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.
Giving cats bottled water isn't inherently dangerous or bad, as long as the bottled water in question is high quality and fresh. In an emergency or while traveling, bottled water is a great option. At home, though, your cat should be just fine drinking tap water, especially if you run it through a simple filter first.
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.
Giving your cat filtered water from the tap is probably the best option. A simple filter, available to attach to your faucet or in a pitcher that you refill, will remove most objectionable odors and tastes for your cat. Another great way to provide water to your cat is with a drinking fountain.
Just like the human members of our family, water makes up a large percentage of our pet's body and is found in every cell. Drinking clean, filtered water can help protect them from disease and can lead to overall greater health.
Consider adding low sodium tuna or clam juice ice cubes to your cat's water (you may want to use a different tray than you use for your own cubes). The ice will not only keep the water cold longer, but can add a tasty flavor. Alternatively, you can give the cubes to your cat to play with.
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.
For water, we recommend a neutral pH of 7 and the following types of water. Filtered tap water where the fluoride and chlorine have been removed. Distilled and reverse osmosis (RO) water are devoid of minerals and heavy metals and are considered pure and will benefit adult cats who are no longer growing bone.
There are several reasons why a cat may choose to drink running water from a faucet instead of the water in their bowl: Evolution has taught them not to trust standing water. They really don't like their water bowl or where their bowl is placed. Water from the faucet just plain tastes better.
If your cat darts to the sink every time it hears you turn on the water faucet, don't be surprised—many cats actually favor running water to water that is located in their water dish. Cats prefer that their water be cool and fresh, and therefore running water is most appealing to them for that very reason.
For the sake of your cat's health and waistline, it's best just to stick to water as part of their balanced diet. You should never give your cat cow's milk or any kind of milk substitute (for example, oat milks or nut milks) as they can make them very poorly.
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.
Why doesn't your cat like water? Petful offers another answer, noting "Cats are also sensitive to odors, and it is speculated that your cat may not like the scent of chemicals from tap water." The situation gets even more overstimulating if you factor in shampoos full of unfamiliar smells.
The biggest risk with water for our pets is that they don't like their water and don't drink enough. In short – your pet should be able to drink the same water you do, tap, filtered or other.
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.
Like magnesium, calcium is a determinant of water hardness. While there is no conclusive evidence suggesting pets could be harmed by drinking hard water, a 2016 Trupanion study found a relationship between medical claims for pets with urinary issues and areas of the United States with very hard water.
Health problems
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.
Most cats love chicken, so a poultry broth is a popular option. Vets highly recommend giving chicken broth to cats who: Are unwell—Sick or recuperating cats may have no appetite for regular food but tend to slurp up warm chicken broth easily. This nutrient-dense dish can speed up the recovery.
Cool 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.
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!
Give your cat a clean cat food bowl EVERY SINGLE DAY - either wash your cat's bowl daily or have extra bowls on hand. If your cat is on a raw food diet, consider giving your cat a clean bowl after each use. Change your cat's water each day and swap out your cat's water bowl daily or at least every 2 days.
Is cheese good for cats? Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity.
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.