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You bought the fountain, but nobody explained the part that matters most: the filter needs upkeep. Skip it and the water ends up worse than a plain bowl. Here is the right schedule and the mistakes almost everyone makes.
How often to change the filter
The general rule is every 2 to 4 weeks. Shorten it to 2 weeks if you have several cats, a long-haired cat, or hard water where you live.
The 5 most common mistakes
- Never cleaning the pump. Gunk and slime build up, the fountain gets loud, and one day it quits. Clean the pump every time you change the filter.
- Letting the water run too low. A dry-running pump burns out. Keep it topped up.
- Washing a new filter with soap. Do not. Just rinse it under running water.
- Skipping the descale. Every month or two, soak the parts in diluted vinegar to clear mineral scale.
- Buying the wrong replacement filter. Check the model. One reason we pick carefully in our best fountains list is easy filter availability.
FAQ
Can I run the fountain without a filter?
Not a good idea. The filter catches hair and debris and improves the taste, which is what keeps your cat coming back.
Can the pump stay on 24/7?
Yes, it is built for it and uses very little power. Just keep the water level up.
Still choosing a model? Start with our hydration guide or read our PETLIBRO review.