Introduction
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies are designed to digest and extract nutrients from animal-based proteins. As such, they have a high water requirement, and they need access to fresh, clean water at all times. A cat water fountain can provide a constant supply of fresh, running water, which can encourage your cat to drink more and stay hydrated.

However, cat water fountains can become dirty and clogged over time. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can make your cat sick. It is important to clean and maintain your cat’s water fountain regularly to keep it in good working condition and to prevent your cat from getting sick.
How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Water Fountain?
The frequency with which you need to clean your cat’s water fountain will depend on a number of factors, including the type of fountain, the number of cats using it, and the quality of the water. In general, you should clean your cat’s water fountain at least once a week, more often if it is used by multiple cats or if the water quality is poor.
How to Clean Your Cat’s Water Fountain
Cleaning your cat’s water fountain is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Unplug the water fountain and disassemble it.
- Remove the pump and filter.
- Wash all of the parts of the water fountain with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse all of the parts thoroughly with clean water.
- Reassemble the water fountain and plug it in.
Troubleshooting Common Cat Water Fountain Problems
If your cat’s water fountain is not working properly, there are a few common problems that you can troubleshoot yourself.
The pump is not working.
The pump is the heart of your cat’s water fountain, and if it is not working, the fountain will not be able to circulate water. There are a few things that can cause the pump to stop working, including:
- A clogged impeller. The impeller is the part of the pump that moves the water. If the impeller is clogged with debris, the pump will not be able to function properly.
- A faulty motor. The motor is the part of the pump that powers the impeller. If the motor is faulty, the pump will not be able to function properly.
- A power outage. If there is a power outage, the pump will not be able to function properly.
The water is not flowing properly.
If the water is not flowing properly, there are a few things that you can check:
- The water level. The water level in the fountain should be at least 1 inch below the top of the fountain. If the water level is too low, the pump will not be able to function properly.
- The filter. The filter can become clogged with debris, which can restrict the flow of water. If the filter is clogged, you should replace it.
- The pump. The pump may not be working properly. If the pump is not working properly, you should replace it.
The water is dirty.
If the water in the fountain is dirty, there are a few things that you can do:
- Clean the fountain more often. The more often you clean the fountain, the less likely it is to become dirty.
- Use a water filter. A water filter can help to remove impurities from the water.
- Change the water more often. The more often you change the water, the less likely it is to become dirty.
Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Cat’s Water Fountain
Here are a few tips and tricks for maintaining your cat’s water fountain:
- Place the fountain in a quiet location. Cats are sensitive to noise, and a noisy fountain may discourage them from drinking.
- Make sure the fountain is easy for your cat to access. The fountain should be placed in a location where your cat can easily reach it.
- Encourage your cat to drink from the fountain. You can do this by placing a few treats near the fountain or by playing with your cat around the fountain.
- Monitor your cat’s water intake. Make sure your cat is drinking enough water by monitoring their water intake. If your cat is not drinking enough water, you should consult with your veterinarian.
FAQs
Q: How often should I clean my cat’s water fountain?
A: You should clean your cat’s water fountain at least once a week, more often if it is used by multiple cats or if the water quality is poor.
Q: What is the best way to clean my cat’s water fountain?
A: The best way to clean your cat’s water fountain is to unplug it and disassemble it. Then, wash all of the parts of the water fountain with warm, soapy water. Rinse all of the parts thoroughly with clean water and reassemble the water fountain.
Q: Why is my cat’s water fountain not working?
A: There are a few reasons why your cat’s water fountain may not be working. The pump may not be working, the water level may be too low, the filter may be clogged, or the pump may not be working properly.
Q: What can I do if my cat’s water fountain is dirty?
A: If your cat’s water fountain is dirty, you can clean it more often, use a water filter, or change the water more often.
Q: How can I encourage my cat to drink from the fountain?
A: You can encourage your cat to drink from the fountain by placing a few treats near the fountain or by playing with your cat around the fountain.
Q: How can I monitor my cat’s water intake?
A: You can monitor your cat’s water intake by making sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also watch your cat’s behavior to see if they are drinking enough water. If your cat is not drinking enough water, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Cat water fountains are a great way to provide your cat with a constant supply of fresh, clean water. However, it is important to clean and maintain your cat’s water fountain regularly to keep it in good working condition and to prevent your cat from getting sick. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can keep your cat’s water fountain clean and in good working condition for years to come.