Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Latest Revision: October 2007
I have had this Catit fountain for about a week. Like a previous user mentioned, the unit itself is a bit "high-maintenance" -- at least until you've used it awhile. While I don't find refilling the unit difficult, doing a weekly cleaning (recommended) takes about 5-7 minutes -- an eternity compared to rinsing out a water bowl. And periodically (every 4-6 weeks), it is suggested you do a detailed cleaning. This entails disassembling the unit, including the little water pump, and giving it a thorough, soaping-water cleaning. I suspect this is about a 10-20 minute process from start to finish. That said, my cat loves the fountain, so the time investment is worth it. And no more water everywhere!
I like the the idea of flowing water to keep the water oxygenated. I also like that the fountain, and dome in particular, allows my cat a great option for playing with his water without splashing it all over the floor and wall. (My cat is a big time splasher.)
I'm not concerned about the water being exposed to airborne contaminants (as another reviewer mentioned). In addition to the water being circulated, it is also filtered by an included, replaceable charcoal filter. The filters come in three-paks at about US$[...] per package. I suspect I'll go through about 8 filters in a year. (You can use the unit without the filter, but performance declines and it seems to make more noise.)
Bottom line: I think this is a better, more natural, and more interesting "water source" for my cat than anything else I have seen on the market. And if I sense my cat is happy, I don't mind a little extra work keeping his water source fun, clean, and brimming.
NOTE: Given the maintenance required, I do not think this is a good product for those with mobility problems, arthritis, low dexterity, or minimal patience.
ADDENDUM (20060507) I have now had the fountain for over a year. I find that you can go without cleaning for about two weeks; that is: just refill the water and plug in again. And after awhile, you develop your own system for cleaning it.
For example, I have disassembled and cleaned the pump now about 5 times. After the second time, you understand how everything goes together and it's really easy.
CLEANING TIPS (pump): (1) Q-tip-type swabs. These are great for getting grime out of the hard to reach places. (2) Use an unaltered paperclip to lift up the "propeller" of the pump (It's held in by a magnet.) One other thing: be careful when unscrewing the "crown" of the dome. It has plastic threads (like threads in a screw) that could be damaged easily if you apply too much torque when turning. So just be very slow and gradual-- NEVER use force. It will last years and years I suspect.
Changing the filter: I change the filter every six weeks or so. You can determine what frequency is best by looking at it. I suggest you find an online reseller who has a good price and reasonable shipping. Then, stock up: get three of four boxes (9-12 filters). This should last you for a couple years.
ADDENDUM (20060802) I have now had this fountain for well over a year. Not a single part has failed or broken.
CLEANING/MAINTENANCE TIPS (general)
- my filter usage is 5 per year (one cat)
- Q-tips are very helpful when cleaning the pump -- whether you take it apart or just clean the exterior and the water exit.
- a soapy sponge is best for cleaning the dome and water tray since it can get into some of the tighter angles.
- a small bottle brush is helpful for cleaning the area where the crown of teh dome is. (Remove the crown, dip the bottle brush in warm, sudsy water, and clean.)
- I refill the water dome (container) every 4 days for my 15 pound cat.
- when properly maintained, the pump is whisper quiet
As I said previously, this is a clever device that requires more cleaning than a regular water bowl. However, my cat loves it, and now that I have become a pro at using it, I don't give the periodic cleaning (and the thrice yearly pump cleaning) a second thought.
ADDENDUM (20070304) A reviewer noted that it is difficult to get information on replacement parts (e.g., pump). I wrote the company (Hagen) and they replied as follows:
Dear Steve,
I apologize for the delay in the email response. We were experiencing technical difficulties that caused the delays, which can still unfortunately occur in 2006.
The replacement pumps are available to the retailers, but it is their decision whether or not to stock them. We do not make it difficult for the stores to obtain replacement parts for our products. Many retailers are willing to
special order parts if they do not stock them in their stores. When selling replacement parts direct, we charge suggested retail as we do not want to compete with our retailers. While you may be able to purchase a new fountain
for only a few dollars more than the pump, that store may be able to get the pump for you at a lesser cost. Suggested retail cost of the complete fountain is $[...].
Also, these pumps often stop working simply because they are in need of a thorough cleaning. The manual does include instructions on how to disassemble the pump to remove the impeller for and clean it out. Most often, this is all the pump needs to get going again. There is also a one year warranty on the pump, so if it fails within a year of purchase, the customer can return it to us for warranty repair or replacement.
Thank you,
Sharon Emond, Customer Service Dept.
Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
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More information on the pump (from an email) -->
Dear Steve,
The cost on the replacement pump (part # 50070) is $[...] plus $[...] for shipping and handling. To order, please feel free to contact us either by return email, fax or by calling our 1-800#.We accept all major credit cards.Remember to include your full shipping address and credit card information (Account name, # and expiration date).Note:If your billing address is different from your shipping address, please include that address also.
We also accept check or money order, please mail to address below:
Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
[...]
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UPDATE (20100706): Hooray! The replacement pump can now be bought at Amazon: Cat It Fresh and Clear Water Fountain/Drinking Dome for Cats Circulating Pump Cul - Cat It 50070
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