8 years ago, I purchased a bubble up fountain with the optional serenity flow accessory. At the time I thought it was a huge splurge, but looking back, I am confident it was well worth every penny.
First of all, it is beautiful. I have other cat conveniences, like an automated feeder and litter box, and while serviceable, in the end they are hunks of ugly plastic. My Thirsty Cat fountain is not only a water bowl, but is a decorative item that is a joy to look at every day.
Secondly, it is built to last. It is a simple design which is easy to repair, not a hunk of plastic which will end up in a landfill in a couple of years. The pump in mine finally quit working after 8 years. I ordered a replacement pump, which was sent quickly along with e-mailed and printed instructions to install it. When I had an issue with the first pump I was sent, I reached out to the company and Keith immediately helped me fix the issue. He also helped me with other follow-up questions that I had. With the general decline in customer service in recent years, it was so nice to deal with a company who steps up and supports their products.
Lastly, my cats really enjoy using it. In the few days while I was waiting for the replacement pump and I was giving them still water from a bowl, they made noticeably fewer trips to the litter box. To me, this means they consume a lot more water when drinking out of their fountain. With all the health concerns involved with cats not drinking enough (like urinary crystals), I feel happy that the fountain encourages them to keep their water intake levels high. It is also easy to clean, so I know they are drinking fresh and clear water.
I highly recommend Thirsty Cat fountains to any other cat owners!