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White watering bowls versus white "mold" growth.

Sent to Pet Experts September 12, 2006 10:40 p.m.

My cat's stainless steel water bowl grows spots of what looks like white mold on the bottom every few days, even though I change the water daily. When I scrub it with a bleach solution it's good for a few days.

I'm worried about a DrinkWell fountain because it's white and so is the mold-stuff, and maybe I couldn't see it. Any advice for safely using the DrinkWell fountain?

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Male; Breed: cat

Already Tried:
I won't try the DrinkWell until I know I can use it safely.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
September 12, 2006 11:31 p.m. (50 minutes and 47 seconds later)

REPLIED

You may be seeing mineral build up or scale particularly if your water has lime or calcium in it.

To get lime off you can try a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Let the bowl or fountain soak in the solution then brush to loosen. Rinse well with clean water. For fussy cats you will have to rinse extra clean!

I'd try it on the bowl first to see if that solves the problem and then if you know that mineral build up is the issue, you can plan to clean the fountain the same way (but check directions on fountain cleaning).

You may find the reviews on this page about the Drinkwell fountain and cleaning it useful info
http://www.amazon.com/Drinkwell-Pet-Fountain-for-Cats/dp/B00063446M/ref=pd_sbs_k_1/103-6633753-9466240?ie=UTF8
one mentions the bacteria that isn't harmful that can grow in any water bowl.
Hope this helps you!

Edited by NHolmes on September 12 2006 at 11:35pm

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Reply to Nancy Holmes
Sent September 12, 2006 11:52 p.m. (20 minutes and 21 seconds later)

This is definitely some type of bacterial or biological growth, not minerals. The spots are always round, and once they start can grow up to 1/4" in diameter in just a day! Minerals don't do that.

I need some way to detect or deter biological growths in my cat's water dish, even when I can't see it.

I heard adding two drops of bleach per quart of water is a good way to purify water for humans. Maybe this is OK for cats too? I'm open for suggestions.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
September 12, 2006 11:59 p.m. (7 minutes and 25 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Minerals do tend to grow in crystal patterns actually.
But if you are sure its a bacteria I'd suggest adding a dental cleaning solution to the water instead. Oxyfresh for example
http://www.oxyfreshww.com/pet/petoralhygiene.asp
Chlorine if you don't have to use it is best not added.
And you can read here about chlorine etc in cat drinking water
http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id36.html

__________________
Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!

NancyH -- Pet Health Care, Rescue,Train,Breed -- 99% Positive Feedback on 6965 Pet Accepts
30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care

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