Water Fountains For Cats - Myths and Facts

There are many myths out there about water fountains for cats. The most common myth is that they contain stale water. The truth is that pet fountains are not as harmful as many pet owners make them out to be. In this article, we'll explore the myths behind water fountains for cats, including the safety issues associated with them. Read on for helpful tips! Stainless steel water fountains are not as dangerous as many owners make them out to be.

Slime in pet water fountains

Changing the water regularly is essential for preventing the buildup of slime in pet water fountains. Make sure to remove the fountain's reservoir from heat and light sources, and to replace the water weekly. If you can't replace the water immediately, you can use the leftover water for irrigating plants. But in most cases, these methods won't work. If your cat is already sick from the slime, follow these tips to keep him or her healthy.

The pink slime your cat is eating is a bacterium known as serratia marcescens. This bacterium can grow on many surfaces, including pet bowls. In addition to the slimy residue that your cat is leaving behind, you may have noticed a pink color on the surface of the bowl. To eliminate the bacterium, use a chlorine bleach solution, and then rinse off the water. Stainless steel pet fountains should be replaced if slime builds up on the bowl. All recirculating fountains are likely to produce slime.

The bacteria that buildup in pet water fountains cause a putrefied odor. Your cat may be scared to drink from it, but it isn't the end of the world. Regular cleaning with vinegar will prevent slime from building up. If you're not confident about cleaning the fountain yourself, hire a professional to examine it at least once a year. If you're worried about your cat's safety, invest in a fountain made from a naturally slime-deterrent material.

Stagnant water is unfit to drink

Many holistic veterinarians recommend not giving your cat untreated tap water. While untreated water may not have the chemicals that harm people, it does contain contaminants such as fluoride and chlorine. Even private wells should be tested annually. Cats need clean water as much as we do. Stagnant water can attract many harmful insects. This is especially true if the water is not disinfected regularly.

For this reason, you should provide fresh water for your cat. Cats don't like to drink from a bowl with a brim. A dripping tap or a glass that has been contaminated may be appealing to your cat. But don't give up on your cat just because he doesn't like the taste or smell. There's a simple way to keep your feline hydrated. Veterinary clinics in the UK recommend a better placement for your cat's water bowl.

Stagnant water is not only unsafe for humans but also unfit for your cat. Water that is stagnant can harbor dangerous bacteria. Cats love to drink water that is constantly moving. Cats are also more attracted to flowing water and play with it. Moreover, the sound of flowing water is more exciting to them than the sight of stagnant water. Cats are more likely to drink water that flows through a cat fountain.

Chlorinated tap water

Most people don't realize that the water we drink contains a variety of chemicals, including fluoride, lead, and benzene. These chemicals can have adverse health effects on both humans and animals. The amount of each chemical is carefully regulated for different stages of human development, such as infants, toddlers, and older people. This means that the water we drink is perfectly safe for children, but not for cats. Cats, on the other hand, are small and can ingest high doses of these chemicals.

While the high concentration of chlorine in tap water can cause minor gastrointestinal irritations, red eyes, itchy skin, and other symptoms, these symptoms are not life-threatening. Cats may simply prefer water from the toilet bowl, but if you're worried about the water quality, use a carbon or charcoal filter. A simple way to reduce the chlorine taste in your cat's drinking water is to let it sit in a bowl for several hours. Hard water also contains minerals such as iron and calcium, which your cat may find more enticing.

Another problem with untreated tap water is that it contains lead, which can cause severe stomach pain and diarrhea in cats. Long-term exposure to lead can also cause seizures, lethargy, poor appetite, and extreme anxiety. Fluoride is also harmful for pets at high levels, and can cause serious damage to their kidneys and liver. High levels of arsenic can also cause serious health issues in humans. In addition, high concentrations of arsenic may cause diarrhea and weakness in humans.

Stainless steel

Cats are not fond of stainless steel water fountains. This is because they are susceptible to corrosion. The most common type of steel used is zinc. This type of metal can make your cat sick and even cause a heart attack. So, if you have a stainless steel fountain, make sure it is dishwasher safe. Also, avoid buying a fountain with a small hole in the base. Cats can choke on the metal and may be unable to live in it.

Plastic fountains are susceptible to bacterial growth, and cats are known to scratch them. Scratches become a perfect home for bacteria. This makes it difficult to clean properly and can make your cat sick. However, stainless steel water fountains are more durable and will not scratch as easily as plastic fountains. They do require regular cleaning, but the bacteria will be less likely to accumulate on stainless steel. This means that they're not a good option for your pet if you have a family with several pets.

Moreover, a stainless steel water fountain may be too noisy for your cat. A loud fountain can scare timid cats. Large streams of water or a whirring pump may put your cat off. Therefore, you should look for a fountain with a gentle stream that doesn't make too much noise. Once your cat has become familiar with a fountain, you can start to use it.

Ceramic

Pets can become ill from drinking from water fountains. Plastic water fountains contain BPA, a carcinogenic. In addition, pets can scratch them, causing openings for bacteria to enter. Ceramic water fountains are more expensive but are easier to clean and tend not to develop hard-water buildup. Depending on the size of the fountain, you may want a taller or smaller fountain to accommodate your pet's preference.

Plastic cat bowls are another potential problem. They often contain chemicals and bacteria that your cat is likely to ingest. And many cat owners do not clean their bowls often enough. Ceramic water fountains can be more hygienic because they don't have any plastic parts. Stainless steel and ceramic are dishwasher-safe and don't scratch as easily. However, make sure to choose a reputable source.

Another concern when purchasing a ceramic water fountain is whether it can make your cat sick. While a ceramic water fountain may not make your cat sick, it can help your cat drink more water. Cats are naturally low-thirsty animals. In addition to providing water for your cat, it can also prevent kidney and urinary tract infections. Also, a ceramic water fountain provides a comfortable environment for your pet. Many models come with a charcoal filter. If you're worried about whether your cat will get sick, you can always replace it with a new one.

While most ceramic water fountains are safe for cats, some may contain harmful algae that your cat may ingest. Even melamine bowls can be toxic to cats. Regardless of what color your ceramic water fountain is, it's important to keep the water bowl clean. Proper hydration will help your cat's digestive system and nutrient absorption. Besides, water fountains can prevent urinary tract infections.

Plastic

Pet water fountains can harbor pathogens. S.marcescens bacterium, for example, can cause skin problems and serious infections. The slime that forms on pet fountains can also contain salmonella and e. coli bacteria, which can cause blood infections, skin and gastrointestinal problems, and even meningitis. To prevent these harmful consequences, consider replacing your pet fountain with a more hygienic one.

Pet water fountains made of plastic can contain BPA, a chemical that is harmful to cats. In addition, pets may scratch them, which leaves open spaces for bacteria to grow. Ceramic fountains, on the other hand, are more expensive, but tend to be more durable and less prone to cracks. Additionally, ceramic fountains may contain lead, which is harmful for pets. Therefore, you should choose a pet fountain made from materials that do not contain BPA.

While cat water fountains are generally safe to use, they should be cleaned regularly. Cats tend to have poor hygiene, and a poorly constructed fountain can splash water everywhere. Additionally, a dirty fountain will repel cats. If you purchase a new one, you should avoid placing it near a cat's food or litter box. These areas may be contaminated with bacteria and can cause your cat to get sick.