First, put a large mat with sides under the water bowl. I use a boot mat. That makes the clean up easier!

I have 2 Pet Mate fountains, and I am really pleased with them. The cats and dogs all use them, no issues. MOST of the cats do lick from the stream, I have noticed! The dogs use the pool at the bottom. Chestnut WILL still paw at it, particularly when the levels are down. But he is my silly orangie, MUCH prefers drinking from the bathroom sink than any water bowl or fountain!

I liked this one for the reason (Cat Lady?) had posted about at the time she got hers and I followed. The stream is not splashing, it runs down a ramp. The filters can be expensive, you can find them on line cheaper or you can make your own, we have the link in a prior thread. You save the netting and plastic guide and just purchase the charcoal filler from a fish supply place.

I fill BOTH each evening. But then, I DO have a lot of pets, and I didn't get the biggest size.

Hope this helps!