9539 Liberty Road, Frederick, MD 21701 • (301) 898-4009 Gentle, complete veterinary care for the felines in your family

Does your cat drink from the faucet? Many cats go out of their way to drink from a dripping faucet rather than use their more convenient water bowl. The simple reason is that they instinctively recognize running water to be fresher than still water. A cat in the wild will always choose a clear, running stream over a rain puddle. Getting cats to drink their full amount of water is essential for good kidney and urinary tract health. Water bowls are often not appealing enough for cats to drink their full amount, and running water can provide this encouragement. A small aquarium pump (2-3 watts)and a little creativity is all you need to set up a fountain. The commercial pet fountains work fine, but many cats are allergic to plastic and can develop a chin rash from contacting the plastic. We stock these small pumps in The Cat's Pajamas, inside Frederick Cat Vet. Ceramic and glass are excellent choices-just be sure that the bowl is acceptable for eating. Some containers are for decorative use only . With a few rocks you can set up your own attractive water feature. If you collect rocks from outdoors, be sure to boil them in water first to kill any microorganisms. Make sure to clean your set-up regularly – at least every two weeks. Many cats are reluctant to use a fountain at first and need time to inspect it and grow accustomed to it, often within a few weeks. Experiment with the intensity of flow and placement of the pump – a soft trickle is usually preferred. Continue to use the regular water bowls as well to provide them with both options. -Mike Karg, DVM