The scientific research on whether or not cats will drink more from a water fountain is equivocal, with studies finding that cats drink slightly more from flowing water sources, but not to a statistically significant degree. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that cats had a strong individual preference for either a fountain or a bowl. In other words, there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to whether or not cats prefer drinking from fountains and running water. Instead, your cat has an individual preference. If your cat is reluctant to drink from a bowl, then a fountain might intrigue them.