The habits and preferences of pets sometimes seem strange and incomprehensible to us. One of these mysteries is their tendency to drink dirty water.
More than once, cat owners have caught themselves thinking that their pet refuses clean water in a bowl and happily drinks from a puddle or flower pot.
This behavior can be disturbing and confusing, as we strive to provide our cats with the best of everything, including fresh, clean water.
I don't like the place where the water bowl is.
Cats will prefer dirty water sources to clean ones if they don't like where their water bottle or fountain is placed.
Cats in the wild do not drink where they hunt because the prey can contaminate the water source and cause illness. Although the pet does not need to hunt, the instincts remain.
If a water bowl is located near where a cat eats, it may instinctively sense that the water source is contaminated and show no interest in it.
The water is not so fresh
Another reason why a cat may drink dirty water is because clean water is not actually that fresh.
The water in the bowl can stagnate, and a lot of dust, hair, and debris can quickly accumulate in it. Although a person may not see these contaminants, a cat can taste them.
I don't like the water temperature
Like people, some cats can be picky about water temperature. Some like it at room temperature, while others prefer it cooler.
On hot days, your cat may even enjoy putting ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water nice and refreshing.
I don't like the bowl
Cats are very picky creatures. If she doesn't like the size, shape or height of her water bowl, she'll likely choose to drink from other sources.
Trial and error is the only solution to this problem. Try different bowls and fountains to find the one your cat likes.
Don't like the smell or taste
Tap water is usually treated with chemicals that are strong enough for your cat to smell. The smell can be very unpleasant and strong enough to make your pet refuse to drink the water.
In addition, the concentration of chemicals can also affect the taste of the water.
Purchase a water fountain with a filter that will remove unpleasant odors and tastes.
We previously reported on the smartest dog breeds .
Expert: Julia Tychino
