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Freshness - Cats prefer drinking from running water as it is perceived as fresher and cleaner than still water in a bowl. The flowing motion of a fountain appeals to their natural instinct.
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Curiosity - Cats are curious creatures and the movement and sound of a water fountain can pique their interest. They may enjoy batting at the water or watching it flow.
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Hydration - Cats naturally get a lot of moisture from their prey, but domestic cats may not drink enough water from a static bowl. The appealing nature of a fountain can encourage them to drink more, which is important for their health.
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Instinct - In the wild, cats are drawn to flowing water sources like streams and rivers. The water fountain mimics these natural water sources that cats are evolutionarily adapted to seek out.
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Temperature - Cats may prefer the slightly cooler temperature of the flowing water compared to stagnant water in a bowl that has been sitting out.
So in summary, the combination of freshness, movement, sound, and temperature makes water fountains an attractive drinking source for many felines. Providing a cat water fountain can be a great way to encourage healthy hydration.