Cat's Obsession with Toilet Water: Solutions Inside!
Why Do Cats Prefer the Toilet Water?
For some felines, the refreshing coolness of the water in the toilet bowl is more appealing than the water in their bowls. After all, the water in the bowl has been sitting there for hours or even days, becoming less inviting as it warms up to room temperature. You might be puzzled, but renowned cat behaviorist Pam JohnsonBennett offers an insightful explanation from a cat's perspective on why this might be the case!
1. Freshness is Key
Cats might simply find the toilet water more refreshing, as it's constantly replenished with new water each time it's flushed. The water in the bowl, however, remains stagnant, which to a cat, is akin to a pool of unappealing stillness. The flowing water in the toilet, on the other hand, is full of oxygen, making it more palatable and, therefore, more desirable to drink.
2. A Game of Curiosity
Some cats might treat drinking toilet water as a playful activity. If they're bored at home and lack engaging toys, they might be intrigued by the whirlpool of water created by the toilet flush. Once captivated by the movement, they might paw at it, then lick it. Some even become clever enough to flush the toilet themselves!
If your kitty's main form of entertainment is lounging in the bathroom, it's time to reconsider. Instead of scolding your cat for drinking toilet water, try to create a more stimulating environment. Spend quality time with your cat using a laser pointer or interactive toys to keep them entertained and engaged!
How to Correct This Behavior?
1. The simplest solution is to keep the toilet lid down or close the bathroom door. After all, the quickest way to deter your cat from drinking toilet water is to ensure they can't see it, effectively eliminating the temptation.
2. Change your cat's fresh drinking water daily and clean their bowl thoroughly. Cats can detect even the faintest scent of cat litter or food residue in the water, and this can influence their perception of freshness.
3. Consider investing in a cat water fountain, as most cats are curious about flowing water.
4. Enhance your cat's lifestyle by adding variety to their environment (such as platforms, cardboard boxes, toys, etc.). Keep them engaged and entertained to prevent boredom and loneliness. Interactive toys and food puzzles can also be used to capture their interest, making these activities more appealing than playing with the toilet water.
Important Reminder: Toilet water can contain a high concentration of harmful bacteria like E. coli. Regularly drinking toilet water can lead to gastrointestinal disorders in cats, causing diarrhea. In such cases, you can administer Vipda Amoxicillin powder to effectively eliminate E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. Additionally, feeding Bismuth Subcarbonate tablets can help protect your cat's intestines and quickly alleviate diarrhea. If your cat only experiences soft stools after drinking toilet water, feeding them probiotics can help balance the gut's beneficial bacteria and improve their bowel movements.
