Best Cat Water Fountains Reviews & Buying Guide

Water fountains are a lifesaver for cat owners – nifty little appliances that provide a constant and attractive source of clean, running water for your feline friend, cat fountains encourage pets to drink more water, keeping them hydrated and contributing to their long-term renal health. Think of it as a pet waterer, of sorts. In addition, they reduce the number of times pet owners need to fill their kitty’s water dish, and the effort that goes into preventing your cat from hanging around water faucets and drinking out of the toilet – it’s a win-win!

Choosing the right water fountain for your cat is essential – select something low quality/unsuitable, and disappointment ensues. The fountain might break down in a matter of days (or hours), be unsuitable for your pet’s age and/or temperament, develop mold in a short period of time, or have an ineffective filter that leaves water dirty and full of debris. In addition, your pet might reject the water fountain entirely, and carry on with its rebellious toilet water-chugging ways. In this article, we’ll delve into pet feeders and waterers.

Making the right choice is crucial – however, the huge variety of cat water fountains available in the market is enough to confuse even the most seasoned cat parents. Which material works best – plastic, steel or ceramic? What kind of filter is the most effective? Can the water flow be customized? Is it dishwasher safe? There are all kinds of factors you need to consider in order to make the best choice for your pet, and unfortunately, the selection process can be tedious, time-consuming, and exhausting.

Our cat water fountain reviews and buying guide are designed for the pet parent who has their kitty’s best interests at heart, and needs a comprehensive list of the very best recommendations for top-quality products, coupled with a handy guide which contains all the essential information required in order to make the best possible purchase. Forget the lengthy research, and let us give you all the tips and advice you need in one place. Let’s find the best drinking fountains for pets together!

BEST CAT WATER FOUNTAINS REVIEWS

Buying an automatic cat water fountain requires attention to multiple details and factors, including price, materials, filter type, dishwasher compatibility, flow control/customizable styles, among others. You’ll also need to make sure the fountain is noiseless, consider its electricity consumption, its water capacity, and ensure it is easy to disassemble, clean, and then reassemble.

Since there are multiple products with many different features and accessories to choose from, the selection process can be tough. To cut down your research and decision-making time, we’ve conducted a thorough survey of the market and compiled a list of the very best cat water fountains available, in the form of cat fountain reviews. Read on for our top recommendations and honest, detailed cat water fountain reviews:

Catit Flower Fountain Review

The Catit Flower Fountain: 3L Drinking Fountain with Triple-Action Filter is a great way to encourage your kitty to drink more water and stay healthier. Unlike bowls, in which water tends to get stagnant, the Catit Flower Fountain pushes only filtered, fresh running water to the top.

In addition to an eye-catching removable flower accessory which creates faucet-like streams of water if attached, the fountain comes packed with plenty of great features.

It has 3 customizable water flow settings (gentle water flow, bubbling top, or the calm streams with the flower top), which means you can select the one your cat responds to best, and these ensure that the water stays oxygenated, fresh, and has a great taste.

The Catit flower fountain has a compact and ergonomic design, featuring a 3L opaque water reservoir and continuous filtration/circulating system which takes up very little floor space, offers up only clean water, and is very stable, which means your cat is likely to be unsuccessful in attempting to knock it down. Its height is comfortable for both adults and kittens, ensuring your cat doesn’t need to bend too low to get a sip, or be obstructed by its whiskers.

The Catit cat water fountain has a triple-action water softening carbon filter, which removes all impurities/harmful elements from tap water – it filters out magnesium and calcium (which can lead to urinary tract diseases among cats), and also gets rid of chlorine, bacteria, stray hairs, debris, and any odors which might be off-putting to your cat. Filters need to be replaced every 30 days (or sooner if they are particularly saturated), and Catit offers additional replacement filters which can be purchased separately.

This kitten water fountain is powered by a small, silent, energy-efficient pump, and is easy to take apart, clean, and then put back together. While hand washing is recommended, it can be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher as well.

Pros

• Attractive, eye-catching design that is both compact and ergonomic
• Triple-action filter for maximum purity and freshness
• Customer support is detailed
• Three types of customizable water flows
• Easy to disassemble and clean

Cons

• May get noisy, but that is only when the water level is lo

The Catit water fountain has made many a cat owner and pet happy:

• According to The Redhead, cats enjoy the Catit flower fountain immensely, and start using it immediately without any hesitation. The pump is “whisper quiet” and provides “a nice flow over the little flower”.
• P. Smith says all eleven of his cats are happy with the Catit water fountain. The fountain assures pet owners that their cats are drinking only “clean, filtered water”. The height of the cat water fountain is another plus, as it is less likely to get things dropped into it (like debris or even cat toys) than open fountain bowl designs.

Cat Mate Fountain Review

All vets are united in their opinion that plenty of water is essential for the health and well-being of a cat, and the Cat Mate Pet Fountain has been specially designed to ensure your cat stays hydrated. The clean, fresh flowing cat fountain provides will keep your pet coming back for frequent drinks.

The Cat Mate pet fountain comes with many great features. Its most stand-out feature is undoubtedly the multi-height drinking stations – this means multiple pets of varying heights can all drink, while cats with diseases such as arthritis do not need to bend uncomfortably low to get a drink. The design also incorporates a ramp, to minimize water splashing.

This pet water dispenser functions with an IPS (Isolated Pump System), which means it is completely noiseless. The pump’s output can be adjusted, and it has a low voltage power supply, for added safety, and low power consumption of a mere 2 Watts, which means it will not add significantly to your electricity bill. The pet water fountain pump also comes with a 10 foot power cord, so you can place it wherever it is most convenient.

The Cat Mate fountain is equipped with a polymer-carbon filter (replacement filters can be bought separately), which ensures the water is effectively purified and stays fresh and tasty. Best of all, the product comes with a 3-year guarantee, and is dishwasher-safe, making it super easy to clean.

Pros

• Multi-height drinking stations add interest and ensure pets of all sizes can drink comfortably.
• Isolated pump system ensures noiseless operation.
• Super-low electricity consumption.
• 3-year guarantee

Cons

• The pump may be prone to sputtering, but this is only when it hasn’t been cleaned. Take it apart and clean it thoroughly, to ensure noiseless operation. Regular cleaning is advised.

Cat owners and their pets love the Cat Mate drinking fountain:

• M.B. says the fountain is an all-round winner – cats enjoy drinking from it immensely, it is incredibly easy to keep clean (barely any nooks and crannies that need extra scrubbing), and comes with a “long cord” so it doesn’t need to be placed directly in front of a power outlet. In addition, the filter is easy to insert and replace.
• Stephanie says the Cat Mate fountain is great for making cats drink more water. It is “so easy to disassemble” and clean since it is dishwasher safe and has no small nooks or crevices. Overall it’s a great product for the price.

PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Fountain Review

If you’re a multi-pet household and think a water fountain would be too expensive a purchase, since you’d need one for every pet – think again. With the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 Dog and Cat Water Fountain, you can keep multiple pets hydrated and healthy with just one water fountain which provides a gallon of water to your pets. In addition, that’s conveniently just one bowl for you to fill per day, instead of the chore of filling multiple standing water bowls.

The PetSafe Drinkwell 360 pet water fountain comes with many useful features. It has a sizeable capacity of 128 oz., making it ideal for pets of all sizes and/or multiple pets. In addition, it has a great circular 360 bowl design with 1-5 changeable, individual free-falling water streams – these not only allow multiple pets to drink at the same time from different angles, the free-falling water entices pets and pushes them to drink more regularly. An adjustable flow-control cap lets pet owners customize the water flow.

The water in the fountain is kept fresh not only owing to the free-falling streams, but also owing to the activated-carbon filters which keep the water clean, fresh, pure, and free of bad tastes and smells. In addition, an added foam filter catches any debris or hair before it flows inside and gets stuck in the pump. Finally, the PetSafe Drinkwell 360 cat water fountain with filter is made of BPA-free plastic, to ensure your pet’s health and well-being, and is easy to disassemble and dishwasher-safe for your convenience and ease, making it an easy to clean pet fountain. It is also low voltage, and consumes very little electricity per day.

Pros

• 5 individual free-falling streams and circular design allow multiple pets to drink from their own fresh water stream at the same time
• Dual filters – foam filter for catching hair and debris, and activated carbon filter for keeping water fresh and pure
• Made of BPA-free plastic and dishwasher-safe
• Low energy consumption

Cons

• While the filter does require replacement at least once every 30 days, most pet owners will agree it is worth it considering their cats have access to pure and fresh running water 24/7.

The PetSafe 360 model is recommended by multiple customers:

• J W Hughes says this cat water fountain is incredibly easy to disassemble and clean. The filter is “easily changed”, and it is great to be able to control the flow.
• E.Brizzolara says this water fountain is great for cats – it has a variety of adjustable tops so pet owners can choose how many streams they want. Refilling is a breeze and it’s easy to clean since it has “no weird nooks and crannies”.

PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Fountain Review

Cats need fresh water, and plenty of it, but getting them to actually drink the amount they want is generally a problem. However, with the PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda Ceramic Dog and Cat Water Fountain, you can ensure your kitty stays healthy and hydrated with a constant supply of fresh, clean water.

The PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda fountain comes with a variety of features. It is made of ceramic, which not only makes it an incredibly attractive and eye-catching addition to your home, but is also a far more hygienic material than plastic as it is non-porous and easy to clean. This fountain has a capacity of 70 oz. and uses a pump to keep circulating the water, ensuring it remains fresh and aerated and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

This ceramic cat drinking fountain (also works for dogs) has two free-falling streams, which means two cats can drink at once. The falling streams also make it intriguing to cats and encouraging them to drink water frequently. It has two levels – the upper and lower dish, which provide two drinking areas for pets. This fountain is best suited for small to medium sized cats.

The ceramic drinking fountain contains a dual filtration system – the foam filter removes larger debris and hair/fur, while the replaceable, activated carbon coconut shell filter purifies the water, removes foul tastes and odors, and absorbs any harmful elements in tap water. This means your kitty’s water is clean and pure at all times.

This is a top-shelf cat water fountain dishwasher safe.

Lastly, this aesthetically-appealing Pagoda fountain is also available in four colors – Porcelain White, Stoneware Red, Taupe, and Himalayan Blue.

Pros

• Dual streams allow more than one pet to drink at once
• Made of ceramic material, which is more hygienic than plastic and also aesthetically appealing
• Dual-filtration system ensures water is absolutely pure and fresh at all times

Cons

• While the price is a little on the high side, the quality of the product justifies the price tag and ensures it is a long-lasting purchase.

The PetSafe Pagoda cat water fountain electric has been a huge success with pet owners:

• Denise DeSerio says she has had the Pagoda cat water fountain for three years, and it is still “pristine” and “working perfectly”. Her cats love it.
• Cat Waitress says this water fountain is excellent and “easier to clean” than all other designs and types. She liked it so much, she bought another one to give as a gift!

PetSafe Original Fountain Review

A great option for cat owners whose felines are attracted to faucets, the PetSafe Drinkwell Original Dog and Cat Water Fountain is a great way to provide your pet fresh, filtered water, thus ensuring their health and well-being. This PetSafe fountain comes with a bunch of useful features. It has a 50 oz. capacity, making it the perfect small cat drinking fountain. The free-falling water stream not only aerates, cools and oxygenates the water, it also encourages cats to drink more, and consequently helps prevent kidney diseases or urinary tract infections. The constantly circulating water ensures that bacteria growth is impossible. Meanwhile a receiving ramp underneath the stream of water ensures that the fountain is not noisy owing to the sounds of splashing water.

This practical, basic water fountain comes with a replaceable activated carbon filter, which eliminates impurities and any bad tastes/odors, for added hygiene. It also has an adjustable flow control knob, which allows pet owners to increase or decrease the intensity of the flow of water. It also comes with a 6 ft. power cord, which makes for convenient placement. Lastly, this model is made of BPA-free plastic, and is dishwasher-safe, making it very easy to clean.

Pros

• Free-falling water stream keeps water fresh and aerated, and attracts cats
• Carbon filter purifies water
• 6-ft. power cord makes for convenient placement

Cons

• Multiple pets cannot use this fountain simultaneously – however, many other options are available for multi-pet households

The PetSafe original cat water fountain has a dedicated user base:

• Firemedic 437 says this fountain comes with a durable and reliable pump, and is made of a sturdy type of “a very hard plastic”. The price is hard to beat, and the pump is exceptionally quiet.
• Brandon R. says this cat water fountain is easy to clean and silent while running, and “definitely well made”.

Cat Water Fountain Buying Guide

To make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled a handy cat water fountain buying guide, in addition to our pet water fountain reviews. This is your one-stop source for all the information you need to buy a cat water fountain that will keep both you and your pet happy.

While cat water fountains are a great buy for both kitties and their owners, the actual selection process can be confusing. Not knowing which features to look for, having insufficient information on filter types, being unaware of the pros and cons of the different materials cat water fountains are available in, and lacking information on all the factors you need to pay attention to when selecting a pet fountain – all these issues can lead to you making a purchase you might regret.

There are numerous benefits to purchasing a cat water fountain – not only is it a major upgrade for your cat, it is also incredibly convenient for you:

Benefits

Proper Hydration

Cats’ wild ancestors lived in dry areas where there was little to no water. Instead, they obtained most of their hydration from the moisture-rich meat of their prey. For domestic cats, however, the situation is entirely different. While they have inherited their ancestors’ low thirst drive, modern-day domestic cats do not have the same diet. While wet food provides some (but not adequate) hydration, dry food offer next to no moisture (its water content is 6-10% at best). Natural disinterest in drinking water, combined with a moisture-deficient diet, are the reasons why it is essential to find a method to ensure your kitty is properly and sufficiently hydrated. Cat water fountains are the best way to do this. A bowl of standing water has zero appeal for cats. A cat water fountain, however, is attractive and interesting to cats on account of its novelty. It provides running water, which appeals to cats owing to their strong peripheral vision and also because they instinctively trust running water more than stagnant water. The fresh, cool, aerated and pure water that water fountains provide encourages cats to drink more, ensuring their proper hydration.

Urinary Tract Diseases Prevention

Cats are particularly susceptible to urinary tract diseases and renal diseases. Since a cat water fountain encourages them to drink more water, it can also aid in preventing such diseases, and contributing to the better health of your pet. Drinking more water will also keep your kitty’s coat and gums healthy, in addition to preventing constipation.

Cleaner water

A regular bowl of standing water can accumulate bacteria or fungus. The filtered and constantly circulating water in a cat water fountain, however, is more hygienic, free of impurities, has zero bacterial build-up, and is oxygenated to the max. This means better health for your kitty, and less vet bills for you to pay.

Convenient For Pet Owners

The benefits of a cat water dispenser are not restricted to felines – pet owners also have much to gain from a pet water fountain. These fountains provide added ease and convenience – you no longer have to refill your cat’s water as frequently as before. In addition, cat water fountains can also add to the décor of your home, and are also great for making the air in your home cleaner and fresher.

What Features Should You Look For In Cat Drinking Fountain?

While cat water fountains are highly beneficial for both cats and their owners, there are a number of features you will need to ensure your chosen fountain contains, in order to make it the best possible purchase. When on the lookout for a quality cat water fountain, the focus should be on reliability, durability, and plenty of great features to justify the cost, such as:

• Hygienic materials: The cat water fountain you choose needs to be made of materials that are hygienic. Stainless steel and ceramic are generally a safe bet but plastic cat water fountains also work great provided they are cleaned and maintained regularly – just make sure they are BPA-free!
• Height: While some cats are okay with bending down to drink, it is generally more comfortable for them to have their water dish at a somewhat elevated height. A comfortable, mid-level height will work great, not only for regular, healthy pets, but also for cats that are older or suffering from diseases such as arthritis. Multi-level fountains are also a great idea, since your pet/s have the option to choose whichever height they find most comfortable.
• In-built filtration: The best cat fountain will come with a filtration system, to ensure your pet is provided clean, fresh water, free of impurities, bad odors, and unpleasant tastes. A pre-filter (generally made of foam) is also a great idea, as this removes pet hair and other debris.
• Adjustable flow: Ideally, the best pet drinking fountain should have a variety of water flow styles (bubbling, free-falling stream, etc.), and the flow should be adjustable, so you can make it faster or gentler according to your cat’s preferences.
• Good water capacity: How much water can the pet fountain hold? This is important because you may have multiple pets, and/or require a fountain that can go for days without a refill. Some fountains come with built-in reservoirs, to increase water capacity.
• Well-designed: A good cat water fountain should be sturdy (i.e. solid and heavy enough to resist your kitty’s attempt to flip it or push it around), effective at containing the water (should be large/wide enough, and have a receiving ramp so water does not splash outside the fountain and make a mess), and visually appealing (should add to or at least blend into the décor of the home/kitchen).
• Attractive to cats: A great water fountain will have a simple yet functional design that will attract cats, and make them want to investigate and drink more water.
• Silent operation: A silent pet fountain is the best kind. The perfect cat water fountain will be completely noiseless when operating; the motor/pump should be silent (some are submersible, to make them even quieter), and the water should make minimal splashing noises (if at all). Keep in mind that to keep a cat water fountain quiet, it should be sufficiently filled, so you will need to keep the water at a particular level.
• Easy to clean: Your cat water fountain should be easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. It should also be dishwasher-safe, if possible.
• Energy-efficient: Check the energy consumption of the cat water fountain you’re considering, to ensure it consumes minimal electricity.

Filters

All good cat water fountains come with a filter – these are generally replaceable, so you’ll need to put in a new one at least once a month. The benefits they provide – keeping the water clean, fresh, and free of impurities and harmful components – make them an essential part of a cat water fountain. There are multiple types of cat water fountain filters you can choose from:

Carbon

Carbon is one of the most powerful absorbents, which attracts and absorbs chemicals and all kinds of impurities. The most common types of carbon used in filters are bituminous, wood, and coconut shell carbons. While coconut shell carbons are the most expensive of the lot, they are also the most effective.

Carbon filters are ideal for purifying water – activated carbon is carbon that has been treated with oxygen, which opens up the pores between carbon atoms and makes the material even more absorbent. It absorbs chlorine, excessive calcium and magnesium (turning hard water soft), pesticides, bad smells, and any other harmful chemicals found in tap water, making it completely pure and safe for your pet.

Charcoal

Charcoal water filters are the same thing as carbon filters – the terms ‘activated carbon’ and ‘activated charcoal’ can be used interchangeably, since carbon is charcoal.

Foam

These work best as pre-filters – they are less about removing hidden impurities, pollutants and harmful chemicals in the water, and more about collecting hair and larger pieces of debris. Foam filters, with their porous surfaces, ensure there are no foreign bodies in the water, and prevent the water fountain pump from getting clogged. A cat water filter must be changed quite often.

What Is The Best Material For A Cat Water Fountain?

The best material for a cat water fountain is a purely subjective matter. There are three main types of materials available – plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic cat fountain – and each has their own pros and cons, which means different materials are suitable for different cats/pet owners.

Plastic Cat Water Fountains

Plastic has the advantage of being the cheapest material, but plastic cat water fountains do require regular cleaning (as plastic can absorb bad flavors and odors, making for poor hygiene if not cleaned properly), and you will need to ensure the plastic used is BPA-free. In addition, a plastic cat water fountain might prove too light-weight, making it easy for your kitty to knock the fountain down. However, there are also plenty of plastic water fountains available that are BPA-free, sturdy, and heavy enough to resist some cat aggression.

Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountains

Stainless steel pet fountains can really add to the décor of your kitchen – when well-built, they have a sleek minimalist look which is highly appealing. However, these types of cat water fountains can also stain/tarnish with regular use, so keeping them clean is essential. The good news is, stainless steel pet water fountains are the easiest to clean. In addition, they are pretty much unbreakable, unlike plastic water fountains, which can be flimsy if they are of inferior quality.

Ceramic Cat Water Fountains

A ceramic water fountain is typically the most expensive among all types of cat water fountains – however, they are also the most aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic is the most hygienic material, as is does not absorb smells or leak anything harmful into the water. In addition, a ceramic cat water fountain can also be quite heavy, which is both good and bad – good because this means you kitty can’t really knock it down or flip it over, but bad for when you have to lift it to move it around or clean it. A ceramic pet fountain will also require extra care during cleaning (by hand or dishwasher).

Things To Pay Attention To

When selecting a cat water fountain, there are a number of factors you need to pay attention to, in order to ensure you make the right choice. Here are some pointers on what to look for, to make sure you don’t end up regretting/being dissatisfied with your purchase:

BPA-FREE PLASTIC IN A CAT WATER FOUNTAIN

BPA stands for bisphenol A; it is an industrial chemical used in the production of plastic products. However, BPA is harmful for health (it has adverse effects on the brain and blood pressure, among others) and can seep into food and liquids that are stored in plastic containers made with the chemical. In order to ensure your kitty’s health, it is essential to check whether the plastic used in the construction of a cat water fountain is completely BPA-free.

Amount Of Pets

The amount of pets you have should be a major determining factor in your choice of a kitty water fountain. Multi-pet households need to invest in fountains that have a larger water capacity (smaller capacity ones will require you to refill more frequently), have a larger, wider, and deeper bowls (to ensure multiple kitties can drink simultaneously and comfortably, without their whiskers being obstructed), and possibly even multiple streams/multiple levels, to allow for multi-pet usage.

Water Softening Filters

In some areas/localities, tap water may be safe for pets to consume; however, tap water is generally too hard to make it ideal for your kitty to drink. To make the water more suitable for consumption, look for cat water fountains with water softening filters made with materials such as activated carbon – these remove calcium, magnesium, and other metal cations found in hard water, resulting in water that is ‘softer’, and safer for your cat to drink.

Built-in Reservoir

Cat water fountains with built-in reservoirs can be great for added convenience, or if you plan to be away for a while. Built-in reservoirs increase the capacity of the water fountain – this means less refills are required when you purchase a cat water fountain with reservoir.

Dishwasher Safe

While there’s nothing wrong with hand-washing a cat water fountain, it can be laborious and time consuming. Therefore, it is best to look for cat water fountains that are dishwasher safe – all you need to do is disassemble, pop the separate parts (except the pump and filters, of course) onto the top rack, and you’ll have a clean cat water fountain with minimal effort.

Customizable Water Flow

Cats are notoriously picky – it may very well be that your kitty might end up rejecting the cat water fountain you pick because it doesn’t like the water flow. To cover your bases, it is best to opt for a fountain that has a customizable water flow – that way you can pick between different types of water flow (a gently gushing stream, a free-falling stream, or a gurgling flow, etc.), and also adjust the intensity of the flow (make it faster, or slower) to suit your pet.

Additional Accessories

Extra accessories can be a bonus – some cat water fountains may come with additional replaceable filters, replacement adapters, cleaning kits, or decorative accessories. Some companies also offer a replacement cat water fountain pump if your original one burns out.

Tips On Keeping Your Pet Water Fountain Clean

With pet water fountains, the filters and the continuous movement of the water owing to the pump can keep both the fountain and water clean for longer than regular water dishes. HOWEVER, it is essential to note that pet water fountains still do require regular upkeep. Neglecting your cat’s water fountain can lead to clogged pumps, overuse of saturated filters, mold growth, fountains that stop working altogether, and layers of slime/grime which make the water impossible to drink and can affect your kitty’s health adversely if consumed. Here are a couple of quick tips to help you keep your pet water fountain clean:

• Clean at least once a month: Pet water fountains need to be disassembled and carefully cleaned at least once every month (more frequently if you notice it getting particularly dirty). Take it apart, clean all parts thoroughly, dry them out properly, and then put it back together.
• Replace water frequently: While a pet water fountain may not require refills as frequently as a regular water bowl, you do need to refill with fresh h2O on alternate days. In addition, make sure you keep the water at the required level, otherwise the pump and motor may burn out.
• Remember to replace filters: While your pet water fountain may be a long-term investment, the filter that comes with it isn’t. Filters need to be replaced at least once a month/every 30 days. However, it’s best to keep an eye on the filter, and if you notice it is particularly saturated, you can replace it sooner.
• Vinegar is your best friend: Vinegar is the best go-to product for cleaning a cat water fountain. Regardless of how thick a layer of slime you’re dealing with, or the stubbornness of a particular stain, all you need to do is mix 1 part vinegar in three parts water, disassemble the fountain, soak the required parts in your vinegar + water solution, and your cat fountain will be spotless, fresh-smelling, and as good as new.
• Use toothbrushes/Q-tips for those hard-to-reach places: The best pet water fountains are designed to have minimal nooks and crannies where slime can accumulate. However, if you find yourself with such a model, and are struggling to clean it satisfactorily, you might consider using a toothbrush or a Q-tip to scrub out all those tiny, hard-to-reach spots. Remember, you need to clean every corner thoroughly, in order to prevent mold growth. Or, just use a dishwasher: If your pet water fountain is dishwasher safe, go ahead and pop it on the top shelf to get it nice and clean with minimal effort.
• Install filters with care: The insertion of filters in the correct spot and position is necessary, in order to make sure they work effectively. A filter that isn’t correctly inserted or is at an odd angle will not do its job – this means impure water for your cat, and quick build-up of grime, slime and bad odors. Make sure you consult the use manual of your cat water fountain, to ensure you’re installing the filters correctly.
• Don’t neglect the pump: The pump is the heart of the cat water fountain, so make sure its alignment is correct (otherwise the flow will be erratic/obstructed), and make sure you clean the pump at least once a month by removing any gunk from it and soaking it in a solution of vinegar and water.