Abyssinian cat underdrinking on wet food diet

An Abyssinian on a wet food diet who's still not drinking enough — that's a real concern, and you're right to take it seriously. Wet food does provide moisture, but it's rarely sufficient on its own, and cats with a history of dietary sensitivities often have kidneys and urinary tracts that are already working harder than average. Moving water is genuinely more appealing to cats than still water, so a fountain can make a meaningful difference even for cats who seem indifferent to their water bowl. Can I ask — does your cat have any known sensitivities to plastics or materials, and is he currently showing any signs of urinary issues, or is this more a preventive concern?

That UTI history is exactly the context I needed — it makes this a higher-priority situation than a general wellness decision, and ceramic is absolutely the right instinct. Plastic fountains can harbour bacteria in small scratches over time, which is the last thing you want for a cat with a compromised urinary history. Given all of that, I'd point you toward the Catit Flower Fountain in its stainless steel version, or better yet the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Fountain in ceramic — that's the one I'd specifically recommend here. It's lead-free ceramic, very easy to fully disassemble and clean, runs quietly, and the gentle raindrop flow tends to attract cats who've been reluctant to drink. It's also simple enough that there are no hard-to-clean crevices.

For a cat with a UTI history I'd clean the bowl and refill it every two to three days, and do a full disassembly with a brush and mild soap once a week — the Pioneer Pet Raindrop comes apart into just a few pieces so it genuinely takes about five minutes. The pump is submersible and runs very quietly; most people describe it as barely audible from across the room. One tip: replace the filter every three to four weeks rather than stretching it, since a clogged filter can slow the flow and reduce the appeal for a fussy cat.

A few things help with the transition. Place the fountain somewhere away from his food bowl — cats instinctively prefer water sources that aren't near their food, it's a holdover from wild behaviour. For the first few days, keep his old water bowl out as well so he doesn't feel the choice is taken away; most cats start investigating the fountain within 24 to 48 hours out of curiosity. You can also dip a clean finger into the flowing water near him to draw attention to the movement. Once he's drinking from it reliably, you can quietly retire the old bowl.

Good choice — it's genuinely one of the best options for a cat in his situation. The combination of ceramic construction, easy cleaning, and a gentle flow makes it well suited to a sensitive cat with a UTI history. Keep an eye on how much he's drinking over the first couple of weeks; if you're still worried his intake is low, it's worth a quick check-in with your vet since some cats with recurrent UTIs benefit from additional hydration support. Hope it helps him stay well.