Do cat water fountains need filters?
If you have a cat, you’ve probably heard the warnings about water fountain filters. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has warned that many of the filters on pet water fountains contain lead and other toxins. Some of them even contain mercury. So what should you do if you have a cat?
What is a water fountain?
A cat water fountain provides a constant source of fresh, filtered water for your cat.
Cats are natural explorers and hunters, so they need to drink a lot of water. Their bodies are made up of about 70 percent water, with kidneys that excrete toxins and excess salt through urine.
A constant supply of clean water is especially important if you have an indoor cat. Cats that live exclusively indoors are more prone to urinary tract disease because they don't get enough exercise to adequately flush out their systems.
How do cat water fountains work?
Cat water fountains are made up of three main parts: the bowl, where the cat drinks from; an internal pump, which circulates the water; and a filter that removes debris and chlorine before it reaches your cat's mouth.
The bowl is generally made of ceramic or plastic material that's easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The filter sits inside the bowl, catching hair and other debris as it flows through. The pump is located at the bottom of the fountain and draws in water from a reservoir below it. The pump pushes the water up through tubes into the filter chamber where it filters out debris before flowing back down into the reservoir via gravity (or sometimes an additional pump). The drinking area is usually raised above floor level so that cats can drink comfortably without having to bend over all the time.
Fountains can be noisy as they filter the water and pump it up, but many models have a quieter mode that makes them less noticeable. Some also have timers that turn off automatically after a few hours to help save energy.
What are the benefits of using a water fountain for cats?
The benefits of using a water fountain for cats are many, including:
Cats prefer running water. Cats are attracted to the sound and movement of running water, which is why they drink from the faucet in your kitchen. The constant stream of fresh water can also help prevent urinary tract infections in cats.
The most obvious one is that it gives your cat fresh, flowing water all the time, rather than having to rely on you to refill the bowl.
A pet fountain can also help with dental health, because it encourages cats to drink more often and at different angles. Cats' teeth naturally clean themselves by abrasion against things like their tongue and the roof of their mouth. But when they drink from an ordinary bowl, they usually lap up the water in one motion.
By contrast, a pet fountain allows them to drink from all sides of their mouth at once, which helps prevent plaque build-up and improves digestion by stimulating saliva production.
In addition, many fountains come with replaceable filters that remove impurities from tap water before it gets to your pet's mouth — so you can be sure he's getting only clean H20!
Are water fountains necessary for cats?
The answer to this question depends on the type of cat you own. Cats are very different from each other, so they may have different needs. Some cats don’t drink enough water, which can cause health problems. This can be due to several factors such as age and weight or even their breed.
If your cat is an older cat, has a medical condition that affects their kidneys or liver or has diabetes, then it is important for them to drink plenty of water. If your cat is overweight, then they will also need extra hydration in order to help burn off the extra fat.
You should also make sure that you provide fresh water at all times and keep it clean at all times as well. If you don’t clean out their bowl every day then there could be bacteria growing in their dish which is not good for them at all!
Should cat water fountains have filters?
Yes, filters are an important part of any cat water fountain. Filters can help improve the taste and odor of your pet's water, as well as keep it clean. They also remove any sediments and impurities that could be present in your tap water.
The best cat water fountains will have filters that can be replaced when they become dirty or clogged with hair or other debris. Some fountains come with multiple filters so you can always have one on hand to replace the dirty one.
It's not necessary to use a filter with bottled water, but if you want to use filtered water from the tap, you should use a filter with your fountain to keep it clean and healthy for your cat.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the type of filter your cat water fountain needs will vary depending on the model and manufacturer. However, most cat water fountains typically need a sediment filter to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected over time. Additionally, some models may also require a carbon block filter to help rid the water of bad smells and bacteria. If you are in doubt as to whether or not your cat water fountain needs a filter, it is best to consult the product’s manufacturer's instructions before making any alterations.