is an excellent way to provide your feline companion with fresh, flowing water, encouraging better hydration and overall health. With a few simple components, you can craft a personalized and pet-safe water source.

Why Opt for a DIY Cat Fountain?

DIY cat fountains offer several advantages over store-bought options, making them a popular choice for many pet owners:

Cost-Effective: Often, you can use materials you already have or purchase inexpensive components, saving money compared to retail fountains.
Customization: Design a fountain that perfectly matches your home decor and your cat's preferences in terms of height, flow, and material.
Environmental Friendliness: Reusing existing items, such as bowls or containers, reduces waste.
Enhanced Hydration: Cats are often more attracted to moving water, which can significantly increase their water intake and support kidney health.

Essential Components for Any DIY Fountain

Regardless of the specific design, most DIY cat fountains require a few core elements:

Submersible Aquarium Pump: This is the heart of your fountain, circulating the water. Choose a small, quiet pump with adjustable flow and suction cups for stability.
Water Reservoir/Bowl: A large, sturdy container that holds the bulk of the water. Ensure it's wide and shallow enough for your cat to drink comfortably.
Water Spout/Top Bowl (Optional): A smaller container or piece of tubing to direct the water flow from the pump.
Tubing (Optional): Small silicone or PVC tubing to connect the pump's output to the spout, if needed.
Filter Media (Optional but Recommended): Activated carbon or sponge filters can help keep the water cleaner and free of debris.

Popular DIY Cat Fountain Ideas

There are many creative ways to build a cat fountain. Here are a couple of popular and pet-safe methods:

1. Glass Fish Bowl Fountain

This method is straightforward, visually appealing, and utilizes readily available aquarium supplies.

Materials You'll Need:
- A clean glass fish bowl (ensure it's appropriately sized and stable).
- A small, submersible aquarium pump (check for adjustable flow and included suction cups).
- Decorative glass beads (must be aquarium-safe and non-toxic).
- Clean, filtered water.
Step-by-Step Assembly:
1. Prepare the Base: Begin by filling the bottom of the glass fish bowl approximately a quarter of the way with your decorative glass beads. These beads will help anchor the pump and add an aesthetic touch.
2. Position the Pump: Carefully set the submersible aquarium pump inside the bowl, nestling it among the glass beads. Most pumps come with suction cups; use these to fasten the pump securely to the side of the bowl to prevent it from shifting.
3. Add Water: Pour clean, filtered water into the bowl, ensuring that the pump is completely submerged. It's crucial for the pump to be fully underwater to operate correctly and prevent damage.
4. Activate: Plug in the pump and turn it on. Observe the water flow to ensure it's circulating smoothly and quietly.

2. Ceramic Bowl Fountain

A more robust and often heavier option, ceramic fountains can be very durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Materials You'll Need:
- One larger, wide ceramic bowl for the main reservoir.
- One smaller ceramic bowl or a ceramic planter saucer to act as the spout/top tier.
- A small submersible aquarium pump.
- Food-grade silicone sealant (if modifying bowls with holes).
- Drill with a ceramic bit (if creating a hole in the smaller bowl).
- PVC or silicone tubing.
General Steps:
1. Prepare the Top Bowl: If using a smaller bowl or saucer, you might need to drill a hole in its center for the pump's tubing to pass through. Smooth any sharp edges.
2. Connect Pump and Tubing: Attach a section of tubing to the output nozzle of your submersible pump.
3. Assemble: Place the pump in the larger reservoir bowl. Thread the tubing up through the hole in the smaller top bowl.
4. Seal (If Needed): If the hole is significantly larger than the tubing, use food-grade silicone sealant to create a watertight seal around the tubing where it exits the top bowl. Allow it to cure completely.
5. Add Water: Fill the large reservoir with clean, filtered water, ensuring the pump is fully submerged.
6. Test: Plug in and turn on the pump. The water should flow from the tubing, cascade over the smaller bowl, and return to the main reservoir.

Step-by-Step Guide for a Basic DIY Fountain

Here's a generalized approach applicable to most DIY fountain projects:

Source Pet-Safe Materials: Ensure all bowls, beads, and sealants are non-toxic, food-grade, and free of lead or other harmful chemicals. Ceramic, glass, and stainless steel are excellent choices.
Clean All Components Thoroughly: Wash everything with mild, pet-safe soap and rinse extensively to remove any residues.
Assemble the Pump and Tubing: Attach any necessary tubing to your submersible pump. Keep tubing lengths to a minimum for efficiency.
Position the Pump: Place the pump at the bottom of your main water reservoir. Use its suction cups to secure it, or weigh it down with non-toxic, clean rocks or glass beads.
Create the Water Flow System: This could involve simply directing the pump's output upwards, or guiding it through a top bowl or decorative element.
Fill with Water: Pour clean, filtered water into the reservoir until the pump is fully submerged.
Test and Adjust: Plug in the pump. Check for smooth operation, adequate water flow, and any leaks. Adjust the flow rate on the pump if possible.
Monitor Your Cat: Observe your cat's reaction to the new fountain. Some cats prefer a gentle trickle, others a stronger stream.

Maintenance Tips for DIY Cat Fountains

Regular maintenance is crucial for health and hygiene:

Daily Water Change: Replenish the water daily to keep it fresh and reduce bacterial growth.
Weekly Cleaning: Disassemble and thoroughly clean all components (bowls, pump, tubing) with pet-safe soap and a brush. Rinse well.
Pump Cleaning: Periodically clean the pump impeller and intake screen to prevent mineral buildup and ensure optimal function. Refer to your pump's manual.
Filter Replacement: If using filter media, replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically every 2-4 weeks.

Safety Considerations

Electrical Safety: Always use a pump designed for submersible use. Ensure the power cord is not a chewing hazard for your pet. Consider a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet for added safety.
Non-Toxic Materials: Double-check that all materials (bowls, glazes, rocks, beads, sealants) are completely pet-safe and non-toxic.
Stability: Ensure the fountain is stable and cannot be easily knocked over by your cat, preventing spills and potential electrical hazards.
Cleanliness: Maintain rigorous cleaning to prevent bacterial growth, which can lead to health issues for your cat.

DIY vs. Store-Bought Cat Fountains

Here's a comparison to help you weigh your options:

Feature	DIY Cat Fountain	Store-Bought Cat Fountain
Cost	Generally lower, especially if repurposing items.	Varies widely; can be higher than DIY options.
Customization	High degree of personalization in design and materials.	Limited to available models and aesthetic options.
Maintenance	Requires consistent cleaning and component checks.	Requires regular cleaning; filters often proprietary.
Materials	You choose; ensures pet-safe materials are used.	Pre-selected materials; typically pet-safe by design.
Complexity	Requires some assembly and basic DIY skills.	Generally plug-and-play; minimal assembly.
Warranty/Support	None, as it's self-built.	Usually comes with manufacturer warranty and support.

Making a cat fountain can be a rewarding project that provides your cat with a constant source of fresh, appealing water. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety and cleanliness, you can create a functional and beautiful addition to your home.