Introduction
Cat water fountains provide a continuous flow of fresh water for cats. However, the moist environment inside water fountains can promote mold growth if not properly cleaned and maintained. Mold spores are present in the air and can easily get into the fountain basin and parts. Once mold starts growing, it can pose health risks if cats drink contaminated water.
According to experts, mold exposure can cause respiratory problems in cats. Ingesting water contaminated with mold can also lead to gastrointestinal upset and other illnesses. Mold produces mycotoxins that are toxic to cats when consumed over time. Keeping cat fountains clean and mold-free is therefore critical for cats’ health.
Regular Cleaning
It’s recommended to fully clean and scrub all parts of the cat water fountain at least once every 1-2 weeks. The frequency will depend on factors like number of cats, water intake, and quality of water source. Cleaning regularly helps prevent mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup inside the fountain.
Be sure to fully disassemble the fountain and scrub all components with hot water, unscented dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Soak any stubborn mineral deposits with vinegar. Rinse all parts thoroughly before reassembling. Replace filters as recommended by manufacturer.
One cat owner on Reddit cleans the fountain every 5-7 days when refilling, stating “The more cats drinking from it the more often it needs to be cleaned.” For multi-cat households, aim for at least weekly cleanings.
Vinegar Soaks
One of the most effective ways to remove mold from a cat water fountain is to soak it in vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaning and disinfecting agent that helps break down and dissolve mineral deposits and residue that can accumulate in fountains over time.
White distilled vinegar is recommended, as it is the most acidic and potent type of vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill mold, bacteria, and germs.
To clean with vinegar:
- Unplug, disassemble and remove any filters or moving parts from the fountain.
- In a sink or basin, mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. You can adjust the ratio depending on how dirty the fountain is.
- Submerge all removable parts of the fountain and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. Scrub any visible mold or biofilm buildup with a soft brush.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
For tough mineral buildup, you can boil the vinegar solution before soaking the fountain parts. The heat helps activate the vinegar further.
Vinegar is safe for most fountain materials like plastic, ceramic and stainless steel. It naturally breaks down mold and leaves behind no chemical residues, making it a safe option for cat fountains.
Regular vinegar soaks help remove mold and prevent its return in cat fountains. Its antibacterial properties also inhibit mold growth. Vinegar is an economical, non-toxic cleaner to keep fountains fresh.
Source: https://www.catster.com/guides/how-to-clean-a-cat-water-fountain/
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective natural disinfectant that can help prevent mold growth in cat fountains. It breaks down into water and oxygen, so it’s safe for cats when used properly. According to sources like Reddit and Mountauk, using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution diluted with water can disinfect the fountain and remove existing mold and biofilm buildup.
To use hydrogen peroxide, take apart the fountain components and soak them in a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water for 5-10 minutes. Scrub away any visible mold or residue. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Do not let cats drink from the fountain until it’s completely rinsed of hydrogen peroxide, as ingesting it can cause vomiting. Replace the filter cartridge after disinfecting.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions should be freshly mixed right before use, as the hydrogen peroxide breaks down over time when exposed to light. Using new, unexpired 3% hydrogen peroxide is recommended for effectiveness. Always spot test on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage any fountain materials.
Regularly cleaning with hydrogen peroxide can help prevent mold from recurring in cat fountains. But depending on water quality, mold may still recur and require additional maintenance. Changing the filter cartridge frequently is also key.
Replace Filters
Replacing filters regularly is crucial to preventing mold growth in cat water fountains. The filter catches food, hair, and other debris that can promote bacterial growth and clog fountain components. Most manufacturers recommend replacing fountain filters every 4-8 weeks or every 1-2 months depending on use and water conditions. Refer to your specific fountain’s manual for the ideal filter replacement frequency.
If you notice the water flow slowing down, the filter needs to be replaced sooner. Visible mold or grime buildup on the filter is also a sign it’s time for a new one. Replacing filters per the fountain manufacturer’s recommendations helps optimize performance and prevent blockages that can lead to standing water and mold.
Many popular cat fountain brands like PetSafe, Petlibro, and IPPINKA have replacement filters available on Amazon or Chewy. Using the proper proprietary filters designed for your model ensures good fit and filtration. When in doubt about filter replacement frequency, erring on the side of more frequent changes is better for your cat’s health.
Along with routine filter changes, fully cleaning the fountain every 1-2 weeks will help prevent mold. But staying on top of replacing filters is key, as dirty filters allow more contaminants into the water over time.
UV Light
Using a UV light sanitizer is an effective way to kill mold spores and prevent mold growth in your cat’s water fountain. UV light damages the DNA of microorganisms like mold, preventing them from replicating and growing.
There are cat water fountains designed with built-in UV sanitizers, such as the Catit PIXI Smart Water Fountain and TESLA Smart Pet Fountain. The UV light turns on periodically to sanitize the water and kill any mold spores. This helps keep the water clean for days between full cleanings.
You can also purchase standalone UV sanitizers designed to fit in your existing pet fountain. These often mount to the inside wall of the fountain and have a UV bulb that shines into the water. The light kills microorganisms without chemicals, providing ongoing disinfection between regular cleanings.
Using a UV sanitizer prevents mold spores from multiplying, keeping the water clean. It’s an easy way to maintain your cat’s fountain between deep cleanings.
Bleach Solution
Bleach can be an effective way to remove stubborn mold and biofilm buildup in cat water fountains. However, it should be used sparingly and diluted properly, as bleach can damage plastic components over time. According to Petsafe, using a bleach solution is generally only recommended as a last resort if vinegar soaks did not work (Source).
To clean with bleach, first take the fountain fully apart and remove any filters. Prepare a diluted bleach solution using approximately 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Submerse all plastic components of the fountain in the solution for 5-10 minutes. Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any lingering bleach. Make sure no bleach residue remains before reassembling (Source).
It’s important not to overuse bleach, as it can degrade plastics over time with repeated exposure. Limit bleach cleaning to an occasional deep clean when necessary. Always keep the fountain well rinsed afterward and consider switching to a ceramic fountain if mold remains an ongoing issue.
Fountain Design
The design of a cat fountain can impact how easily mold and mildew grow. Mold thrives in moist, humid environments with poor air circulation. Certain fountain materials and shapes promote better airflow and dryness.
Ceramic and stainless steel fountains tend to resist mold better than plastic models. According to tests by The New York Times, ceramic and stainless steel fountains have smoother surfaces that don’t allow biofilms to attach and build up.
Fountains with multiple cascading levels and splashing promote better evaporation and air circulation. Flat, still water surfaces allow more sitting moisture. The CatIt Flower Fountain and PetKit Eversweet 2 both have flower-shaped cascades that oxygenate and move the water.
Large fountains with more surface area and larger pumps circulate higher volumes of water. They evaporate and replenish contents faster than smaller models. Larger capacity fountains also need cleaning less often.
Water Source
Using filtered or bottled water instead of tap water can help prevent mold growth in cat fountains. Tap water often contains minerals and contaminants that can feed mold and bacteria (https://www.pawaii.com/blogs/blog/cat-fountain-getting-moldy). Filtered water removes many of these impurities through reverse osmosis or other filtration methods. Bottled spring or purified water is another good option since it is filtered at the source.
Switching to filtered or bottled water starves mold of the nutrients it needs to thrive inside the fountain. This creates a less hospitable environment for mold growth. Make sure to use pet-safe bottled water without added minerals or flavors. Using clean, purified water is an effective way to inhibit mold growth and keep cat fountains functioning properly.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several effective ways to prevent mold and slime buildup in cat water fountains:
Clean the fountain thoroughly on a regular basis – at least weekly – using hot water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a weak bleach solution. Make sure to fully disassemble the fountain to scrub all parts.
Change the filter cartridges frequently, as they can harbor mold spores and slime residue. UV sterilizing wands, if included with the fountain, should be replaced every 6 months.
Look for fountains made from ceramic, stainless steel or glass rather than plastic, as they inhibit mold growth. Also ensure the water reservoir is large enough to avoid stagnation.
Use filtered or distilled water, rather than tap water, to limit mineral deposits. Wipe up any splashes or spills immediately to keep the area around the fountain clean.
With proper care and maintenance, cat fountains can provide pets with a healthy flowing water source without the risks of mold or bacterial buildup.
