Cats are furry creatures that sometimes exhibit behaviors that surprise us, especially considering we give them all the care and attention they need. Perhaps one of the most curious is their habit of drinking from the tap instead of their water bowl on more than one occasion.
If the water coming out of the tap is drinkable and of good quality, it doesn't pose an immediate problem; however, when it has a lot of limescale or is of dubious quality, the chances of it ending up with some urinary infection or with kidney stones They increase in the long term. Therefore, It's important to know why the cat drinks tap water and, above all, what to do to stop it from doing so regularly.while also encouraging him to stay well hydrated.
The cat, a feline animal
We don't always think about it, but the cat is a felineJust like the lion, the tiger, or the panther. They are all predators that they hunt to feed themselves. What is rarely understood is that they get much of the water they need by feeding on their preyThese furry friends are very light drinkers compared to other domestic animals.
In nature, a feline like the ancestor of the domestic cat (Bos lybicaIt hunts small prey whose flesh contains a large amount of water. Thanks to this, He doesn't need to go drinking so often.Obviously, it goes to rivers, streams or puddles to hydrate, but it does so less frequently than we might imagine.
When a cat comes to live with us, its diet changes: it can no longer hunt, and in fact, it has no need to. We give it food every day, which may have everything it needs, but often lacks the most important thing: water in sufficient quantityIf we base their diet on dry food, we will be offering them a food with very little moisture compared to their natural diet.
Even if we keep the water bowl clean and full, we will see that, unlike, for example, a dog, He doesn't get very close to himbut often prefers water from other parts of the house, such as faucets, a puddle in the yard, the bathtub, the shower, a forgotten glass on the table, or even a vase. This is due both to its survival instinct as well as their particular sensitivity to the taste, smell, and movement of water.
Therefore, understanding that the cat is a feline with behaviors inherited from their wild ancestors This is key to understanding why your child chooses some water sources and rejects others, and how we can adapt our home to make drinking safer.
Why do you drink tap water?
The main reason is because it is a water that is not stagnantUnlike the water in the drinking bowl, the water from the tap is a liquid that the cat perceives as more... clean and freshFurthermore, moving water is more attractive to many felines, who associate this type of water with a safer source in nature.
In the wild, felines tend to avoid stagnant waterbecause it may contain pathogens, remains of dead animals, or parasites. Conversely, water flowing in streams or small rivers is usually safer. This same instinct makes a house cat see still water in its bowl as less reliable, while running tap water is more appealing. safer and more appealing.
There is also a reason to hygiene and odorIf the water bowl is located near the food bowl, or if it's a double dish for food and water, the cat may be wary of the water because it could be contaminated with food scraps. Wild cats avoid drinking in places where there are decomposing prey remains to avoid getting sick, and this behavior persists in domestic cats. They prefer that the water be kept away from the food. and from any source of strong odor.
Another important factor is that tap water is often fresherEspecially in hot weather, when the water in the bowl warms up or even heats up easily. For a cat, that temperature difference can mean the difference between drinking eagerly and barely taking a few sips.
There are also cats that find the running tap a bit of a welcome moment. very stimulating and funThe sound of the water, the glimmer, the splashing drops… all of this sparks their curiosity. Some even play with the stream and quickly learn that if they meow or climb onto the sink when their owner is in the bathroom or kitchen, they can get the tap to turn on and drink.
However, this is not the only cause. A drinking fountain that is dirty, even with only a speck of dust, will be a drinking fountain that the cat will not use.It is important to keep in mind that this is a very demanding animal when it comes to cleanliness, both its own and that of its dishes and litter box, so if we do not keep its water bowl perfectly clean, we can forget about it drinking from it and it will go looking for alternatives: the tap, the toilet, the bathtub or any container with water that it finds within reach.
Finally, there are cats that, in addition to preferring running water, They significantly increase the amount of water they drink.This, in some cases, can be a sign of health problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, or urinary tract infections. If your cat suddenly starts going to the tap much more than usual and seems constantly thirsty, it's highly recommended to change their water supply. consult with the vet to rule out pathologies.
Why do some cats refuse their water bowl or fountain?
Besides the preference for running tap water, there are several specific reasons These are some reasons why a cat might reject its water bowl or even a pet water fountain. Understanding these factors will help you better adapt your cat's environment and reduce its obsession with the tap.
The design of the drinking trough is not appropriate.
Some drinking fountains are too big deep or narrowso that the sensitive whiskers The cat's mouth bumps against the edges every time it tries to drink. This is very uncomfortable for them and eventually causes them to avoid the bowl. This is known as... Whisker stress.
Very lightweight containers that move or tip over easily, or those that make noise when sliding, can also be off-putting. Cats usually prefer wide, low and stable drinking troughsthat allow them to put their head in without touching the sides and drink comfortably.
The water isn't fresh or the drinking fountain retains odors
A common problem is that the water in the drinking bowl isn't changed regularly enough. The cat detects any changes in the water. strange smell or a small taste that goes unnoticed by us: traces of poorly rinsed soap, odors from the environment, food particles or even the taste of the container material itself.
If the drinking bowl is made of plastic, it may also retain odors and microorganisms more easily than other materials. Many cats prefer containers made of stainless steel, ceramic or glassprovided they are washed daily and rinsed thoroughly to remove any traces of detergent.
The cat is afraid of its water bowl
Sometimes, the rejection is due to a bad previous experienceA water bowl that overturned on the cat, a fountain that made a lot of noise, or a fall from the countertop while trying to drink can cause the animal to associate that area or object with something unpleasant.
The water sources that generate a loud engine noise Vibrations can also frighten more sensitive cats. While some cats enjoy these fountains, others avoid them altogether. Reducing the noise, switching to a quieter model, or allowing an adjustment period for the cat to get used to them can help. Explore the source without pressure. can make a difference.
The drinking fountain is located in an unsuitable place.
Location is key. Many tutors place the water bowl. right next to the food stallOr they even use a double bowl with food and water attached. From our human perspective, it might seem practical, but for a cat, it's quite confusing.
In nature, felines prefer separate the places where they eat and where they drinkThey avoid drinking near the remains of their prey to prevent contaminating the water with intestines or other decomposing parts, which could cause illness. That's why, when water is too close to the food bowl or litter box, many cats perceive it as... Not very reliable.
Furthermore, if the drinking fountain is located in an area of steady pace, with noisesIf the water bowl is near noisy appliances or where the cat doesn't feel safe, it will likely be rejected. Cats prefer to drink in a place where they can easily reach and use it. calm, accessible and without threatswhere they can monitor their surroundings while staying hydrated.
How to prevent it from doing so?
It cannot be completely avoided, because for many cats drinking from the tap is a normal behavior. natural and even entertainingHowever, we can do some things to keep him well hydrated and, at the same time, ensure his health isn't compromised now or in the future. These measures help make the drinking water more appealing and safe:
- Give him wet food instead of drySince wet food has around 70% moisture, your dog will also ingest water while eating and, therefore, won't need to drink as much. Increasing the percentage of wet food (canned food, pouches, well-formulated homemade diets) is one of the most effective measures for this. increase total water intake and reduce the risk of urinary and kidney problems.
- Clean the drinker dailyWith a drop of dish soap and a cloth (or a scouring pad if your tap water is hard), clean it thoroughly. Then remove all the suds and dry it well before refilling it. It is also recommended Change the water at least once a day and check that there is no hair, dust or food scraps.
- Separate the water from the food and the litter boxPlace the water bowl in a separate area, away from the food bowl and litter box. This way, the cat will perceive the water as... cleaner and saferIf you have the space, you can offer several water points in different quiet rooms.
- Choosing the right type of drinking troughOpt for wide bowls with low sides made of non-porous materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, or glass. Avoid very deep or narrow containers that could... bother the whiskers or allow odors to concentrate. A heavy bowl or one with a non-slip base will help prevent it from moving while drinking.
- Check the quality of the tap waterIf the water in your area is hard or has a strong taste, consider using filtered or bottled water for the water bowl and, if possible, also for the tap the cat drinks from. This will reduce the risk of urinary problems developing in the long term.
- Buying a cat fountainThe sources provide moving water continuously, which is very appealing to cats. Choose a quiet model that's easy to disassemble and clean, and change the filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Keeping the fountain spotless is essential for your cat to use it.
- Monitor how much water you drinkAlthough many cats enjoy playing with tap water, a sudden and marked increase in their thirst can be a sign of trouble. warning signIf you suspect your cat is drinking much more than normal, you can measure the amount of water missing from the water bowl for 24 hours (in healthy cats, consumption exceeding about 100 milliliters per day per kilogram of weight is usually considered excessive) and discuss the results with your veterinarian.
With these changes, your furry friend may still enjoy a sip from the tap now and then, but will do so more like a casual gaming as your only source of hydration. The important thing is that you always have it available. clean, fresh and appealing water in containers that are convenient and well-placed.
We hope you find this article helpful.  Taking care of your cat's hydration, understanding why they prefer tap water, and adapting their environment to their feline needs is one of the best ways to protect your kidney and urinary health and to enjoy many years of their company.