How Often Should I Clean My Cat Water Fountain?

Water is fundamental to the health of every living thing, and our feline friends are no exception. Despite their desert origins, cats require plenty of water to maintain optimal health, so it’s important for pet owners to understand their cat’s hydration needs. Among the many factors that influence how much water a cat drinks, the quality of the water is crucial.

By taking the time to understand your cat’s hydration needs and how to best meet them, you can not only promote their physical health, but also ensure their happiness, activity level, and overall quality of life. Stay tuned as we take you through the world of feline hydration.

Why is hydration so important for cats?

Cats need to drink water to stay healthy or prevent disease. Promoting water intake is especially important for cats that have decreased water intake, increased water loss, or have medical conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease. However, since cats are often seen as “water-averse,” it can be difficult to increase their water intake when necessary. This is where a water dispenser comes in handy.

How much water should my cat drink?

Typically, cats need to drink about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of normal body weight per day. However, if your cat eats wet food, they may be getting a large portion of their daily water intake from their food. Wet cat food is typically about 70-80% water. Therefore, cats eating wet food may drink less than this amount, while cats eating dry food may need more.

How often should I wash my cat's bowl?

How often you wash your cat's bowl depends largely on what the bowl is made of and your cat's diet. However, in general, it is recommended to wash your cat's water bowl every day.

Daily cleaning: Ideally, you should wash your cat's water bowl every day with hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly before refilling it with clean water. Bacteria can quickly accumulate in a bowl, especially in a warm environment, and regular cleaning can help keep bacteria under control.
Bowl material: Bowls made of porous materials such as plastic are more likely to harbor bacteria. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are less porous and may be a better choice because they are easier to clean thoroughly.
Weekly deep cleaning: In addition to daily cleaning, it is also a good idea to deep clean the bowl at least once a week. This may involve using a bleach solution (make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards) or, if the bowl is dishwasher-safe, putting it in the dishwasher on high heat.

What about a water fountain?

Water fountains and filters can be a helpful addition to your cat's watering system. They provide a continuous flow of water, which not only encourages your cat to drink more, but also ensures that the water stays fresher longer. Despite these benefits, water fountains and filters also require proper maintenance:

Fountain cleaning: Fountains should be cleaned regularly, at least every few weeks. This involves taking the water fountain apart and cleaning each component to remove any slime or mineral buildup. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to ensure the longevity of the product.

Filter replacement: The filter in a water fountain should be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. This helps ensure that the filter continues to effectively remove impurities and keep the water fresh.

Regular water changes: Even with a water fountain, you should still change the water regularly, preferably daily, to ensure that the water is fresh. While moving water does stay fresher longer than stagnant water, it can still become contaminated with food particles, dust, or bacteria.

Conclusion

Ensuring your cat has access to fresh, clean water is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership. The frequency of water changes, the cleanliness of the water source, and even the specific type of water bowl or fountain can significantly affect how much water your cat drinks.