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Customer reviews for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
This quietly running fountain offers pets a supply of cool, filtered water whenever they want it. Minimal assembly required 3pk replacement filters sold separately
Overall rating:
(59 reviews) 55
47 of 59(80%)customers recommend this product.
Reviews for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Review 1 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
by Susie
fromPickens, SC
Performance
Quality
Value
I think this fountain is great! I have the medium size fountain, which is perfect for 4 cats.
It is quiet and reliable, and not too difficult to clean. I recommend cleaning the dish and pump once a week. Take the pump apart as shown in the instructions, but use a pipe cleaner to get into all the crevices! Not difficult after the 1st time. I change the filter every 3 weeks for my zoo. Certainly worth the effort!
The cats are fascinated by it. They love to drink the moving water, & they will sit by the fountain and play... trying to stop the water as it flows down the ramp. Waterer and cat toy in one!
Review 2 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
seven years
April 25, 2013
by todavia
fromcalifornia
Appearance
Quality
Seven years of use and works like new.
The only con is I can't buy filters at my local store.
Review 3 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
This is a product that last.
April 23, 2013
by Eric7480
fromAtlanta, GA
What is your gender?M
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Appearance
Quality
I have had this product for over 5 years, and I have had minimal problems with it. After realizing that I can take the pump apart and clean it with a Q-tip the only problems I have had is trying to find filters. Lots of online retailers have them, but you can't run out to the store and replace them at your convenience. Also as the previous review states make sure you clean it well (especially the corners). Finally, if you are having problems finding the filters here is the link on the petsmart page: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13136787&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInUS%2FNo
Pros: durable, Spillproof
Review 4 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Cat loves but caution...
April 2, 2013
by Plumariagirl
fromSomewhere in over 125 degree heat, west coast
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance
Quality
This is my second waterfall I've purchased for my cat(s). Two things; first...make certain you can still buy filters for this, then stock up. The store stopped selling this model. They no longer sale this model in the store. So, when you're able to locate the filters which are on line...stock up! I'm praying the filters sold in 2,3 & 6 are the correct ones. Secondly, make certain when you change the water, you clean every nook and cranny. I mean pull the pump out and wash it entirely. Wash all the corners, under the pump, inside the pump airchambors, etc. I use Q-Tips to really clean the pump. You will notice a difference in the water pressure. You will also notice how often your animal goes to that bowl to drink when it's really clean. The fountain that has the running faucet type water would be my newest choice. My cat loves cold running water out of the faucet. This waterfall is great if your going out of town for a small length of time additionally because it has a nice sized reserve tank. The pump starts to make a noise if your water level just begins to get low. Don't ignore it or you will burn your pump out. (Hence the 2nd waterfall while a friend was cat sitting.) Your animal will appreciate you more. It's also spill proof and love the black classy look. Would give it a five star if they still sold the filters in the store. Please call your store and ask them to put them back on the shelves. I just bought my new waterfall not to long ago. They no longer sell this brand in my store so they discontinued the filters in the store as well. That's just wrong!!! At least you still have them available on-line, thank God.
Pros: durable, Slide Resistant, Spillproof
Review 5 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Can't find the correct filter anymore
December 10, 2012
by Oreo2
fromIowa
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Appearance
Quality
I have had the waterer for more than 6 years and have recently been unable to find the correct filters for this water system. I asked for help and was told to order a filter and when it came, it was way too small, now I am without any filter and can't find any that might fit. Does anyone know of a filter to fit. I have the same system as listed on PetSmart web page that says you need to order filters seperate but there is no link to the filters either. I have never needed to replace the little pump, just need to clean it once in a while and it keeps on pumping.
Pros: easy to clean
Review 6 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Not available
December 4, 2012
by dragoneyes38
fromSebastopol,CA
What is your gender?M
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance
Quality
We purchased this product from our local store. We needed filters and found out they don't carry them or the fountain in the stores any more only on line. Check online and no way to purchase the filters. Now we have to purchase another fountain because there are no filters available in the store or online.
Review 7 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Excellent product, will replace if ever necessary.
October 16, 2012
by mickers
fromPort Hueneme, CA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
This is my second fountain (identical fountains).
My first cat was over 22 years old when she passed away. I attribute part of her longevity to the use of this water fountain (and a lot of love). I now have a 5 year old adopted cat, who at first was scared of the fountain. Now he loves it, uses it constantly and actually lets me know when he wants more water in it.
It is quiet, the flow is excellent, and even for an arthritic person, it is easy to clean.
Review 8 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
this says it all: my cats love it
October 15, 2012
by Anonymous
fromUniontown, PA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
I have had the same unit for over 4 years now, so I have *a lot* of advice for anyone considering it.
I have had to replace the pump only twice in that time. I did break the little piece that controls the water in the reservoir, but I learned to just turn it over quickly and it has never overflowed. My biggest complaints are not with the unit itself, but with the accessories. I will complain first, praise later!
The first is that they changed the filters after a couple of years, and the new ones are very flimsy and seem to get slimy very easily! So I use another brand's filters, have to cut them so they will fit, and that is a pain. I have seen other people complain about this on several other websites.
The second is that the replacement motors do not have the flow control. That is extremely disappointing. I have no idea why manufacturers do things like this. It doesn't render the thing inoperable, but my cats did have to get used to that change, which takes a little time; in the meantime they looked at me like I am trying to starve them to death. Also, while I am talking about the pump speed, the two replacements have worked at different speeds, this latest one is like 2x faster than the old one and was a little bit noisier at first, and again, my cats took time to adjust (I think it took them over a week). Luckily for us humans, they *do* adjust, but cats are creatures of habit and I really don't like breaking their habits for something this important.
Sometimes I think the filters are not working, because I do have to clean hair and fur that clog the motor periodically (I moved it away from a high-traffic area and that seems to help). If the water gets low or the motor gets clogged, you can hear the motor spit, but it has a see-through reservoir, so you can keep it from getting low easily. You do have to take it apart to clean it, make sure you do that at least once a week so the water stays tasty.
I think my only other complaint is that it is difficult to clean without getting utensils to do it, but you can buy special tools which I did not know existed until fairly recently. They are like large pipe-cleaners.
These complaints are the reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me.
All the complaining aside, this is a great fountain. I have used others, but this one seems to make them the happiest. They seem to like that it flows against the little sliding board (I don't know what it is called), they like to lick from there. One cat likes when I take the top and reservoir off for refill, he likes to drink from the area where the filter is; I think that is a hint but I can't redesign the thing.
Also, my cats like putting some of their toys in it to watch them flop around in the water, and they bat at them like they are fishing. So it is kind of like a huge toy! (We never had a fish bowl, so where they get that idea from has to be instinct). And sometimes they put their paws in it to clean themselves with. Maybe my cats are just silly.
When I used regular bowls, or the reservoir kind that doesn't flow, they just were not drinking enough water. Now, I refill this reservoir every day. I have two cats, so I think that is plenty of water (especially since I give them both wet food and dry kibble).
I hope my early complaining doesn't make it seem like it is a pain - it is one of the best products I have ever bought my cats. Like I said at the beginning, I have had the same unit for over 4 years, and replacement parts can be found all over the internet. Don't expect your Petsmart store to keep the motors in stock, and the replacement filter packages do not help you at all when it comes time to buying them, no pictures or dimensions written on the generic packaging, so I suggest buying online so you can see exactly which ones you are buying (take measurement of the dimensions on the one they give you with your new unit).
Overall, I am very satisfied with this product, and if the body or reservoir ever break, I will run out to the store at any time of the day or night to get a new one! Because, when it comes down to it, whether or not *I* like it, at the end of the day, it is whether or not *they* like it. And they do. I am sure, if they wrote this review, it would have no complaints!
Review 9 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
A Great Product
August 14, 2012
by TriciaN
fromEscondido, CA
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
My cat hated water dishes and always wanted to drink out of a dripping faucet. This fountain solved that problem--he loves it and drinks the "running" water at the top! It is easy to clean and quiet--just a little hum; I can't hear it running unless I standing w/in a foot or two of it--I do know however it makes more noise if the water level gets too low. It is fairly easy to fill; but it can be a little awkward until you get used to the set up (e.g., the valve on the reservoir and lining up the pegs/holes on the cover lid).
Review 10 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
July 31, 2012
by chewbaca
fromtexas
Appearance
Quality
i bought this fountain and was pleased at first...it is hard to clean and the screen that keeps things from going through is not the greatest...i have several cats and have to fill it often...when i take it apart there is hair clogging the pump....the filter screen needs to be rethought...i guess it would be ok for someone with just a couple of cats but not for someone with several
Cons: Doesn't Hold Enough Food or Water
Review 11 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Best thing for our Chihuahua(Daniel)
July 28, 2012
by Cicia
fromRock City falls,NY
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?1
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Appearance
Quality
Reviewer Images
He loves it ! He was a little apprehensive at first,but now he loves to drink from it! I change and clean it once a month. I recommend it for small dogs& single family pet owners. Every one that sees it tells me my dog is spoiled! But I don't care I love it too! It is also quiet! My puppy doesn't like noise,so it is good for him ,also! If you can hear the humming you need to unplug it and clean it then fill the front first then the rest is self explanatory. It is like having his own waterfall!
Pros: durable, Slide Resistant, easy to clean
Review 12 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
A royal pain to clean.
November 15, 2010
by RCsServant
fromThe south
Don't get me wrong, my cat, who is SUPER picky and skittish as all get out loves this thing - it only took her about 2 days to get over being scared of it and start using it. She has kidney failure so I wanted to encourage her to drink more and this has been very effective in accomplishing that end but once they begin to drop food into to it you have to take it completely apart to clean it which is a pain, as is the reassembly. See if you can find one with fewer parts and tiny nooks and crannies.
Pros: picky cat loves it
Cons: difficult to clean
Review 13 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Best automatic watering bowl
August 20, 2010
by purromaniac
fromPhoenix AZ
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
I have had this waterer for about three months now, and it has been great. I saw a similar waterer at a friend's home, but it made noise when the water got low. The Fresh Flow is completely silent no matter the water level. I refill the tank every 3-5 days. Tossing some ice cubes in the dish once in a while helps keep the tank full longer. My three cats like to play with the ice as well as drink from the fountain. The filter is simple to remove to rinse or change. I highly recommend this product.
Review 14 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
My dogs and cats LOVE this!!!
August 7, 2010
by Cammie35
fromTampa
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Wonderful product. Our cats love it as much as our dogs, water always moving, and the container allows us to be away all day without them having an empty bowl.
Review 15 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Way too small, even for a few cats
July 26, 2010
by kittykathy
fromDavie Florida
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly
Reviewer Images
They do love the running water and it makes them drink more often! I haven't had a problem with any leaks, but the reserve tank is way too small! I use it for 2 indoor cats and am refilling it 2 times/day! It ran dry a few times I couldn't keep up with it while I was at work.
Pros: cats love the fresh water
Cons: reserve water tank too small
Review 16 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Wonderful
June 25, 2010
by revcharles
fromLawton, OK
What is your gender?M
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
My cats love this fountain. For those who complain that it stops working after time, try cleaning the fountain and the motor. Mine have been running for seven years with no problems.
Review 17 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Leaks - This is the second one.
April 10, 2010
by njdietz
fromOhio
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Performance
Quality
Value
Cats loved it but we are getting tired of replacing it. This is the second on to start leaking in less that a year.
Pros: cats loved it and drank more
Cons: starts to leak after a short while
Review 18 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Great Fountain
February 21, 2010
by lovehammies
fromCary, NC
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?5 or more
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Reviewer Images
I own the jumbo version. It only took a few minutes for one of my two dogs and less than a day for the 2nd dog to take to using this new fountain. It really is ULTRA QUIET and does a very nice job of filtering out dog hair and food debris. Because I have two large dogs I do have to refill or top it off twice each day (not quite as often as with a large bowl). I have only had it for the winter months, so I anticipate refilling up to 3 times a day in the summer when they go outdoors more. It stays so much cleaner than the traditional stainless steel bowls I had been using. It also has a very nice appearance.
I've owned other water devices that made the glug, glug noise when filling the bowl portion; that made my one dog a little spooked and it was very hard to clean. This fountain is so easy to clean. It does need to be done periodically because unseen hair gets stuck around the motor area and probably isn't very healthy to leave like that even with the filter.
Pros: quiet, nice appearance, easy to clean
Cons: need to refill more than once daily
Review 19 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
Great Find
January 5, 2010
by BGPKitty
fromBaltimore, MD
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?2
How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year
Performance
Quality
Value
After much review, comparison, and debate, I bought the Petmate fountain after returning the Catit fountain. It was easy to assemble and fill. This bodes well for future cleaning and re-assembly.
It is quiet, practically silent. My cats love it, so I am happy.
Pros: easy to assemble quiet
Cons: havent found one yet
Review 20 for Petmate Fresh Flow Pet Fountain
Overall rating
December 29, 2009
by natlee
fromKnoxville, TN
What is your gender?F
How many pets do you have?3
How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly
Performance
Quality
Value
My mother's cat loves to play in water, but after we replaced the old water bowl with the fountain we haven't had any problems with wet cat prints all over the kitchen!
The fountain is easy to clean and replacement components are sold on Petmate's website. I taught myself how to clean it while housesitting and had no problems figuring it out.
It can be a little noisy on tile floors, which drove my dad crazy until mom put a folded hand towel under it and now we can't even tell it's running!
With two cats and a dog, I do wish she'd gotten the largest fountain as having to refill it often can be a pain, but our old dog has finally ditched the toilet for even fresher water and now we don't have to wait in line behind him to use the bathroom.