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How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Cats can be pretty fussy about drinking water, leading to dehydration and health problems like urinary infections and kidney issues in cats. That’s why keeping their water clean and fresh is so important.

Cat water fountains are a fantastic solution to encourage your cat to drink more. Cats love moving water because it’s more exciting than a boring old bowl. But even the best fountain can get dirty if you don’t clean it regularly. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got you covered! This guide will teach you how to clean a cat water fountain and how often you should do it to keep your kitty happy and healthy.

Types of Cat Water Fountains

Not all pet fountains are the same, so knowing their differences can help you pick the right choice. Here’s a look at the most common types and their pros and cons.

Ceramic Cat Water Fountains

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Ceramic fountains are cute and heavy, which helps them stay put. They come in all sorts of designs to match your home.

Pros

  • Easy to Clean: Ceramic doesn’t soak up bacteria, so it’s easier to clean.
  • Looks Nice: You can find them in pretty colors and designs.
  • Stable: They’re hard to knock over, even if your cat gets excited.

Cons

  • Fragile: If you drop it, it might break, so be careful!
  • Pricey: They usually cost more than plastic fountains.
  • Heavy: They can be a bit of a hassle to lift and wash.

Stainless Steel Water Fountains

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Stainless steel fountains are tough and clean. They can keep water fresh and safe for your kitty.

Pros

  • Highly Durable: They are resistant to rust and scratches—great for long-term use.
  • Hygienic: Less likely to get bacteria from sticking around compared to plastic.
  • Easy to Clean: Many can go in the dishwasher!

Cons

  • Can Be Noisy: Some models make sounds when pumping water, which can be annoying.
  • Fewer Styles: You might not find as many pretty designs as with ceramic.
  • Gets Hot: Stainless steel can soak up the heat when exposed to direct sunlight, which makes the water warm.

Plastic Pet Water Fountain

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Plastic fountains are light and budget-friendly, making them popular for many cat owners.

Pros

  • Affordable: They’re the cheapest option, which is great if you’re on a budget.
  • Lightweight: Easy to move around for cleaning or adjusting.
  • Variety of Styles: They come in various colors and shapes to suit your taste.

Cons

  • Not Very Durable: Plastic can get scratched easily and might not last as long.
  • Need to Replace Often: You might need to buy a new one sooner than with metal or ceramic.
  • Chemical Concerns: Low-quality plastic can leach harmful chemicals, so choosing BPA-free options is necessary.

Now that you know the basics, consider what kind of fountain fits your home and your cat’s needs and pick the one that works best for you.

Things You Need When Cleaning the Cat Water Fountain

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Before you start, get all your cleaning supplies and tools together. Having everything ready will make cleaning way easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Soft-bristled brush: A toothbrush, a bottle brush, or a special fountain brush will do the trick.
  • Mild dish soap: Get a pet-safe, unscented dish soap.
  • White vinegar: This is a natural cleaner that’s great for getting rid of mineral buildup.
  • Baking soda: This is good for scrubbing away tough stains.
  • Clean cloths or paper towels: For drying and wiping things down.

How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain

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Cleaning your cat’s water fountain doesn’t have to be a hassle. Follow these steps to get it sparkling clean:

1. Disassemble the Fountain

Unplug the fountain and carefully take it apart. Remove the pump, filters, and any other pieces. If you’re unsure how to do this, check the manual that came with it.

2. Clean Each Part

Now that you’ve disassembled the fountain, it’s time to clean each piece:

  • The Bowl: Wash the bowl with warm water and mild soap. Use your brush to get into all the corners. Rinse it well to make sure there’s no soap left behind.
  • The Pump: If your pump comes apart, dismantle it and clean the tiny pieces, like the impeller. A toothbrush is perfect for this.
  • The Filters: Rinse the filters under running water to remove all dirt. If they look gross or worn out, replace them immediately.
  • Tubes and Other Bits: Run warm water through any tubes and scrub them out to clear buildup.

3. Sanitize Them All

After cleaning, it’s time to sanitize the fountain to kill any lingering germs and remove mineral buildup. There are two ways to do this, and these are:

Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Let the non-electrical parts soak for 15-20 minutes. Doing so will kill germs and break down any mineral deposits.

Baking Soda Paste

For tough stains, mix baking soda with water to make a paste. Use it to scrub away any grime, then rinse.

4. Rinse and Dry

Rinse all the parts well under warm water to ensure no soap or vinegar is left. Dry everything thoroughly with a clean cloth or let it air-dry before putting it back together.

How Often to Clean a Cat Water Fountain

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Now that your fountain is sparkling, let’s discuss how often you should clean it.

Daily Cleaning

You should do a few quick checks every day to keep your fountain fresh:

  • Refill the Water: Ensure there’s enough fresh water for your cat. Cats love to drink from a full bowl!
  • Remove Debris: Look for fur, dust, or food bits that might fall in. Just a quick look will do, but it’s essential to keep it clean for your kitty’s health.

Weekly Maintenance

Every week, give it a more thorough cleaning:

  • Empty and Wash the Bowl: Remove the old water and scrub the bowl with warm, soapy water. This step gets rid of any buildup and keeps the water fresh.
  • Check the Pump and Filters: Ensure the pump runs smoothly and the filters are clean. Rinse the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and if they’re too dirty, replace them with new ones.

Deep Cleaning

Once a month, do a deep clean:

  • Take It Apart Completely: Disassemble the fountain and clean each component. Disinfect each piece with vinegar and baking soda, as mentioned earlier. Don’t miss any parts since every piece can collect bacteria over time.
  • Focus on the Pump and Tubes: These parts are crucial for keeping the water flowing, so deep cleaning them is necessary. Clogged tubes can restrict water flow and lead to stagnant water.

Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency

How often you clean might depend on a few things:

  • Water Quality: If you have hard water, that means more mineral buildup, so clean it more often. Hard water can cause chalky deposits that can clog the pump and tubes.
  • Number of Cats: More cats mean more interest in the fountain, leading to quicker dirt buildup. If you have multiple cats, you might need to clean more frequently.
  • Fountain Type: Some designs might attract more debris than others, so adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly. For example, a multi-level cat water fountain might require more attention than a simple bowl.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Maintenance

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Here are some extra tips for keeping your cat’s fountain clean even easier. These will help you learn how often to clean a cat water fountain for your home.

Use Filtered Water

Filtered water can help reduce mineral buildup and make your fountain last longer. It also removes impurities that make the water taste or smell funny, so your cat will like it more.

Place the Fountain Strategically

Put the fountain away from food bowls so food doesn’t fall into the water and make it dirty. Also, pick a spot where your cat can quickly get to it but where it won’t get bumped or splashed.

Clean up the Spill Immediately

Clean up any spills around the fountain right away. This way, you can prevent mold from growing, which is bad for your cat and can make the area smell bad.

Use Cleaning Tablets

Some companies make cleaning tablets or solutions for fountains that can make cleaning easier. These products can break down gunk and stop slime and minerals from building up. But always make sure any cleaner you use is safe for pets.

Do Regular Checks

Inspect the fountain regularly to spot any damage, like cracks and leaks, and ensure the pump runs smoothly. Replace any broken parts so the fountain keeps working safely. If you do this often, you will learn how to clean a cat water fountain easily.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

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Even with regular cleaning, you might run into a few problems. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Loud Pump

A noisy pump can be annoying, but it’s an easy fix. The most common cause is a clog. Take apart the pump (check the manual if you’re unsure how) and clean out the impeller—it’s the little spinning part inside. Even small bits of gunk can make the pump work harder and louder. 

Also, check the water level. If the water is too low, the pump might struggle to pull it through, making it noisier than usual. Just top it up, and you should notice a difference.

2. Clogged Tubes

If water isn’t flowing right, clogged tubes could be the culprit. Dirt and grime can build up inside the tubes. Start by flushing them with warm water to loosen the debris. 

If that doesn’t work, use a small brush (like a straw cleaner) to scrub the inside. Do it slowly so you don’t miss any spots, and rinse them thoroughly when you’re done. Keeping tubes clean will help the water flow smoothly and prevent blockages.

3. Slimy Buildup

Slime is gross, but it’s also a sign that bacteria are growing. You might notice it on the bowl or in hard-to-reach spots like the pump housing. 

To get rid of it, you’ll need to clean the fountain more often. Take everything apart and scrub all the slimy areas with soap and water. For extra protection, try using filtered water instead of tap water to cut down on bacteria and reduce slime buildup.

Conclusion

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Keeping your cat’s water fountain clean is crucial for their health and happiness. Regular cleaning ensures your furry friend has access to fresh, safe water, which helps prevent dehydration and keeps them healthy.

Now that you know how to clean a cat water fountain and how often to do it, it’s time to put this plan into action! Share your experiences and tips with other cat lovers—let’s work together to keep our furry buddies hydrated and thriving! Feel free to keep this guide handy anytime you need to clean your cat’s water fountain. Happy cleaning!

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