Because cats can concentrate their urine, they can survive on smaller quantities of water than other animals. But they also have a low thirst drive, which means that they don't feel the need to drink water very often. If your cat is dehydrated, you may not know it until she develops a problem.
Your cat should instinctively know that they need more water and should drink enough to make up for it – after all, they feel thirst just like we do. There are plenty of other factors that will affect how much your cat drinks.
Cats have a natural instinct to drink fresh flowing water so you should be sure to provide them with fresh water daily. Sometimes your cat may just not like the location of its water bowl in general and moving it may help. Try a different bowl or a bowl that provides running water for cats to enjoy.
Cats are biologically programmed not to drink water which is near their food or near their toileting area - this is thought to be their instinctive avoidance of contaminating their water with potential sources of bacteria.
Keep the Water Bowl Next to the Food
Many cats will switch back and forth between eating and drinking, especially if they only eat dry food. Another successful technique for some cats is to place the kibble in a timed feeder and have a bowl of water next to the feeder.
One suggests that because the species evolved in dry climates and had little exposure to rivers or lakes, water (except for drinking) is an element they are unfamiliar with and thus avoid. More likely, however, cats don't like getting wet because of what water does to their fur.
Slapping at the water dish is a way for cats to get their water moving a bit, which makes them feel more comfortable about drinking it. If your cat bats at the water in her bowl before getting a drink and likes to climb on the counter to drink water out of the tap when you turn it on, this might be the reason.
“It's hard for cats to get water, because they can't really see still water well, and they may feel vulnerable sitting at a bowl, especially if it's in a corner, so they have their back to other cats who might jump on them,” Greco says.
Cats do not like their food and water right next to each other. Cat behaviorists believe this may be due to cats hunting away from their water source in the wild. Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. In addition, they are turned off by food particles in their water.
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.
“Their ancestors lived in an area with very few large bodies of water. They never had to learn how to swim. There was no advantage to it.” A cat's displeasure extends to the physical sensation of being doused.
It is a common myth that cats are scared of water. This isn't actually true at all and some cats love the opportunity to stretch their sea legs and will eagerly jump in voluntarily. It's less of a fear, and more of an aversion. Cats are actually natural born swimmers.
That doesn't mean you should take it as an invitation for a cat belly rub. When you see that cat belly, your kitty is telling you, “I trust you with my life.” Some cats may think you've violated that trust by going in for a belly rub, pet or tickle. It's also possible that your cat may be in a playful mood.
So a cat drinks ten to twelve times per day on average. Cats also get some of the fluid they need from their food, and the amount of water will naturally depend on the type of food. If your cat eats canned food, this will cover much of her water requirement.
Look at them standing in the partially filled tub, pawing at the water, splashing around, even shaking it off their heads casually like dogs — but never leaving the tub!
Where should I put my cat's water bowl? Just like their food, your cat's water bowl should be somewhere relatively quiet. A hallway, for example, may be too busy for them, even if they are very sociable. Put your cat's water bowl somewhere clean and odour-free – and far away from their litter tray!
Why do cats get bored of their food? While Mr Whiskers may like consistency in most areas of life, it is possible for your cat to feel bored of the same food. Part of this has to do with the innate nature of cats as apex predators.
Territorial behavior
Cats are territorial, and like other pets, they may choose to guard their resources. If another cat regularly eats their food, they may flip their bowl and try to hide their food under it or take it to another room where they can eat in peace.
Many cats, like humans, prefer their beverages chilled. You'll promote more water consumption if you serve it cold. It's hard to keep refilling your kitty's water bowl, but luckily you can buy products that keep it chilled for hours.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
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.
It's an instinctual behavior
One reason your cat might dip their paw in their water is that it's instinctual. In the wild, cats do this to make sure water is safe, which is why a cat will sometimes lick or sniff at their paw after sticking it in their bowl.
In the wild, cats will mark their territory by rubbing against trees and scratching surfaces. When your pet puts its paws on your face, it means that it claims you as its territory. This behavior is more common in multi-pet households where the cat feels a greater need to have you to herself.
A cat's natural instinct is to drink from moving water. Science has found that water moving is much cleaner than sitting water. Natural instinct is something amazing in many animals. Many of the cats over the years we have had would shake or paw at the bowl and cause a mess.
Because of their territorial nature, cats believe they actually own your house. When you close a door, it is no wonder that many cats will try to open, scratch, or attack it in every single way. They may simply find your attempt to close a door as a sign that undermines their absolute reign of the territory.