Filtered water is one of the main reasons people choose a cat fountain. A filter is also the part you will keep buying. Understanding what it does, and how often it needs changing, makes the choice between fountains much clearer.
The short answer
Our starting point: the Kitty Fountain
Two sensible sizes for cat households, a stainless steel bowl and a wireless pump you can also keep plugged in. A well rounded starting point.
Our editorial pick · Rating and cover advertised by Selene. Store terms apply.
Choose your size at Selene Pets.
01 / The detail
What a fountain filter does
Most fountain filters combine a sponge or mesh that catches hair and debris with a carbon layer. Selene describes the Kitty Fountain as using triple filtration that removes hair, debris and impurities. [2]
A filter keeps circulating water tidier between cleans. It does not replace washing the bowl and pump, and it does not make stale water fresh. [1]
02 / The detail
Some cats are fussy about water itself
International Cat Care notes that some cats prefer a particular kind of water, and that filtered water may be worth trying, especially in areas with hard water prone to limescale. [1]
If your cat ignores filtered water, try tap water that is safe for people, freshly drawn. The aim is water your cat will drink.
Price the filters for a year before you choose the fountain.
03 / The detail
How often to change it
Follow the maker’s interval. Selene recommends changing the Kitty Fountain filter monthly in one place on its listing and every two to four weeks in another; plan for the shorter interval. Rhykin lists four to eight weeks for FreshFlow, and Petlibro and Oneisall point to two or three weeks. [2]
International Cat Care adds that any fountain must be regularly dismantled and cleaned with the filter changed as the manufacturer recommends. [1]
04 / The detail
Compare the cost over a year
Work out how many filters a year the maker’s schedule implies, then multiply by the price of a compatible pack. A shorter interval doubles the number of cartridges you buy.
Check whether a fountain bundle includes spare filters. Selene sells replacement packs alongside the Kitty Fountain, so you can price the first year before ordering. [2]
Before you go
Your questions, answered
Do cats need filtered water?
Not necessarily. They need clean, fresh water. Some cats prefer filtered water, especially where tap water is hard. [1, 3]
Can I rinse and reuse a fountain filter?
Follow the maker’s instructions. Carbon filters are generally designed to be replaced on a schedule rather than reused indefinitely.
Ready for the next step?
A better everyday starts here.
See the Kitty Fountain’s current price and choose the size that suits your home.
Our editorial pick · Rating and cover advertised by Selene. Store terms apply.
