Some cats are very finicky about their water. You leave fresh water out for them all day, but the minute you turn on the tap they come rushing for a drink. So what is the attraction with cats and running water?
Maybe your cat will drink from a bowl but insist on splashing the water with their paw or keeps tipping the bowl inorder to drink from the floor. Your cat may even balance precariously on the toilet seat to drink from the toilet bowl. You may have an outdoor that favours dirty rain water rather than the fresh supply you provide.
Why the odd behaviour?
No-one is really sure exactly why cats can be so finicky about their water but there are a couple of theories. There may be an instinctual aversion to still water. In the wild, cats will usually only drink moving water which helps prevent them from becoming sick. Alternatively, it could be that your cat has learned that water tends to be cooler when it's rain water or from a tap.
It's also possible that the water is just a toy for your cat. To your cat, flipping over the water bowl or trying to catch the falling drips from a tap might make a great game, as well as having the added benefit of quenching their thirst.
Cats don't need much water to drink, especially if they eat et food which contains a lot of water in it. However, it is still important to make sure your cat has fresh water available at all times.
Tasty Tips
Drinking from a bowl
There are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to drink from the bowl.
Try moving the water bowl to somewhere that isn't alongside their food. Your cat may be picky about having food and water right next to each other.
If you think your cat doesn't like the temperature of the water, try adding a few ice cubes to the bowl.
You may want to try changing the bowl entirely. Different types of bowl will give different tastes to the water. If your cat currently has a plastic bowl, try a metal, ceramic, or even a glass one. If your cat is a bowl tipper, try looking for a wider bowl with a rubber base, this will foil even the most dedicated of cats.
Cat drinking fountains are also available that either constantly run water in a loop, or are activated by your cat approaching it. These require electricity so you'll need to find a suitable place close to a power socket.
You can occasionally leave the tap dripping for your cat to have a drink. Your cat will drink from any source if thirsty enough, but you may choose to occasionally offer water from the tap as a treat.
Related products
Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Urinary Health Adult Cat Food with Chicken supports the health of the whole urinary system. Suitable for sterilised cats.
Senior Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Senior Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports healthy aging during the golden years. Contains a special ingredient blend to help keep older cats agile, more alert & interactive.
Sterilised Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Cat Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition tailored to meet the needs of mature adult sterilised cats, ages 7+, and to promote graceful ageing.
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Related articles
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat
Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.