Well, howdy there! Let’s yak about them automatic pet water feeders, you know, the thingamajigs that give your critters water without you liftin’ a finger. I ain’t no fancy expert, but I’ve seen a thing or two, and I’ll tell ya what I know.
What are these automatic pet water thingies, anyway?

Basically, they’re just contraptions that hold water and let your pets drink whenever they’re thirsty. Some are simple, like them gravity ones. You fill up a big jug, flip it over into a bowl, and as the water gets low, more fills it up. Easy peasy. Then there are the fancier ones, the ones with pumps and filters and all that jazz. They keep the water movin’ and clean, or so they say.
Why would anyone want one of them?
Well, for starters, it saves you some trouble. If you’re busy, or maybe you ain’t home all day, these things keep your pets from gettin’ thirsty. No more worryin’ about the water bowl bein’ empty. That’s a load off your mind, ain’t it?
- Convenience: You don’t gotta fill the bowl up all the time.
- Fresh Water: Some say the water stays fresher, especially them fancy ones with the filters.
- Good for Busy Folks: If you’re out and about, your pets still got water.
But are they any good, really?
Now, that’s where things get interestin’. Some folks swear by ’em. They say their pets drink more water, and it’s cleaner. But nothin’s perfect, ya hear? I’ve heard tell of them gravity ones leakin’ all over the place. And them electric ones? Well, if the power goes out, your pet’s outta luck. And if them filters ain’t changed regular-like, they ain’t doin’ much good, are they?
The Vet Lady’s Opinion
I heard this vet lady, real smart she was, sayin’ that automatic feeders, and I figure she meant water feeders too, are okay if you’re around to keep an eye on ’em. She said them gadgets can break down, you know, just stop workin’. Or your cat, if you got one, might just tip the whole darn thing over tryin’ to get at the food, or water in this case. So, don’t go leavin’ your critters alone for days on end thinkin’ these things will take care of everything. That ain’t right.

How long can you leave your pet alone with one of these things?
That vet lady said don’t leave your pet alone for more than a day, even with them fancy gadgets. Things can go wrong, batteries die, pumps stop pumpin’. You get the picture. It’s always best to have someone check in on your critters if you’re gonna be gone a while. Makes sense, don’t it?
Things to Watch Out For
If you’re thinkin’ ’bout gettin’ one of these here automatic water feeders, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Tip-overs: Some of them are real tippy, especially if they ain’t full. A bump and whoops, water everywhere.
- Cleanin’: You gotta clean ’em regular, or they’ll get slimy and nasty. Nobody wants to drink outta that, not even your pets.
- Filters: If it’s got a filter, you gotta change it. Don’t be lazy now.
- Electricity: If it needs power, make sure you got a backup plan if the power goes out. Maybe one of them battery-operated ones.
- Only good for water: Now, some folks might get confused, but these things is just for water, not food. Don’t go tryin’ to put nothin’ else in there.
Where to get ’em and how much they cost?
Shoot, you can find ’em just about anywhere these days. Pet stores, big box stores, even online. Prices vary. Them simple gravity ones are pretty cheap, maybe just a few dollars. Them fancy electric ones with all the bells and whistles can cost a pretty penny, though. You gotta decide what you need and how much you wanna spend. And keep an eye out for sales, everyone loves a good bargain, right? I saw somethin’ the other day ‘bout pet drinkin’ fountains bein’ on sale, up to 90% off, but that was just for one day, I reckon. You gotta be quick to catch them deals.
So, what’s the bottom line?

Well, automatic pet water feeders can be mighty handy, especially if you’re a busy fella or gal. They ain’t perfect, mind you, but they can help keep your pets hydrated. Just do your homework, pick one that suits your needs, and don’t forget to keep an eye on it. Your pets depend on you, ya know?
And that’s about all I got to say about that. Hope it helps ya out some. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go check on my own critters. They’re probably thirsty after all this talk about water!