FAQs
Replace the filter cartridge inside the unit as directed - typically every 2-4 weeks. Filters help remove minerals, chemicals, and sediments from the water to keep it fresh and clean for your cat. Changing filters regularly is key to optimizing the fountain's performance.
How do I keep my cat's water fountain fresh? ›
Every week - A fountain should be thoroughly washed at least once a week with hot water and soap. Prior to that, the filter should be removed, rinsed, and inspected before being put back. It's a good idea to use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to wipe the fountain parts, and a small brush for the hard to reach corners.
Should I leave my cat's water fountain on all the time? ›
Cat water fountains are safe to leave on as long as you monitor the water level and perform proper maintenance:
Water level
Check the water level daily and top it off when it reaches about half an inch below the pump. If the fountain is empty for a long time but still running, it could burn out.
Water changes
Change the water regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mold spores and bacteria that can harm the fountain's pump.
Maintenance
Clean the fountain regularly by wiping down the crevices, spouts, and filters with a cloth soaked in vinegar. You can also run the pump without the basin to check for blockages in the tubing or pump. Finally, disinfect the area around the fountain with antibacterial wipes to prevent bacteria from contaminating the water. Cat Water Fountains: Pros and Cons - Litter-Robot
Dec 22, 2021 — Est. read time: 9 min. Did you know that cats are chronically dehydrated? You ...
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Jun 28, 2023 — Soak a cloth in the solution and wipe down crevices, spouts, and filters. The ...
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If we've gone a day or two too long before changing Bijou's water, he will pause for just ...
How to Prevent Cat Drinking Fountain From Getting Moldy? - PAWAii
Consistent Water Changes Changing the water in your cat's fountain on a regular basis is o...
Consistent Water Changes
Changing the water in your cat's fountain on a regular basis is one of the fundamental techniques to prevent mold. By often refilling the water, you prevent mold from having a chance to grow because stagnant water is an ideal breeding place for mold spores.
Why does my cat's water fountain get slimy so fast? ›
The slime comes from your pets' mouth and tongue which contain bacteria that adhere to the surfaces of vessels they drink and eat from. It may also be airborne, lands in the fountain water and thrives.
How do I stop algae from growing in my cat's water fountain? ›
Keep water out of the basin, reservoir, and pump to prevent mold and algae growth. Consider replacing the entire fountain every 2-3 years for maximum hygiene and performance.
Can I run vinegar through a cat water fountain? ›
You probably read all over the web that white vinegar is a cure-all for everything. It seems like it's used in all organic cleaners and other hygienic products to enhance daily living. It's also a fantastic resource to use when cleaning your cat's water fountain.
How do you prevent biofilm in a cat's water fountain? ›
Removing the food source regularly and often is the key to controlling pet fountain slime and its pathogens. The best way to make sure that pet fountain slime never develops is to change the water weekly so that bacteria do not have time to multiply to the level where slime becomes apparent.
What happens if you don't clean a cat water fountain? ›
Most of our tap water will eventually leave hard water deposits on the ceramic fountains and any rough surface gives bacteria a great hand hold, so even these fountains really need to be cleaned well and often. At least once a month I take my fountains completely apart and scrub them and replace the filters.
Where is the best place to put a cat water fountain? ›
It is best to place the fountain in a quiet and easily accessible area of your home. Keep it away from high-traffic areas, such as doorways or hallways, as this can cause stress for your cat. Additionally, avoid placing the fountain near food bowls or litter boxes, as cats prefer to keep these areas separate.
Cat water fountains need regular cleaning to ensure grime and bacteria don't build up over time. This regular cleaning and maintenance might be tiresome because some water fountain models are more difficult to take apart. Also, you'll need to replace the filters regularly to ensure appropriate function.
How often should I change the filter in my cat's water fountain? ›
In general, you should change your cat's water fountain filter every 1–3 months, but you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations. However, some factors may require more frequent changes, such as:
Multiple cats
If multiple cats use the fountain, the filter will get clogged and contaminated faster.
Water consumption
The amount of water your cat drinks from the fountain can also affect how long the filter lasts. How Often to Replace Your Cat Fountain Filter? - Petlibro
Aug 4, 2023 — Recommended Frequency for Changing Filters. In general, cat fountain experts re...
How Often Should I Change My Cat's Water? - Petlibro
Jun 27, 2023 — Filter Replacement: The filters in the fountain should be replaced regularly,
Regularly changing the filter helps keep the water fresh and clean by removing minerals, chemicals, and sediments. You can also monitor your fountain for other signs that the filter needs changing, such as foam or white bubbles on the water's surface. This foam is likely caused by organic matter like cat food or saliva dissolved in the water. How Often to Replace Your Cat Fountain Filter? - Petlibro
Aug 4, 2023 — Recommended Frequency for Changing Filters. In general, cat fountain experts re...
How Often Should I Change My Cat's Water? - Petlibro
Jun 27, 2023 — Filter Replacement: The filters in the fountain should be replaced regularly,
how often do we need to change our cats water to keep them healthy
Cat Water Fountain Maintenance 101: Best Practices in 2023!
Jun 28, 2023 — This helps remove any germs or stray food particles. Avoid using harsh soaps,
Yes, vinegar can be used to clean and maintain water fountains. Vinegar's antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties can kill germs and break down mineral deposits that can build up over time. It's also a better solution than soap and water for cleaning fountain pumps. Tips To Keep Your Indoor Water Fountain In Pristine Condition
Jul 22, 2014 — To quickly clean and freshen your indoor water fountain, add a cup or two of f...
Serenity Health & Home Decor
Water Fountain Care Tips - Serenity Health & Home Decor
When learning how to clean a fountain pump, vinegar is a better solution than any soap and...
To clean an indoor fountain with vinegar, you can add one or two cups of filtered white apple cider vinegar. For outdoor fountains, you can mix one part vinegar with one part water. This solution is not harmful to birds, insects, or most plants, but you should still rinse it off when you're done. Tips To Keep Your Indoor Water Fountain In Pristine Condition
Jul 22, 2014 — To quickly clean and freshen your indoor water fountain, add a cup or two of f...
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Jun 14, 2022 — You should avoid bleach or chlorine at all costs if you want your water featur...
Here are some other tips for maintaining your fountain:
- Prevent mineral buildup: Use distilled water, a water softener, or a fountain cleaner designed to remove mineral buildup.
- Remove debris: Regularly remove sticks, feathers, and other organic material.
- Clean the pump: Deep clean the pump once a month to prevent odors.
- Treat for algae: For indoor fountains, you can add a few drops of bleach to the water tray twice a month. For outdoor fountains, you can use a solution of one part vinegar to one part water.
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Normal household bleach is a very effective way to treat an indoor water feature for algae...
If your fountain doesn't have any water plants, you can always add a small amount of chlorine to your fountain. We'd only recommend using one to two tablespoons, every two to three weeks during summer and the warmer spring weeks of the year. Ensure your pump is turned off when adding the chlorine.
Is ceramic or stainless steel better for a cat water fountain? ›
Both ceramic and stainless steel can be good materials for cat water fountains, but they have different properties that may be more suitable for different situations:
- Durability: Stainless steel is generally more durable and longer lasting than ceramic.
- Ease of cleaning: Stainless steel is easier to clean than ceramic. Some stainless steel fountains can be disassembled for cleaning.
- Fragility: Ceramic fountains can be more fragile and may be better for gentler cats.
- Taste: Cats may not like the metallic taste of stainless steel.
- Cost: Ceramic fountains can be cheaper, especially for smaller fountains. However, some ceramic fountains can cost over $140.
- Food safety: Ceramic fountains should be made of stoneware or porcelain with glazes made from raw minerals. Some veterinarians recommend ceramic fountains if they are certified to be food safe.
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Dec 5, 2022 — Ceramic water fountains can be more fragile and should be used with gentle pets...
There are three criteria for determining if your fountain is pet safe
A Truly Pet Safe Fountain Metal is one option and ceramic is the other, better and most re...
Here are some tips to keep fountain water from getting slimy:
Use distilled water
Distilled water can help prevent algae growth because it's been boiled, turned into vapor, and then condensed back into a liquid, removing impurities and debris. You can try filling small to medium-sized fountains with distilled water only.
Clean the pump
The pump is a key part of the fountain and can accumulate buildup, so it should be cleaned regularly. You can try these steps: - Detach the pump
- Remove leaves and other debris from the intake valve and housing by hand
- Soak the pump in a mixture of vinegar and water, then rinse
Drain and scrub
You can try these steps: - Unplug the pump
- Drain the water once a month or when it looks dirty
- Scrub the inside of the fountain with a non-abrasive cloth or mild cleaner
Skim the surface
Use a small net to skim the water's surface 1–2 times a week to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris that could clog the pump
Check the water level
Make sure the water level isn't too low, as this can cause the pump to malfunction and overheat
Add aquatic plants
Plants can help prevent algae by absorbing nutrients and toxins that algae feed on, aerating the water, and shading it How to Keep a Water Fountain Clean - Westside Grounds
Apr 23, 2024 — Watch the Fountain's Water Level. Don't let your fountain's water levels get t...
Tips to Prevent Algae Growth in Your Outdoor Fountain
Oct 15, 2016 — Fill your outdoor fountain only with fresh water. If you have a small to mediu...
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Jun 22, 2023 — Skim the water's surface 1-2 times per week with a small net to remove any lea...
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We recommend using aquatic plants. They prevent algae by taking up nutrients and toxins th...
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May 1, 2024 — Refill the fountain. When refilling the fountain, use distilled water if possib...
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Wiping down the bowl is another crucial step that will prevent buildups. To do this, you'l...
You probably read all over the web that white vinegar is a cure-all for everything. It seems like it's used in all organic cleaners and other hygienic products to enhance daily living. It's also a fantastic resource to use when cleaning your cat's water fountain.
What happens if a cat water fountain runs dry? ›
If a cat water fountain is left running when empty for a long time, the pump can burn out. This is because the pump relies on water to reduce friction and rotations against its weight. When the fountain is dry, the pump will spin too fast, overheat, and eventually burn out. Cat Water Fountains: Pros and Cons - Litter-Robot
Dec 22, 2021 — If the fountain is empty for a long time but is still running, it can burn out...
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Apr 25, 2022 — A pump also relies on water to reduce its friction and per-minute rotations ag...
Some cat water fountains have a feature that shuts off the pump when the water level gets too low. Should I Get My Cat a Water Fountain in Cincinnati, OH?
While the companies that make the fountains do what they can to help stop derbies and hair...
