This may be a dumb question, but how do automatic pet water fountains work?

[MIButterfly]

Do you have to hook them up to a water source or do you just pour water into them?

I'm considering getting one because the veterinary food my cats eat makes them very thirsty and it seems like I can't keep enough water in their bowl.

Not asking for a friend; asking for my own ignorant self. Thanks in advance.

[crud]

1. we use one of these

Fill the tank and it replenishes the bowl through a filter. But I'm also interested in the fountains.

[AZJonnie]

2. All indoor home-designed ones I've seen while shopping for them require you to fill it's reservoir with water yourself

Ones where you connect it to your water line directly may exist but they're not common from what I've seen. Most homeowners aren't adept at hooking up things to water lines inside their houses aside from a disposal, dish/clothes washer, or ice-maker, devices which most homes are pre-outfitted with lines to connect them too, making it a trivial endeavor.

A larger scale outdoor one would be a different matter but is not what people who aren't raising livestock would generally be looking for.

[Dear_Prudence]

3. Cats enjoy it!

Ours has a curved spout, like a kitchen faucet, that circulates thru the bowl beneath. Tigger hasn't figured out how to drink from the edge of the bowl, so after a drink, the top of her head is always wet. It is odd to pet a wet cat!

[VTderry]

4. I recently switched to a fountain.

I needed wireless for the location and wanted stainless steel for best health and easy cleaning. I got mine off Chewy.
https://www.chewy.com/casfuy-wireless-smart-3-mode/dp/2085638

Battery lasts a long time and recharges pretty quickly. I have it set on sensor, so it only bubbles when she approaches (or someone else walks by.)

If you can use a corded one, you have more options (but if your cat is a cord-chewer you might want cordless anyway.) Chewy appears to have many of both varieties on sale now.

Don't be discouraged if your cat is hesitant at first. Mine took about a week to decide it was safe.

[Pucks mom]

5. I like this one because you can put it in the dishwasher!

I didn't realize I have had it since 2022.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727WXT7M?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1