Should I remove the old water source?

Yes - this can significantly support the adjustment.

If several water sources are available at the same time, many cats initially continue to use the familiar source. If the previous water source is deliberately switched, your cat often recognizes the drinking fountain faster as the new main water source.

Why removing the old water source can help:

1) Create a clear main water source

If multiple water sources are available, many cats initially choose the familiar bowl out of habit.

If the old water bowl is removed or reduced, your cat can perceive the drinking fountain faster as the new main water source and integrate it more easily into daily life.

2) Gradual transition is possible

For sensitive or cautious cats, a direct switch can be too abrupt. In such cases, a gradual approach is often more sensible.

Proven procedure:

• first set up the drinking fountain additionally
• move the old bowl a little further from the original place
• observe the use of the fountain
• completely remove the old water source after a short adjustment phase

This keeps the transition understandable and low-stress for your cat.

3) Observe behavior

During the transition, make sure your cat continues to drink enough.

In many cases, the drinking fountain is used quite naturally after a short time once the cat has become familiar with the location, water movement, and sound.

When you should proceed especially carefully:

A slower transition makes sense if your cat:

• generally reacts sensitively to changes
• initially observes new objects for a long time
• is still very reserved in the first few days

In these cases, patience, a quiet location, and a gradual transition usually work best.

Catson note:

Targeted switching of the old water source can significantly ease the adjustment. It is important to calmly accompany the change and carefully observe your cat's drinking behavior in the first few days.