Why Does My Cat Love Drinking From The Tap?

Does your cat come running every time you turn on a faucet - even when their perfectly good water bowl is clean and full? Drinking from the tap is safe for your cat, and it can be a great way to keep them hydrated. However, there are easier ways to encourage your cat to stay quenched.

Why Cats Love Running Water
Your cat’s wild ancestors are hardwired to seek moving water sources like rivers and streams, rather than standing sources of water like swamps and puddles. Moving water sources are less likely to be contaminated, while standing water tends to harbor bacteria and parasites.
While your modern cat’s water bowl may not be a swamp, they may still feel reluctant to drink from it because of their innate tendency to seek out moving sources of drinking water. That’s why the trickle of your bathroom or kitchen sink seems more desirable than their bowl.

Why Your Cat Rejects Their Water Bowl
There are many reasons why you may never see your cat taking sips from their water bowl.
Even if the bowl does not look dirty, it may be harboring odors and bacteria. Plastic water bowls are not recommended because they easily develop tiny scratches that trap bacteria that even a hot, soapy wash may not remove.
Always use a glass, porcelain, or stainless steel water bowl. Make sure the bowl is wide enough to avoid irritating your cat’s whiskers. Wash daily with hot, soapy water and a sponge reserved for your cat’s dishware, or sanitize in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Cats also tend to dislike water sources close to their food, again, to avoid contamination. It’s ideal to have multiple water bowls, washed and refreshed daily, in different rooms of your home so your cat always has access, no matter where they’re hanging out.
Some cats have unique preferences. You may want to try offering different options such as ice water, room temperature water, and bottled spring water to see which your cat prefers.

Is It Time To Get Your Cat Their Own Drinking Fountain?
Drinking fountains for cats are surprisingly affordable and low-maintenance. As a moving water source, they can encourage your cat to drink water, helping to keep their digestive system and urinary tract healthy. A fountain with a filter always has clean, delicious water and only needs to be cleaned about once a week.

Find drinking fountains for your cat at PetMeds®.