Why Does My Cat Drink From the Toilet? (A Guide to Understanding and Stopping This Behavior)

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Why Does My Cat Drink From the Toilet?

If you’ve ever come home to find your cat lapping up water from the toilet, you’re not alone. This is a common behavior among cats, and there are a number of reasons why they might do it.

In this article, we’ll explore the different reasons why cats drink from the toilet, and we’ll offer some tips on how to discourage this behavior. We’ll also discuss the potential health risks associated with toilet water, and we’ll provide some advice on how to keep your cat hydrated in a safe and healthy way.

So if you’re wondering why your cat is drinking from the toilet, read on for the answers!

| Reason | Symptoms | Treatment |
|—|—|—|
| Curiosity | Licking lips, pawing at the toilet, or drinking from the toilet | Discourage the behavior by covering the toilet bowl with a lid or putting a motion-activated air freshener near the toilet |
| Thirst | Excessive drinking, urinating more often, weight loss | Take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical conditions |
| Stress | Restlessness, hiding, aggression, changes in appetite | Help your cat feel more relaxed by providing them with a safe and comfortable space, giving them plenty of attention, and playing with them regularly |

Possible reasons why your cat drinks from the toilet

There are a few possible reasons why your cat might be drinking from the toilet.

Curiosity

One possibility is that your cat is simply curious about the toilet. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may be attracted to the toilet bowl because it is a new and interesting object. They may also be curious about the water that is coming out of the toilet, and they may want to drink it to see what it tastes like.

Lack of fresh water

Another possibility is that your cat is drinking from the toilet because it does not have access to fresh water. If your cat’s water bowl is empty, or if the water is dirty or stagnant, your cat may be more likely to drink from the toilet.

Toxins in the toilet water

It is also possible that your cat is drinking from the toilet because it is attracted to the toxins in the water. Cats are attracted to the smell of ammonia, which is a common ingredient in toilet bowl cleaner. They may also be attracted to the smell of other chemicals that are used in toilet cleaning products.

Behavioral problems

Finally, it is possible that your cat is drinking from the toilet because of a behavioral problem. Some cats may develop a habit of drinking from the toilet if they are not properly trained. Other cats may drink from the toilet as a way to express their anxiety or stress.

How to discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet

If you are concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behavior.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times

The first step is to make sure that your cat has access to fresh water at all times. This means providing your cat with a clean water bowl that is filled with fresh water. You should also make sure that the water bowl is in a location where your cat can easily access it.

Clean the toilet regularly

Another step you can take is to clean the toilet regularly. This will help to remove any toxins or chemicals that may be attracting your cat to the toilet. You should also make sure to rinse the toilet bowl thoroughly after each use.

Use a toilet lock

If you have tried the above steps and your cat is still drinking from the toilet, you may want to consider using a toilet lock. A toilet lock is a device that prevents the toilet from being flushed. This will make it impossible for your cat to drink from the toilet.

Place a water fountain in your home

Finally, you may want to consider placing a water fountain in your home. Water fountains provide cats with a more stimulating way to drink water. They also help to keep the water cool and fresh, which may be more appealing to your cat.

If you are concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behavior. By making sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, cleaning the toilet regularly, using a toilet lock, and placing a water fountain in your home, you can help to keep your cat healthy and safe.

Here are some additional tips for discouraging your cat from drinking from the toilet:

  • Don’t scold your cat for drinking from the toilet. Scolding your cat will only make it afraid of you, and it will not stop the behavior.
  • Try to identify what is attracting your cat to the toilet. Is it the smell of the water? The sound of the water? The sight of the water? Once you know what is attracting your cat, you can take steps to discourage the behavior.
  • Be patient. It may take some time to discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.

With a little patience and effort, you can discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet. By doing so, you can help to keep your cat healthy and safe.

Why Does My Cat Drink From The Toilet?

There are a few reasons why your cat might be drinking from the toilet. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Dirty water bowl: If your cat’s water bowl is dirty, they may not be getting enough fresh water to drink. This can lead them to seek out other sources of water, such as the toilet.
  • Lack of fresh water: If your cat doesn’t have access to fresh water, they may be more likely to drink from the toilet. Make sure you provide your cat with a clean water bowl that is filled with fresh water at all times.
  • Thirst: Cats are naturally attracted to water, and they will drink from any source that is available. If your cat is feeling thirsty, they may be more likely to drink from the toilet.
  • Boredom: Some cats drink from the toilet out of boredom. If your cat doesn’t have enough to do, they may start looking for other ways to entertain themselves.
  • Medical problems: In some cases, a cat may drink from the toilet because of a medical problem. For example, a cat with kidney disease may drink more water than usual in order to flush out toxins from their body.

If you’re concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Once you’ve ruled out any medical problems, you can start working on preventing your cat from drinking from the toilet.

What to do if your cat is still drinking from the toilet

If your cat is still drinking from the toilet after you’ve taken them to the vet and ruled out any medical problems, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent them from doing it.

  • Keep the toilet lid closed at all times. This is the most effective way to prevent your cat from drinking from the toilet. If you can’t keep the toilet lid closed, you can try using a childproof toilet lock.
  • Make sure your cat’s water bowl is full and fresh. Cats are naturally attracted to water, so it’s important to make sure they have access to a clean water bowl that is filled with fresh water at all times.
  • Provide your cat with plenty of opportunities to play and explore. Cats are curious creatures, and they need plenty of opportunities to play and explore. If your cat is bored, they may be more likely to drink from the toilet.

If you’ve tried all of these things and your cat is still drinking from the toilet, you may need to talk to your vet about behavioral training options.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your cat from drinking from the toilet is to keep the toilet lid closed at all times. If you can’t keep the toilet lid closed, you can try using a childproof toilet lock. You should also make sure your cat’s water bowl is full and fresh, and that they have plenty of opportunities to play and explore.

Here are some additional tips for preventing your cat from drinking from the toilet:

  • Place the toilet in a room that your cat doesn’t have access to.
  • Use a motion-activated air freshener or a water-activated deterrent spray near the toilet to discourage your cat from drinking from it.
  • Train your cat to stay away from the toilet by using positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement.

If you’re concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, it’s important to talk to your vet to rule out any medical problems. Once you’ve ruled out any medical problems, you can start working on preventing your cat from drinking from the toilet.

If your cat is drinking from the toilet, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Once you’ve ruled out any medical problems, you can start working on preventing your cat from drinking from the toilet by keeping the toilet lid closed at all times, making sure your cat’s water bowl is full and fresh, and providing your cat with plenty of opportunities to play and explore.

Why Does My Cat Drink From The Toilet?

There are a few reasons why your cat might be drinking from the toilet.

  • The water in the toilet is fresh and clean.** Cats are very particular about their water, and they may prefer the taste of the water in the toilet over the water in their bowl.
  • The toilet is at a comfortable height for your cat to drink from.** Cats like to be able to reach their water easily, and the toilet bowl is often the perfect height for them.
  • Your cat may be attracted to the sound of running water.** Cats are naturally attracted to running water, and they may be drawn to the sound of the water running from the toilet.
  • Your cat may be trying to get your attention.** If you’re not giving your cat enough attention, they may try to get your attention by drinking from the toilet.

What can I do to stop my cat from drinking from the toilet?

There are a few things you can do to stop your cat from drinking from the toilet.

  • Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.** Keep your cat’s water bowl filled with fresh water, and make sure it’s in a location that’s easy for your cat to reach.
  • Raise the toilet seat so your cat can’t reach the water.** If you can’t raise the toilet seat, you can also try using a toilet lid lock.
  • Add a citrus scent to the toilet bowl.** Cats don’t like the smell of citrus, so you can try adding a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil to the toilet bowl.
  • Teach your cat to drink from a water fountain.** Water fountains provide a continuous source of fresh, clean water, and they can be a great way to encourage your cat to drink more water.

Is it dangerous for my cat to drink from the toilet?

In most cases, it’s not dangerous for your cat to drink from the toilet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • The water in the toilet may contain bacteria.** If your cat drinks from the toilet, they may be exposed to bacteria that can cause illness.
  • The water in the toilet may contain chemicals.** If your cat drinks from the toilet, they may be exposed to chemicals that can cause illness.

If you’re concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine if there’s anything you need to be concerned about.

Additional tips

  • If you’re having trouble getting your cat to stop drinking from the toilet, you may want to consider taking them to the vet.** There could be an underlying medical condition that’s causing your cat to drink excessively.
  • Be patient.** It may take some time to get your cat to stop drinking from the toilet. Just keep at it, and eventually you’ll be successful.

there are a number of reasons why your cat might be drinking from the toilet. It could be due to a lack of fresh water, a medical condition, or simply a habit. If you’re concerned about your cat’s toilet drinking, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems. You can also try to make your cat’s water more appealing by adding a bit of flavor or by using a different type of water bowl. With a little effort, you can help your cat break the habit of toilet drinking and keep them healthy and hydrated.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Cats drink from the toilet for a variety of reasons, including a lack of fresh water, a medical condition, or simply a habit.
  • If you’re concerned about your cat’s toilet drinking, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
  • You can also try to make your cat’s water more appealing by adding a bit of flavor or by using a different type of water bowl.
  • With a little effort, you can help your cat break the habit of toilet drinking and keep them healthy and hydrated.

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.