Why Is My Cat Suddenly Drinking From the Toilet?

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Drinking 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 problem that can have a few different causes. In this article, we’ll discuss why cats drink from the toilet, what you can do to stop it, and when you should see a vet.

We’ll start by taking a look at the different reasons why cats drink from the toilet. Then, we’ll discuss some tips on how to discourage this behavior. Finally, we’ll talk about when it’s time to see a vet.

Let’s get started!

| Why Is My Cat Suddenly Drinking From The Toilet? | Possible Causes | What to Do |
|—|—|—|
| Thirst | Your cat may be drinking from the toilet because it is thirsty. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as: | – Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
– Check your cat’s food and water bowls to make sure they are clean and full.
– If your cat is still drinking from the toilet after you have taken these steps, you may want to take it to the vet to rule out any medical problems. |
| Medical Problems | There are a number of medical problems that can cause your cat to drink excessively, including: | – Diabetes
– Kidney disease
– Cushing’s disease
– Hyperthyroidism
– Heart disease
– Liver disease | – Take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
– Follow your vet’s instructions for treatment. |
| Environmental Factors | Your cat may be drinking from the toilet because of environmental factors, such as: | – The toilet bowl is closer to your cat’s food and water bowls than the other water sources in your home.
– The toilet bowl is the only water source that is running.
– Your cat is attracted to the taste or smell of the toilet water. | – Move the toilet bowl further away from your cat’s food and water bowls.
– Provide your cat with other water sources, such as a water fountain or a bowl of fresh water.
– Clean the toilet bowl regularly to remove any odors that may attract your cat. |

It’s not uncommon for cats to drink from the toilet, but it can be a cause for concern if your cat suddenly starts doing it. There are a number of reasons why your cat might be drinking from the toilet, and some of them can be serious.

In this article, we will discuss the different causes of toilet drinking in cats, the risks associated with it, and what you can do to stop your cat from drinking from the toilet.

Causes of Toilet Drinking in Cats

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

  • Medical
  • Dehydration. If your cat is dehydrated, they may drink from the toilet in an attempt to get more fluids. Dehydration can be caused by a number of things, such as heatstroke, vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking enough water.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your cat’s body processes sugar. One of the symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst, which can lead to your cat drinking from the toilet.
  • Kidney disease. Kidney disease can also cause increased thirst, which can lead to your cat drinking from the toilet.
  • Urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections can cause your cat to feel the urge to urinate frequently, and they may drink from the toilet in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
  • Environmental
  • Lack of access to fresh water. If your cat doesn’t have access to fresh water, they may drink from the toilet out of necessity. Make sure that your cat has a clean bowl of fresh water available at all times.
  • Dirty water bowls. If your cat’s water bowl is dirty, they may not want to drink from it. Make sure to clean your cat’s water bowl regularly.
  • Stale water. If your cat’s water has been sitting out for a long time, it may not be fresh and appealing to your cat. Make sure to change your cat’s water regularly.
  • Behavioral
  • Curiosity. Some cats are simply curious about the toilet and want to see what it’s all about. They may start drinking from the toilet out of curiosity, and then they may develop a habit of doing it.
  • Boredom. If your cat is bored, they may drink from the toilet to entertain themselves. Try to provide your cat with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.
  • Attention-seeking. If your cat knows that you will react when they drink from the toilet, they may do it on purpose to get your attention. Try to ignore your cat when they drink from the toilet, and they will eventually learn that it doesn’t get them the attention they want.

Risks of Toilet Drinking in Cats

There are a number of risks associated with toilet drinking in cats, including:

  • Bacteria and parasites. Toilet water can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can make your cat sick. These bacteria and parasites can cause a variety of health problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and infections.
  • Chemicals. Toilet water can also contain chemicals that can be harmful to cats, such as bleach and toilet bowl cleaners. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, such as skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.
  • Drowning. Cats can drown if they fall into the toilet bowl. This is especially dangerous for kittens, who are small and can easily fit into the toilet bowl.

What You Can Do to Stop Your Cat from Drinking from the Toilet

If you’re concerned about your cat drinking from the toilet, there are a few things you can do to stop them.

  • Make sure that your cat has access to fresh water at all times. The best way to prevent your cat from drinking from the toilet is to make sure that they have a clean bowl of fresh water available at all times. The water should be changed regularly, and the bowl should be cleaned regularly.
  • Keep the toilet lid closed. If you can’t keep the toilet lid closed all the time, you can try putting a baby gate in front of the toilet to keep your cat out.
  • Discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet. If your cat is already drinking from the toilet, you can try to discourage them from doing it by using a variety of methods, such as:
  • Spraying your cat with water when they drink from the toilet.
  • Making a loud noise when they drink from the toilet.
  • Putting a bitterant in the toilet water.

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Why Is My Cat Suddenly Drinking From The Toilet?

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

  • Your cat may not have access to fresh water. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. The water should be clean and cool. If your cat’s water bowl is dirty or empty, it may start drinking from the toilet to get water.
  • Your cat may not like the taste of its water. Try adding a little bit of milk or broth to your cat’s water to make it more appealing. You can also try using a cat fountain to provide running water. Some cats prefer running water to still water.
  • Your cat may be bored. Cats are curious creatures and they like to explore their surroundings. If your cat is bored, it may start drinking from the toilet to entertain itself. Try playing with your cat with toys or treats to give it something else to do.
  • Your cat may have a medical condition. If your cat is suddenly drinking from the toilet and it is also showing other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, it may have a medical condition. Take your cat to the vet for a checkup to rule out any medical problems.

How to Prevent Toilet Drinking in Cats

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

  • Provide fresh water. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. The water should be clean and cool. If your cat’s water bowl is dirty or empty, it may start drinking from the toilet to get water.
  • Make your cat’s water more appealing. Try adding a little bit of milk or broth to your cat’s water to make it more appealing. You can also try using a cat fountain to provide running water. Some cats prefer running water to still water.
  • Redirect your cat’s attention. Play with your cat with toys or treats to give it something else to do. Give your cat attention when it’s not drinking from the toilet.

When to See a Vet

If you think your cat is drinking from the toilet because of a medical condition, take it to the vet for a checkup. The vet will be able to rule out any medical problems and recommend treatment if necessary.

If your cat is showing any of the following symptoms, take it to the vet immediately:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst

If your cat is suddenly drinking from the toilet, there are a few possible reasons why. You can try to prevent your cat from drinking from the toilet by providing fresh water, making your cat’s water more appealing, and redirecting your cat’s attention. If you think your cat is drinking from the toilet because of a medical condition, take it to the vet for a checkup.

Why is my cat suddenly drinking from the toilet?

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

  • The toilet water may be cleaner than their water bowl. Cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their water, and they may prefer the taste of toilet water over tap water or bottled water. If you’re not sure if your cat’s water bowl is clean enough, try cleaning it more often or replacing it with a new one.
  • The toilet water may be more refreshing. Cats like to drink running water, and the toilet provides a constant source of fresh water. If your cat’s water bowl is stagnant or doesn’t get used very often, they may be more likely to drink from the toilet.
  • Your cat may be thirsty. If your cat is not getting enough water, they may start drinking from the toilet to make up for the deficit. Make sure that your cat has access to fresh water at all times, and encourage them to drink by providing them with a variety of water bowls in different locations around the house.
  • Your cat may be trying to get your attention. If you’ve recently started ignoring your cat or spending less time with them, they may be trying to get your attention by drinking from the toilet. Try to spend more time with your cat and give them attention when they’re not drinking from the toilet.

How can I stop my cat from drinking from the toilet?

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

  • Keep the toilet lid closed. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent your cat from drinking from the toilet.
  • Place a water fountain in a central location. Cats love to drink running water, so a water fountain will provide them with a more appealing alternative to the toilet.
  • Clean the toilet bowl regularly. If your cat is drinking from the toilet because the water is dirty, make sure to clean the bowl more often.
  • Teach your cat to drink from a water bowl. You can do this by using positive reinforcement, such as giving your cat treats when they drink from their water bowl.

What if my cat is still drinking from the toilet after I’ve tried everything?

If your cat is still drinking from the toilet after you’ve tried everything, you may need to take them to the vet. There could be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cat to drink excessively, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Your vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.

there are a number of reasons why your cat may suddenly start drinking from the toilet. It could be due to a medical condition, a change in their environment, or simply a habit that they’ve picked up. 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 discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet by keeping the lid closed, providing them with fresh water, and making sure their litter box is clean.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Cats may drink from the toilet for a variety of reasons, including medical conditions, changes in their environment, 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 discourage your cat from drinking from the toilet by keeping the lid closed, providing them with fresh water, and making sure their litter box is clean.

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.