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Where There’s Water, There’s a Cat: Drinking Is More Than Just a Bowl on the Floor
Summer is the season when we start thinking about comfort—not just for ourselves, but for our furry companions as well. One question that concerns many pet owners is: how can we be sure our cat is drinking enough water? Because having a water bowl doesn’t always guarantee hydration.
A Troubling Discovery
The story began with a summer meetup on a hot day with my friend Catherine. Over a glass of refreshing lemonade, Catherine shared her concern: her cat Tobby was drinking very little water. She had always assumed that if a cat had a clean bowl of water, it would drink as much as it needed. But that summer, her confidence cracked.
We decided to conduct a little “mini-investigation”: we set up a measuring container and a hidden camera to monitor Tobby’s water intake.
Unexpected Results and a Hidden Habit
The outcome came quickly—and it was unexpectedly alarming. Only 30 ml of water per day, critically low for summer months, when the norm is about 40–60 ml per 1 kg of weight, not counting moisture from food. Visually, Tobby seemed alert and healthy, showing no obvious signs of dehydration.
Catherine continued watching her feline friend, trying different ways to encourage him to drink more. About a week later, she shared new insights from her ongoing observations.
Turns out, Tobby was regularly licking condensation off the back panel of the washing machine. He was drinking—but not from the obvious source. It was odd and a bit unsettling.
The Solution: It’s About Environment, Not Just Water
Catherine decided it was time for a new approach. She added a small water fountain to her home—not just as decoration, but as an invitation for her cat to explore and drink with pleasure.
Meanwhile, I pointed out that Tobby’s regular bowls were inconvenient: they slid across the floor, and with one sharp gulp, he could barely keep his position.
All the old bowls were replaced with wall-mounted dishes—placed at a comfortable height and securely fixed. When the next heatwave hit, Tobby drank eagerly—this time from bowls where the water didn’t “escape” with the dish. Within days, his daily intake rose to 90 ml, and he became noticeably more playful, calm, and energetic.
Key Things to Remember
- ❗ Your cat might not refuse water—they just avoid drinking when it’s uncomfortable or uninteresting
- 🌡️ In hot weather, it’s important to keep an eye on how much your cat is drinking
- 💡 Comfortable height, stable dishware, and a bit of sensory intrigue—these are the keys to healthy hydration habits
What About Your Cat?
Where does your cat prefer to drink? Have you noticed any “secret corners” they use that surprised you?
📸 Share your story or a photo—it could inspire other pet owners who want to make their homes truly cozy and caring for their beloved companions.