How to choose a fountain for a cat or small dog breeds: 7 key parameters
A bowl of stagnant water is the quickest way to make your pet stop drinking. The water loses its flavor, and hair and bacteria accumulate in it. The result? Dehydration, kidney problems, and frequent visits to the vet.
A good fountain solves the problem at its core - flowing water is instinctively more attractive and cleaner for animals.
1. Tank volume: how many days the fountain will cover you
The 1.9 liter capacity is not a random number. For one cat or small dog, this means 3-4 days of drinking without needing to refill.
For two cats, this will cover approximately 2 days. Smaller tanks (under 1 liter) require topping up every day, larger ones (over 3 liters) are unnecessarily bulky and take up more space.
Why 1.9L makes sense:
· A cat needs approximately 40-60 ml of water per kilogram of weight per day.
· A dog weighing 5-10 kg drinks 250-500 ml per day
· You will lose approximately 10-15% of volume in 24 hours due to evaporation.
· You have room for flexibility during weekends or night shifts
The ANTIK Smart fountain with a volume of 1.9 l covers the common needs of a household with one to two small animals, while not taking up half of the living room.
2. Filtration: what it actually catches and why it matters
The 2-stage filtration system is not just a marketing cliché. The first stage mechanically captures hair, fluff and coarse dirt.
The second stage uses activated carbon, which reduces chlorine and odor. You'll notice the difference after a week - the water in the fountain doesn't smell as bad as in an open bowl.
What this means in practice:
· Less hair floating on the surface
· Chlorine from the tap is absorbed, the water has a more neutral taste
· Bacteria multiply more slowly (running water + filtration)
· The ATK-PFF01 fountain filter lasts 30-60 days
Filters are replaced once a month for one animal, every 3 weeks for multiple animals.
An LED reminder will let you know when it's time to replace.
3. Noise and flow rate: determine whether the fountain is accepted by the animal
A pump that roars like a pipe will scare your pet. The ANTIK Smart fountain works with a low-noise pump that does not exceed 30 dB - that's the whisper level.
The water flow is set to create a gentle babbling sound that cats and dogs instinctively seek out (simulates a stream).
Test question: Turn off the fountain at night and watch the animal react to turning it on in the morning. If it comes straight to the fountain, the flow is fine. If it stays away, it may be too strong or noisy.
4. Maintenance: how much time will it take you to clean?
The wavy design of the bowl is not just aesthetic - it reduces the formation of a bacterial film because the water circulates better. The ANTIK Smart fountain is divided into three parts: a tank, a bowl and a pump cover. Cleaning takes 5 minutes a week.
Practical solutions:
· Auto shut-off when the bowl is lifted - you won't run the pump dry
· Anti-slip pads - the fountain does not move when drinking
· Smooth interior surfaces - no nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate
· All parts can be washed in the dishwasher (except the pump!!!)
Recommended rhythm:
· quick daily level check
· bowl rinsing every 3 days
· complete disassembly and cleaning weekly.
5. Ergonomic 7° tilt: why your back will appreciate it
Cats and small dogs lean unnecessarily when drinking from the floor. The 7° inclination of the bowl allows them to drink in a more natural position - head slightly down, back straight. This reduces the load on the cervical vertebrae and long-term fatigue.
When is it visible:
· Aging cats (over 8 years old) with arthritis
· Small dog breeds with long backs (dachshunds, corgis)
· Animals after cervical spine surgery
The improvement is not dramatic, but it is measurable - the animal spends 10-20% less time drinking because it drinks better.
6. Level control: fewer surprises when the water runs out
The LED indicator in the container will turn red when the level drops below the minimum. At the same time, a notification will be sent to the ANTIK SmartHome mobile application.
The result: you don't have to check the fountain every evening.
What does it solve:
· Prevent the pump from running dry (extends its service life)
· The water never runs out completely (safety reserve 200 ml)
· Filter replacement reminder is tied to hours worked, not the calendar
The system also takes into account that you may sometimes forget. When the water level drops below 300 ml, the fountain automatically turns off.
7. Smart functions: planning modes according to the situation
In the ANTIK SmartHome application, you set time windows when the fountain should run.
Typical scenarios:
· On during the day, off at night (less noise),
· In energy saving mode over the weekend.
· If you leave the house, you switch to nonstop mode.
The manual buttons on the device work even without Wi-Fi. If the internet goes down or you can't figure out the app, you can control the fountain the classic way - turn it on/off with one touch.
Useful settings:
· Night mode 22:00-6:00 (off, energy saving)
· Working week 7:00-19:00 (on, animal is at home)
· Outside the home 24/7 (continuous operation)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about animal fountains
How often should the filter in the ANTIK Smart animal fountain be changed?
Every 30-60 days depending on the number of animals. LED reminder will alert you.
Will the fountain last without refilling over the weekend?
Yes. It will last 3-4 days for one cat, 2 days for two cats. The 1.9L volume covers common scenarios.
What if the Wi-Fi or power goes out?
The fountain has manual buttons on the device - it works even without the app. In the event of a power outage, the LED indicator will save the last setting.
Is the fountain noisy at night?
No. The noise level does not exceed 30 dB (whisper). You set the night shutdown mode in the app (10:00 PM-6:00 AM).
Are all parts dishwasher safe?
Yes, except for the pump. The tank, bowl and cover are dishwasher safe. Clean the pump by hand with a damp cloth.
Why is the 7° bowl tilt important?
Reduces the load on the cervical vertebrae when drinking. Suitable for aging cats, small breed dogs and animals after back surgery.
