Are cat water fountains noisy?

Sometimes a fountain will become noisy over time. This is usually because the pump needs cleaning or the water level has become too low. Make sure that the water level is always topped up above the minimum line. With normal use, the noise of the fountain does not appear to be a problem. Generally speaking ceramic fountains tend to be less noisy than plastic fountains.

My cat doesn’t seem to be drinking much water

Does your kitty eat wet food? If so, your kitty may not drink as much as you would expect because of the added water in the food. Maybe your cat has found another water source that you are unaware of. Otherwise it may be a medical issue and a trip to the vet would be advised.

My cat plays with the water

Some kitties like to swipe at the water so make sure no precious artefacts are near the fountain.

What are cat fountains made from?

Cat water fountains are either plastic, ceramic or stainless steel. Some parts may be plastic, for example the pump. BPA free plastic is usually the norm these days however check those details in the fountain specifications.

What about cleaning cat water fountains?

Ceramic and stainless steel fountains can be put into the dishwasher. Always check the manufacturer recommendations as some will say to use the top shelf of the dishwasher. Any plastic components such as the pump need to be cleaned by hand. Some products have a cleaning kit that is designed specifically for the product. You may have something at home already, that is effective for cleaning. We bought some brushes for cleaning baby bottles and found they were quite useful for cleaning all sorts of things and can really get into nooks and crannies. All products give instructions for cleaning plus cleaning and maintenance for the pump to ensure that it continues to work for a long time. Cleaning the fountain, maintaining the pump and changing the filters may seem like a nuisance but it is something that needs to be done regularly to ensure that your product has a long life.

What is the scum on top of the water?

Often cat (and dog) owners report that scum or froth appears in the water reservoir in the water fountain. The problem is caused by saliva when your pet or pets are drinking. It stands to reason that some animals including dogs will produce more saliva hence the froth in the bowl. This applies to all fountains, plastic, ceramic and stainless steel. Bio-film forms on the surface of water and looks like a scummy film on top of the water. You may have seen this on the surface of a pond. This is also evident in bowls of water not just water fountains. Ensure that all cleaning procedures suggested by the manufacturer are followed to keep the fountain in tip top shape.

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What Is The Best Cat Water Fountain For My Thirsty Cat?

Last Updated on: December 11, 2025