If you're like most people it's been a while since you cleaned your pet's water bowl. Technically, you wash it out whenever you refill it, so what's the worst that could happen?

In fact your cat's bowl is probably dirtier than you realize, and leaving it that way can have a big impact on your pet's health.

Because of the special shapes of a cat's mouth, they don't drink like humans do. Instead, they scoop up water using their tongue. While this is pretty cool, it can leave the bottom of their bowl covered in cat drool.

If you let your cat's slobber collect in their bowl eventually bacteria and fungi will start to grow. Your cat can get some pretty nasty diseases - including pasteurella, which can be fatal - if they keep using the bowl.

Worst of all, your cats can also spread these diseases to your family. In humans, pasteurella can cause gross skin infections. It's better to be safe than sorry, so spend a little extra time keeping your cat's water bowl clean.

Experts say to be totally safe you need to wash the bowl out with hot water and a pet-safe detergent every time you refill the bowl.

It may seem paranoid, but it's an easy way to look after your cat's health.

Share this tip with other cat owners!