Catit fountain troubleshooting
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. How this works.
Catit's manuals trace most problems to the same three things: the water level, debris on the pump impeller, and a filter that has gone past its 30 days. Refill, clean the impeller with a cotton swab, and replace the filter before suspecting the pump.
On this page
Four problems appear in Catit's manuals, and three of them involve the pump. Catit uses a submersible pump in every model, so a pump that is dry, dirty or loose accounts for most faults. Our records come from the PIXI and Flower Fountain manuals and are paraphrased; we have not run these fountains ourselves.
Which Catit fountain do you have?
The troubleshooting differs slightly between the two families. The PIXI (PIXI, PIXI with Stainless Steel Top, PIXI Smart) is USB-powered with a detachable pump and a low-water LED. The Flower family (Flower, LED Flower, Stainless Steel Flower, Mini Flower) runs from an adapter and has an impeller you can lift out for cleaning. The pump-noise record covers both families, while the no-water and red-LED records cover the PIXI and PIXI with Stainless Steel Top only. The PIXI Smart has no separate record besides the filter one.
Quick path for a Catit that is not pumping
- Restart. Unplug and replug. Catit lists this first for a PIXI with no water.
- Check the level. The pump has to be covered. A blinking red LED on the PIXI usually means this.
- Check the seating. On the PIXI the pump should hang level and be properly attached to the top section.
- Clean the impeller. Open the pump, lift out the cap and impeller, and clear hair and debris. Catit suggests a cotton swab.
- Rinse or replace the filter. A saturated filter slows the flow and strains the pump.
When the pump is the problem
If the pump stays noisy after cleaning with the water level correct, the manual treats it as worn. Pump replacement parts are not recorded in our database for Catit. Look for the pump on the Catit site or contact Catit through the help link below. The noisy pump page explains how to tell a dirty pump from a worn one, and the low-water light page covers the general red-light case.
How filter age affects everything else
Catit's filter record is the one that applies most widely: it is listed for the Flower Fountain, PIXI and PIXI Smart. A filter saturated with food, hair or debris slows the flow, which then looks like a pump problem. Catit's schedule is to rinse without soap regularly and replace every 3 to 4 weeks, sooner in multi-cat homes or hard-water areas. The Catit filters page lists the right part for each model, and the cleaning guide covers the wash routine.
More help
The Catit brand page links to manuals and the Catit help section.
Known issues and fixes
Pump clogged or needs a restart (no water coming out)
- Unplug the fountain and plug it back in.
- If water still does not flow, open the pump, lift out the impeller cap and impeller, and rinse away debris.
- Reassemble and refill so the pump is fully covered.
When to replace a part: The pump still will not run after cleaning.
Source (manual): Source · checked
Pump LED blinking red because the reservoir is low or the pump is not seated
- Refill the reservoir.
- Check that the pump hangs level and is attached correctly to the top section.
- If the LED alternates red and white and flow is uneven, the water is almost gone, so top up.
Source (manual): Source · checked
Pump running low on water or with debris on the impeller
- Unplug the fountain and take out the pump.
- Open the pump, remove the impeller cap and impeller, and clean off hair and debris (a cotton swab helps).
- Refit the parts carefully and top up the water so the pump is fully submerged.
When to replace a part: The pump stays noisy once it is clean and submerged.
Filter saturated with debris, food or hair, slowing the flow
- Rinse the filter under water without soap on a regular basis.
- Replace it every 3 to 4 weeks, or sooner if it looks full or the flow drops.
- Change it more often when several pets use the fountain or the water is hard.
Source (manual): Source · checked
Catit replacement parts
- Triple Action Fountain Filter
43745original · change every 4 wk (manufacturer) · Source · 2 · Check price on Amazon - Flower Fountain Triple Action Filter Pad
43738original · change every 4 wk (manufacturer) · Source · 2 · Check price on Amazon - Mini Fountain Filter
44005original · change every 4 wk (manufacturer) · Source · 2 · Check price on Amazon - PIXI Fountain Filter
43721original · change every 4 wk (manufacturer) · Source · 2 · Check price on Amazon
Official help: Catit support.
FAQ
Why is no water coming out of my Catit PIXI?
Unplug it and plug it back in. If that fails, Catit's manual says to open the pump, lift out the impeller cap and impeller, rinse off debris, reassemble and refill so the pump is fully covered.
What does the red LED on the PIXI pump mean?
A blinking red LED points to a low reservoir or a pump that is not attached properly. Refill and check that the pump hangs level. Red and white alternating with uneven flow means the water is nearly gone.
Why is my Catit Flower Fountain loud?
The manuals name low water or debris on the impeller. Take the pump out, clean the impeller (a cotton swab helps) and top up so the pump is submerged.
When should I replace a Catit filter?
About every 30 days, per Catit, or sooner when it looks full or the flow drops. Rinse it under water without soap in between, and change it more often with several cats or hard water.