Filtration systems are good and if you have one installed at the sink you fill your cats' fountain from you may want to add a little chlorinated water to it from another tap. So, if you have a good water source at your tap including good city water, and you drink from it, it should be fine for your cats too.
For water, we recommend filtered tap water or spring water. Generally speaking if the water is good enough for you to drink, it is good enough for your pet. Do not use distilled water as distilled water is acidic and could lower your cat's urine pH below 6 which could cause stones or crystals.
In most cases, experts say giving your pets hard water probably won't cause any problems. The minerals in hard water (calcium, magnesium, and iron) shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, some veterinarians do advise against giving cats and dogs untreated tap water, and that's not because of the minerals.
In addition to using a water filter, you can also protect your pets from the health risks associated with tap water by giving them bottled water to drink. This is important if you live in an area where water is contaminated. If you do give your pet's bottled water, be sure to choose a brand that uses purified water.
Bottled water is safe to share with cats and dogs. Opt for spring water or bottled tap water varieties. Some veterinarians, including those at the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic, are skeptical of the quality of distilled water for pets and its effects on urinary and cardiac health.
Running Water Tastes Better
Just like us, running water from the faucet may tickle your cat's tastebuds more than the stale, dusty water in their bowl. “Cats, like all of us, prefer fresh cool water,” Wieber says.
Cats can smell the chemicals in the water
Even though we might not detect them, the chemicals in the tap water give it a particular odour that a kitten's sensitive nose will pick up straight away.
Dear Readers: Does your dog or cat drink tap water? This could possibly lead to medical problems for the animal. Tap water can contain high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can contribute to crystals forming in the urine, urinary tract infections and incontinence, among other issues.
Your Cat's Health
Despite being processed to remove things such as bacteria and parasites, tap water can still contain chemicals such as hormones and traces of pharaceuticals in the water. So, much like humans, it is ideal for them to consume water that has been filtered and treated to a higher standard in the home.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend boiling water for a full minute. It is essential to boil your pets' water at this time because the risk of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria is much higher. Boiling water eliminates dangerous organisms and ensures safe drinking water.
Filtered water can also provide great benefits for your pet's skin and fur by preserving natural oils, especially for those with skin conditions or sensitivities. Yet tap water's high chlorine content can actually dehydrate and irritate your pet's hair, skin and eyes.
Cats sometimes prefer drinking water that is cold, because they might perceive cold water to be fresher. Keep your cat's water cold by replenishing it regularly. You could even pop a few ice cubes in the bowl if the weather is particularly warm.
Add some flavour. Adding a few drops of tuna juice (from tuna packed in water, not oil) or chicken broth will make the water more enticing for your feline friend. Just make sure the flavouring doesn't include too much salt, as this is unhealthy for your cat.
Apart from a healthful diet, many veterinarians recommend cat fountains as the single most healthful thing you can give to your cat. Learn why. There are very solid reasons why veterinarians recommend cat fountains. Cats crave moving water because in the wild, which cats still very much are, only moving water is safe.
Clean the fountain every 3 to 4 days for multiple cats, every 5 to 6 days for a single cat. Allow the number of cats you have to figure into the equation as well as if they are long or short hair.
Yes, you can leave a cat water fountain on all the time. Cat fountains are designed to keep water fresh and cool for your cat. They also have a filter in them that keeps the water clean. You should change this filter regularly, as it will get dirty with time.
Cats are particularly attracted to bleach.
It smells very similar to chlorine. Its characteristic odor is like that of animal pee. When the cat perceives this smell, it feels threatened and feels the need to mark the territory. This is the case with all substances containing sodium hypochlorite.
CATWATER – Urinary Formula is a distilled natural spring water, which means that it contains no minerals. With its perfectly balanced pH, between 6.2 and 6.4, CATWATER – Urinary Formula offers the best conditions to help prevent urinary problems in cats.
The researchers looked at the number of feline patients treated over a period of time and concluded that in the examined population of cats, drinking tap water was associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and filtered water lowered the risk of the disease.
"The most important step to preventing recurrence is to feed a prescription diet." Additionally, you will need to increase your cat's water intake in order to make your cat's urine less concentrated. In most cases, using the canned version of your cat's prescription diet will keep the urine dilute.
Cats with dental infections, inflammation in the mouth or gastrointestinal disease may avoid drinking water due to the discomfort it causes them. Cats with underlying health issues may be more likely to become dehydrated, especially those with kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and diabetes.
According to cat behaviorist specialist Dr. Rachel Geller, many cats don't like belly rubs because their tummies have a heightened sensitivity to touch, an evolutionary mechanism that helps to protect those vital organs just under their swaying belly flap.
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Filtered tap is generally considered to be the best type of water for cats because the purity is virtually guaranteed. Distilled water. Most vets don't recommend distilled water because it lacks the minerals pets need.
Water temperature
Your cat may seek out other water sources because it doesn't like room temperature water. A cat that joins you in the shower or drinks leftover bathwater might prefer its water warm, whereas one that licks condensation off the windows or drinks straight from the tap might like it cool.