You’ve got the fountain set up and your cat is drinking from it — great. But if you ever feel like they’re not using it as much as you’d expect, the issue might not be the fountain itself. It might be where it’s placed.

Cats can be particular about where they drink, and small changes in location can make a surprising difference. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Away From Food Bowls

This is one of the most common mistakes, and it’s completely understandable… it makes sense to us to keep food and water together. But cats don’t see it that way. In the wild, cats instinctively avoid drinking water near their food source because standing water close to a kill could be contaminated. That instinct is still very much active in domestic cats. If the fountain is sitting right next to the food bowl, some cats will naturally be less inclined to drink from it. Even moving it a few feet away can make a noticeable difference.

In Quiet, Low-Traffic Areas

Cats tend to prefer calm spaces, especially when it comes to drinking. If the fountain is in a busy hallway, next to a loud appliance, or in an area where people are constantly walking past, your cat might feel uneasy approaching it. This is especially true for more cautious or anxious cats: they want to feel safe while they drink, not like they need to keep one eye open.

A quieter corner of the kitchen, a spot in the living room away from the main walkway, or even a bedroom they frequent can all work well. The key is somewhere your cat already feels relaxed.

Near Natural Lounging Spots

The easier you make it for your cat to drink, the more they’ll do it. If the fountain is tucked away in a spot they rarely visit, they’re simply less likely to use it throughout the day. Placing it near where they already like to hang out (a favourite napping spot, a sunny windowsill area, or the room they spend the most time in) removes that extra step. They see it, they remember it’s there, and they drink. Since the fountain is wireless, you have the flexibility to try different spots without worrying about outlets or cords.

Multiple Fountains In Multi-Cat Homes

If you have more than one cat, this one is worth paying attention to. Cats can be territorial about shared resources, and it’s not always obvious. A more dominant cat might subtly block access to the fountain without you ever noticing, and a shyer cat may just avoid it rather than compete. The result is one cat drinking plenty and another barely drinking at all.

Offering water in more than one location gives every cat easy, stress-free access. It doesn’t have to be complicated… even placing a second fountain in a different room can make a big difference for the cat that’s been hanging back.

Away From Litter Boxes

This follows the same logic as keeping water away from food. Cats prefer separation between where they eliminate and where they drink. If the fountain is anywhere near the litter box, some cats will avoid it entirely. It doesn’t matter how clean the litter box is — the proximity alone is enough to put them off. A different room or at least the opposite side of the room is a simple fix.

Placement might seem like a small detail, but it can have a real impact on how much your cat drinks. If you’ve noticed your cat isn’t visiting the fountain as often as you’d like, try moving it before assuming there’s a bigger issue. Sometimes the right spot is all it takes.