How to Clean a Cat Water Fountain (Without the Guesswork)

A fountain only stays inviting if it stays clean. The good news: a simple, consistent routine takes only a few minutes and prevents the two things that put cats off — slimy buildup and mineral scale.
A simple weekly routine
Empty the reservoir, rinse it, and wipe every surface the water touches with a soft cloth. Pay attention to corners and the pump area, where debris and hair collect. Refill with fresh water. Doing this weekly keeps most fountains in good shape between deeper cleans.
Dealing with slime (biofilm)
That slippery film is biofilm — a natural buildup wherever water sits. A soft brush and warm water usually lift it; get into the crevices where it likes to hide. Keeping up the weekly wipe-down is the best way to stop it returning.
Dealing with scale
In hard-water areas, white mineral deposits can form over time. A gentle clean addresses light scale; for stubborn deposits, follow your model’s guidance on safe cleaning methods.
Change the filter on schedule
Filters trap hair, sediment and debris, and they work best when fresh. Swap yours as part of your routine rather than waiting for the water to look cloudy.
A note on your specific model
Fountains differ in how far they come apart and which cleaning methods are safe for the pump and electronics. Always follow the disassembly and cleaning instructions that came with your fountain — treat this routine as a general framework, not a replacement for the manual.
SHAEVRA Flow is a cordless cat water fountain with a rechargeable battery, a motion-sensing pump and a stainless-steel drinking tray — made to sit anywhere in an Australian home, with no power point to plan around.
Keeping spare replacement filters on hand makes the routine effortless.