Does A Pet Water Fountain Need A Filter?

Many people ask if it is possible to use a cat water fountain without a filter. Before discussing cat water fountains without a filter, it is necessary to explain the filters used in cat water fountains. Almost every brand of cat water fountain comes with a filtration device. There are both mechanical filtration and chemical filtration.

Chemical filtration

It is simply activated charcoal or carbon, which absorbs impurities and helps eliminate bad odors and tastes. Because activated charcoal is very good at absorbing various toxins and impurities, and it is risk-free to ingest it, it is found in veterinary clinics and emergency rooms in human hospitals. It is a great purifier.

Mechanical filtration

It is simply a way to prevent pet hair and other debris from entering the water pump. It is put into the water flow between the main water tank and the water pump. In some water fountains, this is just a plastic mesh between the pump and the water tank where the pet drinks water. In most brands of cat water fountains, the filtration device is a sponge filter that is located around the pump, which almost eliminates the possibility of any large matter entering the pump, thereby helping to extend the life of the pump and reduce the need for internal pump cleaning. In most brands, it must be replaced frequently - most brands change it every few weeks. Some brands do not use a sponge filter, but instead have a plastic screen between the tank and the pump that is designed to catch debris, and does so until it becomes clogged and then must be simply cleaned. These are the least efficient.

Filter Replacement

Most brands of cat drinking fountains include carbon filters, which the manufacturer recommends replacing every two to four weeks. This is because these filters contain very small amounts of carbon. Our drinking fountains do not include carbon filters because many people simply do not need or want carbon, and it adds to the cost of the fountain. According to our survey of those who want carbon filtration, the carbon filters offered are about three times more expensive than most brands and last eight to ten times longer. They contain a greater amount and higher grade of carbon - granular, high density, phosphorus-free.