Have you noticed that whenever you turn on the sink in the kitchen or the bathroom your cat comes running and wants to play in the water? They hate bath time and other water sources, so what’s this obsession with running water?
Well, as it turns out, there are some instinctive reasons many cats like to drink running water. It is an interesting phenomenon, so keep reading to learn more about it.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Prefer Running Water
When you turn on the sink, it is common to have a cat come running to it. We know that many cats simply prefer running water, but why is that the case? We’ve highlighted four likely reasons for you here:
1. It Feels Safer to Consume
Drinking from running water is deeply ingrained into your cat’s instincts. In the wild, standing water collects dirt and debris, and is essentially a cesspool for bacteria. While your cat doesn’t have to worry about that with their water bowl, their instincts simply tell them to trust running water more.
So, when they get a chance to get a drink from running water instead of their water bowl, they’re going to rush to take the opportunity. Not every cat thinks this way, but if your cat seems to be obsessed with drinking from running water, this might be why.
2. The Sound Interests Them
When your cat hears the sound of running water, it can activate a deeply ingrained instinct that turns on with the sound. In the wild, cats rely on this sound to find water, and when they hear it, they can’t help but come running.
While they know where their water bowl is in your home, they still have those deep-rooted instincts to seek out water when the opportunity arises. Not only does the sound have them come running to the faucet, but it also entices them to drink more.
3. Curiosity
Cats are extremely curious creatures, and to them, a water faucet doesn’t make much sense. One minute nothing is coming out of it, and the next there’s a steady flow of water! And when something doesn’t make any sense, they want to figure out why it is working that way.
This might be why they simply bat at or play with the water instead of actively drinking it. They don’t understand it, plus it’s just fun to play with the water every once in a while.
4. Personal Preference
Some cats just prefer drinking from running water and there’s no guaranteed reason why. It might be because the water in a bowl collects dust and other debris while water from the faucet looks clean and fresh, or it could be because they like the feeling of running water.
It is really up to your cat, and there might not be any rhyme or reason to it.
FAQ:
Should You Give Your Cat Running Water?
Do All Cats Like Running Water Better?
In 2010, two veterinary researchers conducted a limited study to determine whether cats really like running water more than drinking from bowls.1 Based on owner-reported behaviors, their theory was that cats preferred running water.
The cats used in the study drank slightly more water from fountains (running) than from bowls. However, the difference was small enough that it could simply indicate the individual preferences of the cats rather than a true reflection of species behavior. Given the small sample size of this study, additional research is needed before we can truly know whether cats like running water more than stagnant water.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
Many cats don’t drink enough water, which can lead to health issues, including dehydration and an increased risk of developing bladder stones. Cats with medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes may need to drink even more and struggle to keep up. If your cat likes running water, consider purchasing a pet fountain or leaving a faucet dripping to encourage them to drink more.
Since not all cats like running water, you may need to try other strategies to increase your cat’s fluid consumption. Try changing to a different water bowl or placing it in a different location. For example, your cat may feel safer drinking from an elevated position, such as on the kitchen counter.
An easy way to increase your cat’s water intake is to feed them canned food. Wet food has a high moisture content and is an excellent option to keep your kitty hydrated. You could also try adding a liquid like no-salt chicken broth or clam juice to your cat’s food or water to make it taste better.
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Final Thoughts
Now that you know why your cat prefers to drink from running water, why not give them the chance to do so occasionally? Investing in a good-quality water fountain is a great way to entice your cat to drink and help them maintain healthy hydration levels, which results in better health.
See Also:
- How to Take Care of a Hamster: Fact Sheet & Advice
- Can Cats Drink Salt Water? Vet-Approved Risks, Care Tips, & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Susanne Jutzeler, Schweiz, Pixabay
