I've had one similar to that for years and years and years, and it only took years and years before I actually saw either T or P drinking out of it. For the first few years, I filled it about every 3rd or 4th day, so I thought most of the water was just evaporating. But now, since Tubby has been cut off from his favorite water supply - the toilet, I have to re-fill it every other day and I see him drinking out of it quite often.

The one I have I just add water to the bowl part and it sucks it up into the resevoir and runs it through the filter. The theory is that cats love the sound of running water and will drink more not just because of the sound, but because the movement keeps it aerated (sp?) and fresher longer. It does make a little noise, but it's mostly the noise of running water, not motor noise, and I wouldn't say that it's loud at all.

The cable guy was at our house the other day (got cable internet - yipee!!!) and he saw the fountain in the basement and said "What is that?" Terry explained it to him and the guy really didn't roll his eyes, but I could tell by his body language that that's what he wanted to do. Obviously not a cat lover.

Here's Tubby drinking out of his. Like I said, I've had it for a long time, so it doesn't have the neat modern design the new ones have.