A cat drinking out of the toilet may not be pleasant, but it does happen. If you have a cat that likes to drink outside the bathroom, you probably have questions, such as, “Why me?!”
We are here to help. Here are the reasons why your cat may be drinking toilet water and tips for stopping this behavior.
The 6 Vet-Approved Reasons Why Cats Drink Out of the Toilet
Let’s first discuss why cats drink outside the toilet. It is always best to understand the behavior before trying to change it. Here are six possible reasons:
1. They Don’t Think It’s a Toilet
While some cats are savvy to the purpose of the giant water fountain in the bathroom, many cats don’t necessarily equate our bathroom with their litter box. Therefore, the idea of drinking from this water supply seems completely reasonable.
2. Cooler Water
Toilets are usually made of porcelain, which works well at keeping the water cold. Many cat water bowls are made of plastic, glass, or ceramic, and these materials do not keep water as cold as porcelain.
3. Fresh water
For us, toilet water is as far as water gets, but for cats, it can be fresher than what they have in their water bowl.
Constant flushing causes oxygenation of the water, which helps freshen the water supply, making it more attractive for pets.
4. Pure Fascination
We all know how curious cats are, so it’s no wonder they’re fascinated by watching the water swirl in the gutter.
If your cat seems interested in water (such as when playing in the bowl or when running from a faucet), it is likely that he is also interested in playing with water in the toilet, which may lead to him drinking it.
5. Location, Location, Location
When cats drink, they often feel exposed. Your toilet bowl can be in a nice, low traffic area where they can keep their back to the wall while having a quiet drink. Check the location of your cat’s food and water – if they are in a busy location, or they may feel exposed while drinking, it may be worth considering a new place.
6. Health Issues
Polydipsia (excessive water intake) can be a sign of several health conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, infection, or hyperthyroidism. If your cat is constantly looking for water, the toilet bowl is as good a place as any. Cats with polydipsia tend to drink wherever they can find water; the toilet, leaking faucets, puddles, showers, or drinking glasses.
If you suspect that your cat may be polydipsic, make an appointment for a veterinary check up. They will likely want to do blood and urine tests to see what is causing your cat’s increased thirst.
8 Ways to Stop Your Cat from Drinking From the Toilet
1. Know the Water Temperature
Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in your toilet – don’t forget to disinfect it thoroughly afterwards! You can then compare this temperature to your cat’s drinking water, and see if you need to cool things down. The easiest way to achieve this is by using ceramic bowls placed in areas that remain shaded throughout the day, and refresh the water at least once a day. In hot conditions, an ice cube or two can really make a difference.
2. Try a New Location
Consider the location of your cat’s water bowl – is it in a busy area? Is it just next to their food bowl? Do they feel weak when drinking?
When cats drink and eat, they can feel exposed, so place their bowls in a quiet location where they can keep an eye on their surroundings.
Cats can also avoid water bowls that are right next to their food. This comes from their wild ancestry, where they would avoid water that might be contaminated by a carcass, so separate their water bowl from their food bowls by at least 2-3 feet.
3. Offer Multiple Bowls of Water
A Royal Canin study found that cats preferred to drink from different water sources. This means that you should place several bowls of water in different places around the house.
This study also found that most cats preferred small drinking bowls measuring 6 inches or smaller. Either way, placing bowls in different locations will give your cat better options than the bathroom.
4. Keep the Bowls Clean
It is important to keep your cat’s water bowl(s) clean. This means washing the bowls every day and filling them to the brim with fresh, clean water. Cleaning them twice a day will be better.
If the water is stagnant, your cat will not want to drink it and it will love the toilet. Use unscented soap and give the bowls a thorough rinse.
5. Buy Porcelain Bowls
Since toilets are made of porcelain and are very good at keeping the water cold, consider getting a porcelain water bowl for your cat. Make sure to clean it every day.
If this doesn’t seem to make much of a difference, try other bowls made of different materials; stainless steel, ceramic, or glass are all good choices.
6. Try the Water Fountain
Since cats are attracted to running water, a good option is to get a cat water fountain. Water is in constant circulation, allowing for oxygenation. A fountain is a great choice for cats that only want to drink from running faucets. It will also be easier than keeping multiple bowls that require a lot of cleaning around your home. Get a sturdy and quiet fountain that won’t topple easily.
7. Close the Cover
The simplest solution is to keep the toilet lid closed. After all, most toilets have lids, meant to keep the water covered. In fact, it is highly recommended that you always close the lid before you flush. Research shows that putting a toilet lid on before blushing reduces airborne particles by 50% . Make sure everyone in your home follows the same rules. Place a sign if necessary!
8. Play with Your Cat
Your cat may be bored, so they decide to play and drink from the toilet. If you play with your cat often and give them interactive toys, such as kicker toys and puzzle feeders, your cat may be less attracted to the bathroom.
What’s Wrong with Letting Your Cat Drink From the Toilet?
Your toilet bowl can become home to bacteria and other pathogens, more than anything else E. coli, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which can make your pet sick. In addition to harmful microorganisms, the products we use to clean our toilet bowls can also be harmful. Bleach and other detergents can cause mild to severe reactions if ingested, and this is a particular hazard with products that remain in the bowl, such as bleach tablets or hanging toilet cleaner.
Conclusion
Your best bet is to simply close your toilet lid before you flush, every time. This will prevent your cat from getting into the water, and you won’t spread germs and bacteria around. Remember to make sure everyone else in the household is doing the same, which we know can be a battle in itself!
But if your cat seems more than a little interested in the water in the bathroom, it’s worth paying attention and finding out why. Water fountains are often the best way to keep your cat drinking their own water instead of dipping into your toilet bowl, but make sure you put it somewhere quiet, away from their food, and where they can observe their surroundings.
If not, try using different bowls in multiple locations, and clean and refill them twice a day. One of these ideas will definitely work, and hopefully, you saw your cat drink from the toilet for the last time!
If your cat seems to be drinking more than usual, contact your vet, as there may be a serious reason why.
Featured Image Credit: Vera Aksionava, Shutterstock
