What Are The Water Requirements And Drinking Habits Of Cats?










Ever wonder why your cat likes to drink from your cup? Or from anywhere other than the bowl of water next to his food? Cats tend to drink water away from dead animals, which in the wild can contaminate their water with bacteria. To honor their survival objective, separate the dead meat, which is their store-bought food, from their water. Excerpted from Mieshelle Nagelschneider's science fiction book on feline behavior, The Cat Whisperer.


Many cat owners I have worked with over the past two decades have always boasted that their cats enjoy drinking water from the kitchen or shower. It must be part of the beast to seek this cool water, I was told.



It couldn't be more true. Surprisingly, the genetic differences between African and European wild cats and domestic cats are no greater than the differences between two domestic cats. Domestic cats differ genetically from their wildcat cousins ​​almost exclusively in hair color and, in some species, 


A few other physical differences that result from cross-breeding. Cat owners have also told me that being a slave to their cat's water faucet several times a day is not a bad thing, but many worry that their cat is not drinking enough (or any) water yet. at all. 


The cat is alone in the house and there is no one to take care of the water bowl. Some say their cats will go so far as to completely ignore their water bowl and wait for someone to turn on the sink faucet. Yes, cats like fresh, flowing water. 


They are intelligent creatures with the characteristics of wild cats, including drinking clean water that is free of bacteria. Therefore, fresh water from the kitchen tap may be safer than the plain water in their water bowl. 


This bacteria concern is especially important if the owner has put cat litter around his cooking area. Again, this survival instinct in cats means that they will think for themselves that their water is contaminated with bacteria from dead animals which is what the Amazon cat's diet brings. 


I've seen cats that are less frustrated drinking water from their own water bowl and turn to the dog's water bowl instead. Although it may not appeal to many of us cat owners, for cats, dog water is better because it is not near the cat's cooking area. This is especially true if the dog's water bowl is far from his own cooking.



Cats often need clean water supplies, which usually include your water bowl (many cat owners have an amazing time here), any sink or shower in the house, toilet or water in the house. shower floor surface. The simple solution to all of this, as with many other cat behavior problems, is to respond to their natural needs. Is it ready? 


Place the bowl of water on the cat's food bowl. Not just a few feet (although, that would be better than nothing), but 10 feet or more, or even against a wall that is not in the same room. Try the little cat experiment by placing several bowls filled with cool water in different parts of your house and see what happens. You will soon discover your cat's favorite water bowl by paying attention to the water level. 


I have seen many cats prefer the water bowl to the cat water fountain because the fountain is next to the cat food and the water bowl is not. Cat owners have believed that their cat is afraid of the newly purchased water fountain when in reality, the cat does not like its placement near the food bowl. 





Multiple Cat Families: Additional Benefits of Splitting Food and Water Supplies


Another way to avoid creating a water problem is to have multiple water stations for a multi cat household instead of just one. Can you imagine the problems that could arise if seven people who lived with them were forced to share a glass of water every day? 


Cats are territorial over resources to a different degree and even more territorial than dogs, because you are talking about important things like food and water is how cats organize their rulers.



As with the food bowl, all it takes is one cat sitting near the water bowl or in the path leading to it to scare off another cat. So share the wealth of water. Excerpted from Mieshelle's book, The Cat Whisperer.







If your cat eats canned food every day, add a little water to each meal. If your cat only eats dry food, talk to your vet about adding canned food to his diet. There are important health benefits to not feeding your cat only dry cat food.



The next time you see your cat trying to drink from your water cup, you will understand and hope that you are grateful for the little feral cat that shares your home. A staff favorite! Cats love tap water. The Catit LED fountain comes with a triple-use filter and petal surface that allows your cat to drink even when the fountain is turned off! The staff cats Rosie and Nuit love. ($ 38, catit.ca)