How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain (and How Often to Change the Filter)

A water fountain only helps your cat if it stays clean. Hair, food crumbs and saliva build up quickly, and in warm weather biofilm (that pink or slimy film) can appear within days. The good news: a proper clean takes about ten minutes.

How often should you clean it?

• Every day or two: top up with fresh water and wipe away any visible hair or food.
• Every week: take it apart and give it a full clean (twice a week in hot weather or with several pets).
• Every 4 weeks: replace the filter.
• Every 2 to 4 weeks: clean the pump thoroughly.

What you need

• Warm water and a mild, unscented dishwashing liquid
• A soft sponge and a small brush (an old toothbrush or a bottle brush works well)
• A clean tea towel
• A replacement filter, if it is due

Avoid bleach, strong cleaners and anything scented. Cats have a sensitive sense of smell and may refuse water that smells of detergent.

Step by step

1. Charge or unplug. Switch the fountain off and unplug it, or for a cordless fountain, remove the pump unit.
2. Empty and disassemble. Pour out the water and separate the bowl, filter, pump and any covers.
3. Wash the bowl. Scrub with warm soapy water, paying attention to corners and the water line. Stainless steel bowls are usually dishwasher-safe.
4. Clean the pump. Open the pump cover and brush out hair and debris from the impeller. A clogged pump gets noisy and can fail early.
5. Check the filter. Rinse it if it is still within its life, or replace it if it is due or looks discoloured.
6. Rinse everything well so no soap remains.
7. Dry, reassemble and refill with fresh, cool water.

How to stop pink slime coming back

The pink residue is usually a common airborne bacterium that loves damp surfaces. To keep it away:

• Clean more often in warm weather
• Choose a stainless steel bowl, which does not scratch the way plastic does
• Keep the water topped up so the pump never runs dry
• Change the filter on time

When to replace the filter

Most fountain filters last about four weeks. Replace sooner if you have several pets, if the water flow slows, or if the filter looks dark. Keeping spares on hand makes it easy. Our 6 and 12-month filter packs fit the Coolabah Cordless Fountain.

Signs your fountain needs cleaning now

• A pink, orange or slimy film on the bowl or pump
• Hair or food floating in the water
• A weaker flow or a louder pump
• A smell from the water
• Your cat drinking less from it

Dishwasher or hand wash?

Stainless steel bowls can usually go in the dishwasher, which is the easiest way to get them really clean. The pump and any electrical parts should never go in the dishwasher. Clean them by hand with a small brush and warm water. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your model.

Hard water and limescale

Some parts of Australia have harder water, which leaves white mineral deposits on the bowl and pump over time. To remove them, soak the parts in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water for 20 to 30 minutes, scrub gently, then rinse very thoroughly. Limescale left in the pump can make it noisy and shorten its life.

Homes with several pets

More pets means more hair, saliva and food crumbs in the water. If you have two or more cats or dogs sharing a fountain, clean it twice a week and consider changing the filter a little more often.

Common mistakes

• Letting the water run low. Running the pump dry can damage it.
• Using scented cleaners. Strong smells can put your cat off drinking.
• Skipping the pump. Hair builds up inside even when the bowl looks clean.
• Leaving the filter in too long. An old filter stops doing its job and can harbour bacteria.
• Not rinsing well. Leftover soap changes the taste of the water.

Monthly checklist

• Replace the filter
• Deep clean the pump
• Descale if you have hard water
• Check cables or the charging port (on cordless models) for wear
• Restock filters so you never run out

What that pink slime actually is

The pink or orange film that appears in pet bowls, showers and sinks is usually caused by airborne bacteria that thrive on damp surfaces and the minerals and fats in water. It is not a sign that you are a bad pet owner, but it is a sign the fountain needs a clean. It comes back faster in warm, humid weather, in plastic bowls with scratches, and when the filter is overdue.

Cleaning a cordless fountain

Cordless fountains are cleaned in much the same way as corded ones, with a couple of extras:

• Remove the pump and battery unit before washing the bowl.
• Keep the charging port dry. Wipe the outside of the pump unit with a damp cloth rather than soaking it, unless the manufacturer says it is waterproof.
• Recharge the pump while the bowl is drying, so it is ready to go.
• Check the water level window is clean so you can see when to top up.

A simple weekly routine

1. Sunday morning: switch off, empty and take apart.
2. Bowl in the dishwasher, pump and filter cleaned by hand.
3. Recharge the pump while everything dries.
4. Reassemble, refill with fresh water, and note the date if the filter was changed.

Tying the clean to the same day each week makes it easy to remember.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my fountain suddenly noisy?

Usually low water or hair caught in the pump. Top it up and clean the pump.

Can I use vinegar?

A diluted white vinegar soak can help remove mineral build-up. Rinse very thoroughly afterwards.

Should I use bottled or filtered water?

It is not necessary. Fresh tap water is fine for most cats, and the fountain's filter helps with taste.

My cat stopped drinking after I cleaned the fountain. Why?

Usually a leftover smell from soap or vinegar. Rinse everything again thoroughly and refill with fresh water.