Why Cats Prefer Drinking Water in the Bathroom

Why did the cat go to the bathroom?

Many cats have peculiar preferences when it comes to drinking water. Some are drawn to the bathroom, where they might sip from water stains on the floor, the residual water in the toilet bowl, or even the bathwater in a baby's tub, footbaths, or laundry water with detergent. Others might be tempted by the water in flower pots, fish tanks, or rainwater collected on the balcony. However, they often bypass the clean water in their designated water bowls.

Why do cats shun the fresh water in their bowls?

It's believed that these odd drinking habits in cats can be attributed to several reasons:

1. Cats have a penchant for water with a distinct taste, which is why they might prefer the water from the floor, footbaths, or fish tanks, which clearly contain other substances.

2. They seem to enjoy large quantities of water, as it tends to have a more pronounced flavor.

3. Cats are also drawn to moving water, which could be related to the oxygen content in the water. The larger the volume, the more oxygen it can hold, potentially altering the taste in a way that we humans might not notice, but cats can detect.

4. Cats may not like the material, size, or location of their water bowls.

Solutions:

1. For cats that frequent the bathroom, the simplest solution is to keep the door closed.

2. Other sources of unclean water are less likely unless you have fish in the home. In that case, simply cover the fish tank.

3. Opt for ceramic water bowls for your cat, as it's said they prefer these over plastic, which might have an offputting odor.

4. Choose a wide, shallow bowl to avoid discomfort caused by restricted whiskers.

5. Position the water bowl at a distance from food, as some cats dislike the proximity of water to their food.

6. Gently stir the water in the bowl to attract your cat; flowing or moving water can be particularly appealing (you might have noticed that the sound of running water when refilling the bowl can prompt your cat to come over immediately).

7. For cats that enjoy catnip, adding a bit to the water can make it more appealing and encourage drinking.

Remember to regularly empty and clean the water bowl to ensure fresh water. In summer, it's best to change the water daily, while in other seasons, every few days should suffice, depending on temperature and the rate of water spoilage.

Do not provide your cat with tap water, as it may contain chlorine, which cats dislike, and could pose a risk of parasites. Regular deworming is crucial to maintain your cat's health.