RVS of plastic drinkfontein: wat is beter voor je kat?
A drinking fountain encourages your cat to drink more – good for their kidneys and bladder. But should you choose stainless steel (SS) or plastic? The material makes more of a difference than you think, especially for hygiene and your cat's skin. The SmartPaw editorial team lists the pros and cons.
📌 In short
- SS is more hygienic: smoother, scratch-free, and easier to clean thoroughly.
- Plastic scratches more easily, causing bacteria to accumulate and "feline acne" to develop.
- SS keeps water cooler and fresher for longer.
- Plastic fountains are cheaper but generally last less long.
- For most cats, SS is the healthiest choice.
Is an SS or plastic drinking fountain better for your cat?
For health and hygiene, an SS drinking fountain is usually the better choice. Stainless steel has a smooth, non-porous surface that bacteria have difficulty adhering to, and it hardly scratches. Over time, plastic develops micro-scratches where bacteria and biofilm accumulate – a known cause of "feline acne" (black dots on your cat's chin).
SS versus plastic: the comparison
The table below compares both materials on the points that truly matter.
| Feature | SS (stainless steel) | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | Very good, non-porous | Scratches, harbors bacteria |
| Feline acne risk | Low | Higher |
| Keeping water cool | Cooler & fresher longer | Heats up faster |
| Lifespan | Long | Shorter |
| Price | Slightly higher | Cheaper |
💡 Tip: Does your cat have black dots on its chin? That is often feline acne caused by a plastic bowl. Switching to an SS fountain and daily refreshing usually solves the problem.
Which SS drinking fountain should you choose?
Choose a fountain with an SS drinking bowl, a quiet pump, and a good filter. The HydroBuddy and FlowMate Pro from SmartPaw both have a stainless steel top, a generous capacity of 4 liters, and a fine carbon filter for fresh water.
HydroBuddy drinking fountain (4L, SS, app)
Stainless steel drinking bowl, quiet pump, and app notification for filter and water level. Hygienic and easy to clean.
View product →How to keep a drinking fountain hygienic?
Change the water every day and thoroughly clean the fountain and pump at least once a week. Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Even an SS fountain requires regular maintenance to prevent biofilm.
Frequently asked questions
Is drinking from plastic harmful to my cat?
Not directly toxic, but scratched plastic more easily harbors bacteria, which can promote feline acne and digestive problems.
What is feline acne?
Small black dots (like blackheads) on the chin, often caused by a dirty or plastic drinking and feeding bowl.
Does SS truly keep water fresher?
Yes, stainless steel heats up less quickly and does not release a plastic taste, making water appealing for longer.
How often should I replace the filter?
Usually every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the number of cats and water quality.
Also read how to accustom your cat to a drinking fountain and how much water a cat drinks per day.
SmartPaw editorial team · Published on July 14, 2026 · Last updated on July 14, 2026. Facts checked with veterinarian and official sources on cat hygiene and feline acne.
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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