We have both dogs and cats in our house. The cats are finicky about their water and the dogs would drink out of any water bowl in the house. After the dogs had finished drinking, the cats didn't want anything to do with the water in the bowl. This self filtering bowl is a solution that keeps all of them with fresh clean water with minimal fuss.

The bonus is that this filtering water bowl is about half the price of some of the commercial filtering water bowls and will hold at least two gallons of water.

Step 1: Gather Materials

You will need the following:

Large water bowl (I prefer a 10 quart stainless steel) - (about $17.00 USD)

Small aquarium circulating water filter - (about $13.00 USD)

Plastic or wood pieces to shim the water filter - (free or very cheap)

Step 2: Assemble Water Filter

Assemble the aquarium water filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: Hang Filter Assembly on Water Bowl

Place the assembled water filter on the edge of the water bowl.

Step 4: Shim Filter

Use the shims to adjust the filter to be as level as possible.

Step 5: Add Water

Fill the bowl with fresh water. The water level needs to be at least to the bottom of the intake tube for the filter.

Step 6: Prime Filter

Add water to the filter to prime it so that water will flow once you plug it in.

Step 7: Enjoy the Flow

Now just sit back and listen to the soft flow of the water. Your pets will enjoy the fresher water and you will enjoy how easy it is to take care of.

You will need to change the water filter about every three weeks or so. It will depend on how how much your pets either shed or slobber into the bowl. Everytime I change the filter, the bowl and filter pump all get a good scrub down.

If you have curious cats, you may need to use some tape to secure the lid of the water filter. A couple of ice cubes floating in the water bowl can give your cats something to play with as well.