My cats won't even go near this even when off. I removed the filter and tried to clean and neutralize smell but they still won't drink out of. Any suggestions?
1963761
Honestly, I'm not sure. My cats loved it right away. Maybe take it apart and have them check out the individual parts- maybe they are scared of it because it's a bit large?
124603
I have less than wonderful water also...I just bite the bullet and buy gallons of distilled water or the Gerber brand pure water in the gallon jug. I don't like to drink the water, so I figured the cats would like the bottled better also, lol
1412731
i believe this is a design flaw. Ours was the same and when we did use it our cat moved the top and the water was pumped out on the floor. If you can, return the device.
58809
I check the water and at times I just rinse the filter and it saves some money. I have a black cat and her fur sometimes gets into the water so I have to change it but you can check to see if slimy. good luck
1362193
I could not get my cat to eat out of this even without the cylinders removed. I would think it would be difficult for a cat to drink out of this unless it was filled to the top.
221420
I cut the top off and squeeze it into my cats mouth. Mine too will not eat his food it if I drizzle it on top.
2237945
Humm... my cats didn't know what to make of it at first, but they love it now. Maybe just fill it with water, without turning it on. Put it in your living area first, so you can see who is drinking and who is not. I have mine in my living room, it don't bother me at all. I hope this helps.
611923
The only reason I wouldn't is because they may not want to eat in something that resembles a litter box. I would try something else that is enclosed, or try using a food tent maybe? The has to be another solution. Good luck! Which food are you using that smells so bad?
1029372
First, shake it outside until no more litter falls out... (hang it and beat it with a broom) ...if you're using clumping litter you'll have a real headache when you go to hose it off. I tried all sorts of odor neutralizing products, but nothing worked and my cats started to prefer the mat to the box. When I trashed the mat, nobody peed outside the box anymore. I picked up a few carpet remnants and they worked equally well... at $1 each it wasn't a burden to replace them if an accident happened.
757994
my two cats are sensitive to the fluoride (did I spell that right? ha) that is in my/most people's water....their stools are firm and NORMAL now....when they drank my tap water, their stools were horribly loose....not to be too graphic....for me to buy a 97 cent gallon of purified water at my local publix and use the drinkwell filters has made all the difference in the world.....
1306801
Vinegar and water soak/wash or paper towel soaked in straight vinegar (I use white vinegar) and leave on the rim for a while. If need be, use baking soda to scrub. If you can't scour it off, it's not likely the cats can get it off to ingest either. I also take the entire unit apart and clean weekly which has kept that problem at bay. Another tip could be its location. I noticed that white deposit hardened more after the heat went on for the colder weather. I moved the water unit far away from the heat source (radiator) and found it doesn't get "baked" on anymore.
453291
I searched the web for Petmate filters. Found lots of comments from people who adapted other filters, usually bigger filters to fit. That is not the best solution. Found them at Wallys. Shocked and amazed to find them there.. got the big pack. Hope they keep selling them. The kitties love the fountain.
627425
I have not had this problem. I scoop mine every day as well, when I empty it completely, I clean it with a combination of water, lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda. I also have 2 litter boxes for my cat.
790621
My cat did and she was totally spoiled on faucet water only. as soon as I set up the drinking fountain she was curious about it and within the hour she was drinking from it. I placed it on the floor far away from the faucet hoping she would forget the faucet. She has not gone back to the faucet since. My vet said it's because cats like running water.
1793824
I'm not quite sure what you mean about too, but I have 10 cats drinking from the fountain and refill daily. Completely take it apart once a week and wash with white vinegar then rinse with water, I run warm water through the sponge and wipe down other non submersible parts and put it all back together... I've had mine a few months now and by cleaning weekly I've found it keeps it working properly and it doesn't slow down. Compared to others on the market, this is the easiest to clean and operate and aside from being stylish compared to the plastic ones out there that burn out within a month, I highly recommend this one.. Well worth the money! The maintenance is super quick and easy! I'm not quite sure what you mean about too, but I have 10 cats drinking from the fountain and refill daily. Completely take it apart once a week and wash with white vinegar then rinse with water, I run warm water through the sponge and wipe down other non submersible parts and put it all back together... I've had mine a few months now and by cleaning weekly I've found it keeps it working properly and it doesn't slow down. Compared to others on the market, this is the easiest to clean and operate and aside from being stylish compared to the plastic ones out there that burn out within a... » Read More I'm not quite sure what you mean about too, but I have 10 cats drinking from the fountain and refill daily. Completely take it apart once a week and wash with white vinegar then rinse with water, I run warm water through the sponge and wipe down other non submersible parts and put it all back together... I've had mine a few months now and by cleaning weekly I've found it keeps it working properly and it doesn't slow down. Compared to others on the market, this is the easiest to clean and operate and aside from being stylish compared to the plastic ones out there that burn out within a month, I highly recommend this one.. Well worth the money! The maintenance is super quick and easy! « Show Less
1029371
It's not that easy to clean because of the texture. Easiest way I found is to take it outside and spray it off with a garden hose and to use some kind of neutralizing agent (Nature's Miracle or something like that) to neutralize the urine so that the cats don't keep just urinating on the mat instead of going into the litter box.
2255353
I just changed the filter last month. It was around 6 months. I do use filtered water from my Brita though. I can't tell you how much my cats love it.