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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2007Drinkwell Platinum Anyone?
I asked Santa for a Drinkwell Platinum fountain for the cats for *my* Christmas present. Their regular Drinkwell has about had it, I have to "jump start" the pump every time I clean it because my long-haired cats shed and the hair gets caught in the pump. The Drinkwell Platinum says it has a "pre-filter" that will catch cat hair *before* it gets into the pump. Anybody here have one? If so, what do you think of it (it's pretty pricey at PetsMart - around $65, but getting it online cheaper doesn't help when you have to add on shipping)?  SignatureHugs, CatNipped See all my masters here: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ > I asked Santa for a Drinkwell Platinum fountain for the cats for *my* > Christmas present. Their regular Drinkwell has about had it, I have to [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > CatNipped I'm on my second Drinkwell (the original version) and I'm thinking of getting this one as well. Would also like to hear comments from anyone who has one. I wonder how much replacements for the "pre-filter" cost-- or is this taking the place of the original charcoal filter? One thing that has me almost convinced is a report that the Platinum version is easier to clean. I admit I replaced the first Drinkwell not just because the motor was getting noisy, but because it was getting impossible to get it clean. The current one is also starting to sound a little funny and no matter how hard I scrub, there are deposits on some areas that I just can't remove. -yngver >> I asked Santa for a Drinkwell Platinum fountain for the cats for *my* >> Christmas present. Their regular Drinkwell has about had it, I have to [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > -yngver I have the original Drinkwell and I don't use the filters. Instead I change the water every 3 days or so brush the plastic with a bottle cleaner. Adam > I have the original Drinkwell and I don't use the filters. Instead I > change the water every 3 days or so brush the plastic with a bottle > cleaner. I've been using the Petmate Fresh Flow Deluxe for several years. The Drinkwell was too pricey at the time, so I bought the Petmate. They've also really improved the filters, too. It's amazing how fast the filter gets rusty colored. The one hassle is cleaning the small fishtank like pump. There's about four or five parts and I need several cotton swabs in order to get the residue out. Every time I clean the unit and look at the filter, it's a reminder of all the impurities we're drinking from the tap without a filter (although I've been using a Brita filter for years). > > I have the original Drinkwell and I don't use the filters. Instead I > > change the water every 3 days or so brush the plastic with a bottle [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > the impurities we're drinking from the tap without a filter (although I've > been using a Brita filter for years). Actually what you're cleaning out from the filter is algae along with bits of cat food, etc. > > I have the original Drinkwell and I don't use the filters. Instead I > > change the water every 3 days or so brush the plastic with a bottle [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > the impurities we're drinking from the tap without a filter (although I've > been using a Brita filter for years). I finally visited the Petmate site and found they sell the replacement pumps online now. About time, the one in Angie's water dish gave up the ghost about 8 months ago. > I finally visited the Petmate site and found they sell the replacement > pumps online now. Thanks for the info. Good to know. >> I asked Santa for a Drinkwell Platinum fountain for the cats for *my* >> Christmas present. Their regular Drinkwell has about had it, I have to [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > > -yngver We went ahead and got one, so here's my report... First, it's *much* larger than the original, it has a large, see-through water storage tank on the back (which seems kind of silly, unless you have a large dog, since you still have to dump out the water to clean it once a week - but I guess I won't have to worry about "topping it off" *during* the week). The size and the amount of water it holds makes it a lot heavier. Second, it's a bit harder to put together - there's a hose on the bottom of the main tank (which holds the filter) that fits into the pump (which is submerged), the pump comes apart in three pieces - but I guess I can get used to it (I haven't cleaned it yet, we just set it up last night). I would think that it will be easier to clean, there aren't as many "tight fits" in the water compartments. Third, it's *much* quieter than the original since the pump is submerged and the fountain sticks out further and hits further down the sloping ramp. You don't have to replace the "pre-filter", it just a plastic grill that fits over the intake valve in the bowl of the fountain. The filters are the same shape and size as the old ones, but where the old ones were divided into two sections, these are divided into six sections. I don't know how much the replacement filters cost versus the old ones, but if they're a lot more you can still use the old ones (or even operate the fountain without the filters). If you're having problems with residue, you might want to try soaking all the parts (except the pump) in a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water - that will loosen the mineral deposits (which build up if you have "hard" water in your area). I guess since the new fountain has a submersible pump you could soak this one in a vinegar solution also - and that probably will make it last longer. All my cats seem to like it - they all immediately came to investigate and took a drink (Sammy, who didn't use the old one has been at this one 5 - 6 times that I've seen since last night). So far I'm pleased with it - I'll let you know in about a week how easy it is to clean. Hugs, CatNipped > >> I asked Santa for a Drinkwell Platinum fountain for the cats for *my* > >> Christmas present. Their regular Drinkwell has about had it, I have to [quoted text clipped - 68 lines] > > CatNipped Thanks for your detailed report. I haven't tried soaking the Drinkwell in vinegar to remove the deposits--maybe that will help. I only use filtered water in the Drinkwell anyway, not water straight from the tap, but there are still deposits. I've been using a set of brushes made for cleaning out aquarium pumps for the pump itself--but I know they don't get everything out that builds up in there. For the plastic parts that are hard to reach, I've been using a toothbrush. I envy those who have a dishwasher as I've been assuming that would get the thing cleaner a lot easier. Maybe that still doesn't get all the deposits off though. I don't clean the filters; when it gets clogged up with cat hair, I throw it away and put in a new one. That plastic "pre-filter" sounds a bit hard to clean, but I guess it would filter out the occasional bug that lands in the water. Other than that, I haven't really had any problems in that regard. Not sure I like that it's a lot bigger. We have ours in a certain place in the kitchen, where the cats are used to it, and I hope a bigger one would fit. Is the water storage tank removable? I bought the add-on one for the original Drinkwell, but that one is a separate container so when I want to clean the unit, I don't really have to dump out all the water in the container if it's fresh. Not sure I like that either, if it's part of the unit. Seems to me it would make it harder for people to fill it at the sink, if they need to. Much easier to just take the separate container and fill it up. Sounds like it is easier to clean, especially the pump, so that's good. -yngver > Thanks for your detailed report. I haven't tried soaking the Drinkwell > in vinegar to remove the deposits--maybe that will help. I only use > filtered water in the Drinkwell anyway, not water straight from the > tap, but there are still deposits. No problem, I like passing on info as much as I appreciate others tell me stuff about cats. The vinegar will definitely help - filtered water doesn't necessarily take out the minerals (and if it's "spring water" it might even contain more minerals than tap water). > I've been using a set of brushes made for cleaning out aquarium pumps > for the pump itself--but I know they don't get everything out that > builds up in there. For the plastic parts that are hard to reach, I've > been using a toothbrush. I envy those who have a dishwasher as I've > been assuming that would get the thing cleaner a lot easier. Maybe > that still doesn't get all the deposits off though. There's a set of 3 brushes that are made specifically for the Drinkwell - one has a sponge on the end that fits (mostly) down into the nooks and crannies of the plastic parts. A dishwasher wouldn't help with the pump since you can't put that in a dishwasher with ruining it. I'd suggest taking a little vinegar mixed with water, dip a q-tip into to, and swab it out with that every time you clean it. > I don't clean the filters; when it gets clogged up with cat hair, I > throw it away and put in a new one. I rinse the hair off, but still replace it every 6 to 8 weeks. Actually, you can run the fountain without the filters. > That plastic "pre-filter" sounds a bit hard to clean, but I guess it > would filter out the occasional bug that lands in the water. Other > than that, I haven't really had any problems in that regard. No, you'd just have to rinse off the large particles and then wash it with warm soapy water and a brush. > Not sure I like that it's a lot bigger. We have ours in a certain > place in the kitchen, where the cats are used to it, and I hope a > bigger one would fit. It's about half again as large from back to front than the original - most of that is the clear water holding tank. > Is the water storage tank removable? I bought the add-on one for the > original Drinkwell, but that one is a separate container so when I > want to clean the unit, I don't really have to dump out all the water > in the container if it's fresh. Yes, it's removable and you could probably get away with not having to wash it. I have 5 cats, though, so the water in the fountain gets pretty grungy even with the filter. > Not sure I like that either, if it's > part of the unit. Seems to me it would make it harder for people to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > good. > -yngver Yeah, someone on another group moved "up" from the original to the platinum and they say it's much easier to clean. He also gave me the link to a place online that sells them the cheapest with pretty low shipping costs as well - let me know if you'd like the link. Hugs, CatNipped > > Thanks for your detailed report. I haven't tried soaking the Drinkwell > > in vinegar to remove the deposits--maybe that will help. I only use [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > taking a little vinegar mixed with water, dip a q-tip into to, and swab it > out with that every time you clean it. So you're saying the brushes made for the Drinkwell are better to use? Maybe I should get that set instead of the set I have. I mean, I think I paid all of $5 for the aquarium pump set I bought at Petsmart. > > I don't clean the filters; when it gets clogged up with cat hair, I > > throw it away and put in a new one. > > I rinse the hair off, but still replace it every 6 to 8 weeks. Actually, > you can run the fountain without the filters. I know, but I'd rather use the filters even though we use filtered water. If a filter just has a little hair on it, I'll wash it off and reuse it but I've found the charcoal tends to shift down to the bottom of the filter after a while. With the new filters, that wouldn't happen. > > That plastic "pre-filter" sounds a bit hard to clean, but I guess it > > would filter out the occasional bug that lands in the water. Other [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > It's about half again as large from back to front than the original - most > of that is the clear water holding tank. Okay, if it's not really much wider, but just longer, that would fit. > > Is the water storage tank removable? I bought the add-on one for the > > original Drinkwell, but that one is a separate container so when I [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > it. I have 5 cats, though, so the water in the fountain gets pretty grungy > even with the filter. Good. We have three cats but only two of them will drink from it. They probably cause more grunge to get into it by galloping past it and up the stairs than actual use. One might drop a toy in it once in a while. > > Not sure I like that either, if it's > > part of the unit. Seems to me it would make it harder for people to [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > CatNipped Is it cheaper than the $51.21 on Amazon? -yngver >> > Thanks for your detailed report. I haven't tried soaking the Drinkwell >> > in vinegar to remove the deposits--maybe that will help. I only use [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > Maybe I should get that set instead of the set I have. I mean, I think > I paid all of $5 for the aquarium pump set I bought at Petsmart. They still don't get into all the nooks and crannies, so if the brushes you have are working I'd stick with those. >> > I don't clean the filters; when it gets clogged up with cat hair, I >> > throw it away and put in a new one. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > of the filter after a while. With the new filters, that wouldn't > happen. We don't use filtered water (we use bottled water for everything except laundry and bathing), so I definitely use the filters (we have very "hard" water). And yes, the new filters should prevent that. >> > That plastic "pre-filter" sounds a bit hard to clean, but I guess it >> > would filter out the occasional bug that lands in the water. Other [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >> > Okay, if it's not really much wider, but just longer, that would fit. Yep. >> > Is the water storage tank removable? I bought the add-on one for the >> > original Drinkwell, but that one is a separate container so when I [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > Is it cheaper than the $51.21 on Amazon? > -yngver Amazon always ends up charging me an arm and a leg on shipping. You can check it out here: http://www.thepamperedpetmart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Cod e=PDPF&qts=Affiliate&qtk=6W6wrj6g or http://tinyurl.com/2bz5kt Hugs, CatNipped Why all this gadgetry, what is wrong with a clean bowl and changing the water a few times a day? Sun, 16 Dec 2007 02:37:35 -0600 from RPS <rps@null.void>: > Why all this gadgetry, what is wrong with a clean bowl and changing the > water a few times a day? Are you home all day every day? SignatureStan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA http://OakRoadSystems.com/ "If there's one thing I know, it's men. I ought to: it's been my life work." -- Marie Dressler, in /Dinner at Eight/ : > Why all this gadgetry, what is wrong with a clean bowl and changing the : > water a few times a day? : : Are you home all day every day? Why, are you changing water every few minutes and why? I fill her bowl a few times a day, from the same Brita pitcher that I drink from. >: > Why all this gadgetry, what is wrong with a clean bowl and changing the >: > water a few times a day? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Why, are you changing water every few minutes and why? I fill her bowl >a few times a day, from the same Brita pitcher that I drink from. I fill a emptied Coke bottle with tap water and screw it into a plastic water bowl about once a week (cost AU$2) Around cats feeding dish I pour fresh water into disposable plastic party plate feeding time Petzl SignatureOnly the Irish Leprignomes have remained aloof and their family heritage remains pure and unconfused. Gnome watchers believe that the reason for this stems from the unfortunate events that led to their expulsion from the peat bogs of Ireland in the late 1700s. It is thought that the ambitious Leprignomes encroached on the territorial boundaries of the intellectually superior Leprechauns. The Grand Legislature of Leprechauns banished the ringleaders of this audacious uprising to Australia. As a parting gesture they cast such a powerful spell on the Leprignomes that, even today, they remain too shy to associate with other gnome species. Suddenly, without warning, RPS exclaimed (12/16/2007 6:07 PM): > Why all this gadgetry, what is wrong with a clean bowl and changing the > water a few times a day? Some cats prefer running water, and are reluctant to drink from a bowl. Also, most of us work all day and cannot change the water "a few times a day". In my cat's case, she has cystitis and it's critical she drinks plenty of water. She hadn't been, and had been having acute cystitis attacks The Drinkwell helps increase her water intake. She hasn't (knock on wood) had a cystitis attack in over two years now. jmc > Suddenly, without warning, RPS exclaimed (12/16/2007 6:07 PM): > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > jmc Yes, two of our cats prefer running water, and rather than leave a faucet on all day, I bought the Drinkwell. Our third cat does prefer to drink out of a bowl (or better yet, the glass of water you just poured for yourself), so in our house we give the cats several options. I'm not saying our cats *need* a Drinkwell, any more than they *need* a catnip mouse, but since they like it, we have it. -yngver - |
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