Why Does My Cat Refuse the Fresh Water I Prepare and Prefer Weird Sources?

As a cat owner, you may have often encountered the perplexing situation where you have carefully prepared clean, pristine water bowls, but instead of drinking from them, your cat prefers to drink from the sink, the toilet, or even from your own water glass that you keep on the table. This behavior is not only confusing, but sometimes even a little annoying. So why do cats act so strangely? Why on earth don't they like to drink from the water bowls you prepare? More importantly, what can we do to counteract and get them into the right water drinking habits?

1. Cats’ Instinct to Drink Running Water |

Cats are the best instinct-retaining pets, and in the wild are carnivorous animals that instinctively perceive a flowing water source as safer than a stationary one. In the natural environment, flowing water is usually cleaner and less likely to harbor bacteria, parasites, or contaminants. Whereas still water (such as water in a water bowl) is often considered unsafe. As a result, cats naturally favor flowing water.

If your cat often likes to drink from the sink, bathtub or faucet, then you may want to consider getting them a cat water fountain. Cat water fountains are designed to mimic a flowing water source, which attracts your cat's attention and encourages them to drink. Flowing water can better fulfill your cat's natural instincts and help them be more willing to drink.

2. The Water Bowl Isn’t Appealing |

Cats are very picky about their water. The water bowl may be too close to the food bowl, or the type of bowl may not appeal to them. Cats usually don't like drinking from shallow bowls, and they may find plastic bowls offensive.

Change the location of the water bowl: cats usually don't like to have their food and water bowls together. You can try placing the water bowl further away from the food bowl or in a quiet corner.
Choose the right material for the water bowl: Many cats don't like plastic bowls because plastic attracts odors from the water. You can switch to stainless steel or ceramic water bowls that don't retain odors as easily.
Consider the depth and height of the water bowl: Some cats prefer deeper water bowls because they don't like the water touching their whiskers. Some taller water bowls are also suitable for those cats who like to keep their heads elevated.

3. The Water Might Be Too Stale |

the water bowl has been sitting for a long time, the flavor of the water may change and become less appealing to the cat. Especially if there is dust or impurities in the water bowl or the water has not been replaced in a timely manner, the cat may be reluctant to drink it.

Change the water regularly: Change the water at least once a day to ensure that it is always fresh and clean.
Choose water bowls with lids or use water fountains: You can use water bowls or water fountains with lids so that the water is not easily contaminated and remains clean at the same time.

4. Cats Love Novelty |

Cats are naturally curious and they are always interested in new and exciting things. The sink, the toilet, or even the water in the glass that their owners keep on the table, may simply be because these sources of water are more appealing to them. Cats love to explore new things, especially when they find a water source somewhere, and will often try to drink from it.

Distribute water sources: You can place multiple water bowls in different parts of the house, such as the living room, bedroom, balcony, etc., so that your cat has more choices and can avoid drinking “strange” water all the time.
Guide cats to their own water bowls: Every time your cat drinks from a place they shouldn't, you can gently guide them back to the correct water bowl and encourage them to drink from it.

5. Health Issues |

If your cat refuses to drink from the water bowl for a long period of time and is drinking significantly less water, it could be a sign of a health problem. For example, diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections can affect your cat's drinking habits. Some of these diseases may cause your cat to drink too much water or simply not want to drink.

If you suspect that your cat's water refusal behavior is related to a health issue, it is recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible. Through blood tests and urinalysis, your veterinarian can help diagnose if there is an underlying health issue.

Conclude:

A cat's behavior of going to strange water sources instead of drinking carefully prepared water is actually closely related to the cat's nature, habits, and health. By understanding your cat's preference for flowing water, clean water sources, and novelty, you can take steps to make your cat more willing to drink from the water bowl. Using water fountains, providing wet food, and changing water sources regularly are all effective ways to increase your cat's water intake and help them stay healthy.