Will your cat get sick after drinking water from the toilet bowl?

Answer 1

== == * Cats are at best a mystery and just like people they can have habits. Cats drinking from a toilet bowl (some dogs do this as well) is because the water is cold! Even though you may put fresh water down once a day doesn't mean the water remains cold. I change my cat's water twice a day with cold, bottle water out of a cooler. In order to get your cat to stop doing this, buy a clear glass round bowl (low enough for your cat to be able to drink from (5 - 6 " high) and put flat colored stones inside (I buy these at any craft shop like 'Michael's Crafts' (also in the U.S.) Then pick up your cat to show them, dip your finger in the water and put it on their lips. The colors fascinate them and they will then start drinking from the bowl. Change the water twice a day and place on a high area such as an old table, etc. Cats unlike dogs prefer to be on high places. Dogs drink from their dish on the floor, but cats prefer everything up higher. * You might want to try investing in a cat water filter fountain. Most cats LOVE running water. The water is filtered and as it pours out of the fountain, the bubbles it creates in the bottom keep oxygen flowing in the water. Also, like Marcy said, change your water every day no matter what. Here is an example of one: http://www.petco.com/product/8820/Drinkwell-Pet-Fountain-for-Cats.aspx

* You can also try and get the habit of putting the toilet cover down and closing the door to the bathroom and give the water bowl out where it's cooler (I leave it next to the kitchen ventilation - with A.C. running and stainless steel bowl, the water's usually kept cold. then I changed over to the drink well fountain. My cat loves it.

Answer 2

There is no 'real' answer to that question. Some cats are just picky like that. I have a cat like that as well. He drinks everywhere else -- except his water bowl. It could mean that he/she is a very clean animal and there could be too much fur, etc in the bowl or it could possibly mean that you might not clean the bowl out as often as it would like you too. Try emptying the old water out, cleaning the bowl, and of course adding new water in and see how he/she does with that. Answer I had the problem with my male cat refusing to drink water from his water bowl. It's partially because he keeps pawing the water(which is a normal behavior - sometimes they can't see the water surface, and instead of choosing to get their face wet to find out, they paw it to find out the water surface), and stuff from their paws all get into the water. Sometimes they drag over their dry food and throw them in the water to soften it. and their hair starts getting into water bowl. I try to clean it as much as possible, but one day he just stopped drinking and hold his thirst till I wash my hands at bathroom sink or something. I read from somewhere that male cats are more susceptible to urinary tract infection type thing, and they're more insistent on drinking RUNNING water... So I got the drink well fountain water (it filters too!) and my cat's been very happy with it ever since ^_^

Answer 3

There is no reason for your cat to defecate inside the water bowl. Cats normally like to defecate in litter or sand. Try removing the water bowl during the day and only putting it out when you are there to watch the cat.

Answer 4

Cats are incredibly fussy when it comes to water. Most will only the freshest water available, which is why many favour toilet water. Toilet water is constantly being flushed and refreshed throughout the day. This is also the reason why some cats will only drink water straight from the tap.

Another way to increase water intake is feed wet food regularly, or purchase a pet water fountain. A running tap or fountain keeps water constantly moving and fresh, and both methods are very successful in enticing a cat to drink more water.

Answer 5

It might. It depends on your own levels of hygiene and whether you keep the toilet bowl clean and flished! It also depends on whether you use lots of bleaches and cleaning agents, which would be really bad and really dangerous for a cat.

A simple solution would be to keep the lid down.

Answer 6

Yes if there is no added chemicals, bleach, or chlorine, and the water is clean. It can be messy though. A proper water bowl is a better idea.