We all know that for every cat owner, the health and happiness of their feline friend is one of the main priorities. And let us tell you that, the most crucial aspect of their well-being is proper hydration. Cats are quite sensitive and they are required to drink adequate water on a daily basis.
However, we have often seen owners complaining that their pets not drinking home water. If you also find yourself in these sorts of situations, then this blog post is for you.
In this article, we are going to discuss some key reasons why cats aren’t drinking tap water. We will also discuss some precautions that you can take in this regard.
Some Common Reasons Why Cats May Not Be Drinking Tap Water?
Here are some of the most common reasons why your lovely cat is not drinking tap water with full consent.
1. Water Quality
Whether you are a human or a pet like a cat, water quality plays a key role in deciding whether it should be drunk or not.
Due to the presence of contaminants like chlorine, your tap water may smell or taste bad. This can prevent the cat from drinking water. This is because cats have quite a powerful sense of smell.
Moreover, if the water bowl isn’t properly clean, then this can also make the water unappealing to drink for cats.
2. Bowl type & Placement
This is yet another common reason why your cat isn’t drinking tap water. Some cat breeds try to drink water in a bowl that is made from a specific material. For example, most cats dislike plastic bowls which can impart the taste of tap water.
So, we personally suggest you start using bowls that are made up of stainless steel or ceramic material.
When it comes to location, if the water bowl is placed at a busy location in the house, then there is a high probability that your cat may prevent it. Therefore, it is better to find a quiet and calm place that encourages them to drink maximum water for proper hydration.
3. Suffering Health Issues
Do you lack? Lack of interest in drinking tap water can be linked to numerous health problems. Specific diseases like kidney issues dental problems, or diabetes greatly contribute to a cat’s thirst. So, if your cat suddenly stops drinking water, then it is suggested to immediately consult with a medical expert.
4. The stress of Environment:
This is the final reason we are going to discuss today. As we mentioned earlier, cats are very sensitive to their environment, and stress plays a key role in this regard.
Certain changes i.e., moving to a new house or the introduction of new pets in the home may also prevent your cat from drinking water at its full potential.
So, these are some of the common reasons why your feline friend is not drinking tap water.
Things You Can Do to Tackle This Challenge
There are numerous steps or solutions available that can be helpful in encouraging your cat to drink home water.
1. Work on Improving Tap Quality:
You should work on enhancing tap water quality in terms of smell and taste. There are numerous methods of improving water, however, the most effective one is by utilizing a water filtration system.
It is specifically designed to filter out a wide range of contaminants and impurities from the tap water within a matter of seconds. You can use that water for both your pet and family.
Alternatively, if budget is not your concern then you can also consider opting for bottled water, which is pure and clean. However, make sure the brand is reputable.
2. Add Food Variety Along with Water:
Cats are often greedy, you can use this as a tactic and a variety of foods along with tap water in a bowl. So, while eating food, there is a strong chance that cats will also pay attention to water and consume it in an adequate amount to fulfill their daily intake.
3. Use Water Fountains:
Cats usually feel attached to dancing things. So, it is suggested to consider investing in a pet water fountain. Its sound and movement of the water can be enticing and ultimately encourage the cats to drink tap water.
These are some of the possible solutions that you can take to encourage your cat to drink home water. However, if she is still not drinking, then the only solution is to get in touch with a medical consultant. They will guide you about the next procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water a cat should consume in a single day?
Although, the answer to this question is heavily dependent on the weight. However, the normal recommendation is 2.5 or 4.5 ounces of water for a cat with 5 pound weight. In case of 10 pounds, the water limit will be increased to 5 to 9 ounces.
What are some signs of dehydration in cats?
Some common signs of dehydration in cats are listed below.
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Reduced appetite
- Sunken eyes
And many more.
What type of water bowl is best for my cat?
Ceramic and stainless steel bowls are generally recommended. This is because they are easier to clean and most importantly less likely to contain odors as compared to plastic bowls.
Is it normal for my cat to drink less water in the winter season?
Yeah! It is totally normal for a cat to drink less water in the winter due to the low humidity and temperature.
Should I be concerned about my cat’s water intake?
If your cat suddenly stopped drinking home water, then it is concerning, and you should immediately get in touch with a consultant to discuss the issue.
Wrapping Up
Just like humans, drinking enough water is also considered highly crucial for cats. However, it has been noticed that many avoid home water. There can be numerous reasons behind this such as poor quality, bad water bowl, and many more. In this blog post, we discuss both the reasons and solutions in detail.
