Cats are notoriously picky about just about everything: food, toys, litter boxes, and as it turns out, water bowls, too! You may have observed your cat drinking from the faucet, licking drops from the shower, and even stealing sips from your own glass, only to watch as she sticks her nose up at her own freshly-filled bowl. Clearly, your cat is thirsty, but she won’t touch her water dish … so, what gives?
As it turns out, our felines are finicky for a reason. Their super-sharp senses may be to blame, and with a little understanding, you can encourage your kitty to stay healthy and hydrated. Check out 4 reasons why some felines drink from everywhere but their water bowl!
1. THEY’RE DRAWN TO THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER.
In the wild, running water is more likely to be fresh, and therefore safer, to drink. Your kitty certainly won’t hear water that’s lying still in the bowl, and what’s more, it may be hard for her to see the flat surface. This may explain why some cats love sipping from the sink and getting your furry friend her very own fountain could do the trick.
2. THEY DON’T LIKE THE LOCATION OF THE BOWL.
As natural observers, felines always like to be aware of their surroundings. If their bowl is in a corner or a place where they feel trapped or vulnerable to threats (whether or not they actually exist), they may avoid it altogether. Another strange kitty quirk: sometimes, they don’t like their water being too close to their food. In nature, if the remains of their prey are too close to fresh water, it could become contaminated. See if your cat prefers having her food and water dishes separated.
3. THEY DON’T LIKE THE BOWL ITSELF.
Again, your purring pal’s impeccable senses may be at play. The material of her bowl may give water a funny taste, feel strange on her tongue, or even be too empty or too full! What’s more, bowls that are too small may cause her sensitive whiskers to brush against the sides with every sip. This can feel incredibly uncomfortable and even cause whisker fatigue, discouraging your cat to drink.
Try dishes made from different materials and remember that a shallow, wide bowl may work best for your feline friend.
4. THE WATER IS TOO WARM.
Running water in the wild isn’t warm, and if it was, your cat would steer clear! Cold water indicates safety and cleanliness, so if you keep the water in your kitty’s bowl cool and fresh, she’s more likely to drink it.