--Down by the Watering Hole; or Water and the Bookshop Cats--
Both Hector and Jasper need water, all the time, as do all of our pets- and us, as well! Hector loves it. Jasper needs a little encouragement to drink enough water. A few years ago, I purchased a cat drinking fountain that sits upstairs where they spend the night. It has a soft burbling sound and pools fresh water for them to drink, to paw at the faucet, and sometimes for Hector to stand in and get his paws soaking wet to track on the floor. Despite the need to mop the area frequently, it’ s been a good addition to the equipment for cats here and we all like it.
But there is a downside to the fountain. Normally, I have a cleaning routine, but between traveling and getting off schedule, there was a period of time when I forgot about the fountain, except to fill it. That is not acceptable. The manufacturers of these fountains mention cleaning, but often do not explain, in detail, what you need to do. And it doesn’ t take long for it to become a circulator of algae, and of dirty water. That’ s not what we want for them!
Experts list daily tasks: Check the water level and top off and wipe out any fur or food that has somehow ended up in the top of the fountain. Then, every week, unplug the fountain and empty the basin underneath. That needs a good cleaning with a neutral dish soap and water, and the motor and fountain need a good rinse and inspection for a touch of green algae or slime to whisk away.
But I missed a couple of weeks. Poor Hector and Jasper!! And it was time for a deep clean of my fountain. To do that, you need to take the fountain apart. The spout at the top detaches, and the motor housing comes apart, so that you can see the motorized wheel and propels the water up. All of this is soaked in mild dish detergent for 10-15 minutes. You can use a toothpick to clean the crevices, but I prefer a tiny brush for the intake, long and thin and flexible enough to scrub the inside of the spout. Please use a soft brush, and don’ t use any harsh chemicals. Remember, scratches can collect dirt and algae. And be sure to rinse all the parts well with clear water. No soap in the drinking water for your beloved pets, please. This can take about 30 minutes total. Do remember to change out the filters at this time. My fountain has two filters, and both were replaced.
Clean, dry, and filled with filtered water, the boys were now ready with a perfect water station. I’ m more organized, too. The cat water reset days are on my calendar, along with the deep clean that the unit needs once a month. I checked my stock of filters and made certain I have enough for a few months. It’ s a small task, but so important for our furry friends. Is your cat’ s water safe?
- by Linda Roller, Bookseller, writer, and owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis, PA.
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours: Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-3, or by appt.
“ Where yesterday’ s books are today’ s treasures.” www. thelibertybookshop. com 1 East Park Street, Avis • 570-753-5201
Pawsitively Pets-- April 5