Why Do Cats Drink Toilet Water? (And How to Stop It)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

Have you ever wondered why your cat drinks from the toilet? It’s a common behavior that can be both gross and puzzling. But there are actually a few reasons why cats might be drawn to toilet water.

In this article, we’ll explore the different reasons why cats drink toilet water, as well as what you can do to discourage this behavior. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your cat hydrated and healthy.

So if you’re curious about why cats drink toilet water, read on!

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| Why Do Cats Drink Toilet Water? | Causes | Solutions |
| Cats are attracted to the smell of the water | – The water is fresh and clean
| – The water is moving, which stimulates their hunting instincts
| – The water contains minerals that are lacking in their diet
| Cats may be trying to compensate for a lack of water in their diet | – Provide your cat with fresh water at all times
| – Make sure the water bowl is clean and accessible
| – Add a bit of flavor to the water by adding a few drops of milk or juice
| Cats may be trying to find a way to cool down | – Provide your cat with a cool place to relax, such as a bed in the shade or a cool tile floor
| – Give your cat a frozen treat to help cool them down
| – Mist your cat with a spray bottle of water to help cool them down

What is the appeal of toilet water to cats?

There are a few reasons why cats might be attracted to toilet water.

1. Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may be drawn to the toilet bowl because it is a new and interesting place. They may also be curious about the water itself, which may look different and smell different than the water in their bowls.

2. Thirst

If a cat is thirsty, they may drink from the toilet bowl if they do not have access to fresh water. This is especially true if the toilet bowl is filled with clean water.

3. Temperature

Some cats may prefer to drink toilet water because it is cooler than the water in their bowls. This is especially true during hot weather.

4. Minerals

Toilet water may contain minerals that cats find appealing. These minerals can include calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

5. Pheromones

Toilet water may contain pheromones that attract cats. Pheromones are chemical signals that animals use to communicate with each other. The pheromones in toilet water may tell cats that the area is safe and that there is food nearby.

6. Other reasons

There may be other reasons why cats drink toilet water. For example, a cat may drink toilet water if they are stressed or anxious. They may also drink toilet water if they are bored or looking for attention.

Is toilet water safe for cats to drink?

Toilet water is not safe for cats to drink. It can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These can cause serious health problems for cats, including diarrhea, vomiting, and infections.

In addition, toilet water may contain chemicals that are harmful to cats. These chemicals can include bleach, ammonia, and other cleaning products.

If your cat drinks toilet water, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. The vet will be able to assess your cat’s condition and provide treatment if necessary.

To prevent your cat from drinking toilet water, you can take the following steps:

  • Keep the toilet lid closed at all times.
  • Place a cover over the toilet bowl.
  • Provide your cat with fresh water at all times.
  • Make sure the water in your cat’s bowl is clean and fresh.
  • Clean the litter box regularly.
  • If your cat is stressed or anxious, try to identify the source of the stress and address it.
  • Give your cat plenty of attention and play time.

By following these steps, you can help keep your cat safe from the dangers of toilet water.

Why Do Cats Drink Toilet Water?

There are a few reasons why cats might drink toilet water.

  • Thirst. The most common reason is simply that your cat is thirsty. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they get most of their hydration from the food they eat. However, if your cat isn’t drinking enough water from their food or water bowl, they may turn to the toilet for a drink.
  • Taste. Some cats enjoy the taste of toilet water. The water in the toilet is often cold and fresh, and it may contain minerals or other substances that cats find appealing.
  • Compulsion. Some cats may drink toilet water out of compulsion. This could be due to a medical condition, such as pica, or it could be a learned behavior.

How can you prevent your cat from drinking toilet water?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your cat from drinking toilet water.

  • Keep the toilet lid closed. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent your cat from getting to the toilet water.
  • Place a water bowl in a location where your cat can easily access it. Make sure the water bowl is clean and fresh, and refill it regularly.
  • Try using a different type of water. Some cats prefer to drink filtered or bottled water. You can also try adding a little bit of milk or broth to your cat’s water to make it more appealing.
  • Discourage your cat from drinking toilet water. If you catch your cat drinking from the toilet, scold them and immediately remove them from the area. You can also try using a motion-activated sprayer to deter your cat from approaching the toilet.

What to do if your cat is drinking toilet water?

If your cat is drinking toilet water regularly, it’s important to take steps to prevent this behavior. However, if your cat is already experiencing health problems due to drinking toilet water, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Here are some tips for dealing with a cat who is drinking toilet water:

  • Keep the toilet lid closed. This is the most important step in preventing your cat from drinking toilet water.
  • Provide your cat with fresh, clean water. Make sure the water bowl is in a location where your cat can easily access it, and refill it regularly.
  • Try using a different type of water. Some cats prefer to drink filtered or bottled water. You can also try adding a little bit of milk or broth to your cat’s water to make it more appealing.
  • Discourage your cat from drinking toilet water. If you catch your cat drinking from the toilet, scold them and immediately remove them from the area. You can also try using a motion-activated sprayer to deter your cat from approaching the toilet.
  • Take your cat to the vet. If your cat is already experiencing health problems due to drinking toilet water, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Drinking toilet water can be dangerous for cats, so it’s important to take steps to prevent this behavior. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your cat healthy and hydrated.

Why Do Cats Drink Toilet Water?

There are a few reasons why cats might drink toilet water.

  • Thirst. If your cat has access to fresh water, but they are still drinking from the toilet, it is possible that they are simply thirsty. Make sure that your cat has a clean bowl of water available at all times, and that the water is fresh and cool.
  • Taste. Some cats enjoy the taste of toilet water, as it can be cold and refreshing. If your cat is only drinking toilet water when fresh water is available, it is possible that they simply prefer the taste.
  • Medical conditions. If your cat is drinking excessive amounts of water, or if they are drinking from the toilet even when fresh water is available, it is possible that they have a medical condition. Some medical conditions that can cause excessive thirst include diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism. If you are concerned that your cat may have a medical condition, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.

How Can I Stop My Cat From Drinking Toilet Water?

There are a few things you can do to discourage your cat from drinking toilet water.

  • Keep the toilet lid closed. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent your cat from drinking toilet water.
  • Place a water fountain in your home. Cats are attracted to running water, so a water fountain can provide them with a more appealing alternative to toilet water.
  • Clean the toilet regularly. If your cat is drinking toilet water because it tastes bad, cleaning the toilet regularly can help to improve the taste of the water and make it less appealing to your cat.
  • Talk to your vet. If you are concerned that your cat may have a medical condition, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet can recommend treatment options for any underlying medical conditions that may be causing your cat to drink excessively.

Can Toilet Water Be Harmful to Cats?

In most cases, toilet water is not harmful to cats. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Toilet water can contain bacteria. If your cat drinks toilet water that contains bacteria, they could get sick. Some of the bacteria that can be found in toilet water include E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause a variety of illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Toilet water can contain chemicals. Some toilet cleaners and disinfectants contain chemicals that can be harmful to cats if ingested. If your cat drinks toilet water that contains chemicals, they could get sick. Some of the chemicals that can be found in toilet cleaners and disinfectants include bleach, ammonia, and phenol. These chemicals can cause a variety of illnesses, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and poisoning.

Overall, it is best to discourage your cat from drinking toilet water. By keeping the toilet lid closed, providing your cat with fresh water, and cleaning the toilet regularly, you can help to keep your cat healthy.

there are a number of reasons why cats may drink toilet water. These include: curiosity, thirst, a need for electrolytes, and a desire to clean themselves. While it is generally not harmful for cats to drink small amounts of toilet water, it is important to make sure that the water is clean and free of chemicals. If you are concerned about your cat drinking toilet water, there are a number of things you can do to discourage this behavior, such as keeping the toilet lid closed, providing fresh water at all times, and giving your cat a water fountain.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.