
A filter has a lifespan. About four weeks.
The cotton traps hair, dust and food debris. The activated charcoal absorbs chlorine, odours and the calcium that leaves white marks on the steel.
Both fill up. After three to four weeks the charcoal is saturated and stops absorbing — the water still flows exactly the same, it has simply stopped being filtered. That is the part you cannot see, and it is why the date matters more than how the filter looks.
Four layers, four jobs
1 · Coarse cotton — catches hair and the visible bits before they reach the pump.
2 · High-density cotton — holds back dust and food particles.
3 · Activated charcoal — absorbs chlorine, odours and the taste cats refuse.
4 · Final cotton — polishes the water on its way out.
Layers 1, 2 and 4 clog. Layer 3 saturates. Rinsing only clears the surface — the charcoal underneath is already full, which is why a rinsed filter looks clean and works badly.
Four signs it is already late
· The water has a faint smell when you refill the tank.
· White deposits appear on the stainless steel.
· Your cat drinks less than usual, or goes back to the tap.
· It has been more than a month and you cannot remember the last change.
None of these are emergencies. They are simply the moment the filter stopped doing its job — and the reason most people end up buying several packs at once.
FAQ
How often should I change the filter?
How often should I change the filter?
Every 3 to 4 weeks. One filter per month is the simple rule — that is why a 4-pack covers about four months, a 12-pack a year.
What happens if I leave it in longer?
What happens if I leave it in longer?
The fountain keeps running normally, which is what makes it easy to forget. But the charcoal is saturated: chlorine, odours and calcium are no longer absorbed, and the cotton layers slowly clog, which makes the pump work harder.
Can I rinse a filter and reuse it?
Can I rinse a filter and reuse it?
You can rinse it, and it will look clean again — but rinsing only clears the surface cotton. The activated charcoal underneath cannot be emptied. A rinsed filter is a filter that looks fine and filters nothing.
Does it fit my fountain?
Does it fit my fountain?
Yes — these are the filters designed for the CutyPet™ Fountain, all versions.
How many filters are in each pack?
How many filters are in each pack?
4, 8, 12 or 24. At one filter a month that is roughly 4 months, 8 months, a year, or two years.
How does the subscription work?
How does the subscription work?
You choose your pack and how often it should arrive — every month, every 2, 3, 6 or 12 months. Each delivery is 20% off, you can change the date or the pack whenever you like, and you can cancel at any time. No commitment.
Do I need to clean the fountain too?
Do I need to clean the fountain too?
Yes. Changing the filter replaces what filters the water; it does not clean the tank. A rinse of the bowl and pump when you swap the filter is enough.