Why a cat refuses to drink from a bowl: a veterinarian explained

02.09.2024 17:47
Updated: 27.09.2024 16:21

It is impossible to attribute all the quirks of a cat's behavior to the animal's freedom-loving and flighty character.

For example, many cat owners, including experienced ones, are still puzzled over the question of why the cat does not drink water from the bowl, but goes to the bathroom or somewhere else.

Felinologist and veterinarian Nikolai Leonov told the publication “ Veterinary Science and Life ” why this happens.

This is what cats do that live in the wild, stray animals and domestic cats too.

The behavioral peculiarity is explained by evolution. Domestic cats inherited the habit from their wild ancestors.

Cat
Photo: © Belnovosti

The reason is that wild cats' main prey is ungulates, so the bodies of water where these animals live are often polluted.

And cats - from small to large - prefer to drink clean running water. That's why they don't drink where they hunt or where they eat.

The expert also noted a kidney problem that develops in animals with age.

In this regard, cat owners need to ensure that their pet always has access to clean drinking water.

There is no point in placing a bowl of water next to the food. Often, food particles end up in the water, making it unsuitable for drinking.

Igor Zur Author: Igor Zur Internet resource editor