No matter how clean I keep my cat's water bowl or how often I refresh the water she'll still go straight outside and drink from a puddle after it has rained. I don't want her drinking dirty water, how can I stop her?
Regards
P
Dear P,
Your cat obviously likes drinking from puddles so the only way to stop her would be by removing the opportunity and as she obviously has access to the great outdoors that's only going to happen if you prevent her from going outside. We think having been used to going outside she'd find that quite stressful so let's look at ways to make the water you give her more attractive. If she's not thirsty when she goes out she might not be interested in that puddle!
Have you considered why she might like puddle water?
We're wondering if you've ever turned the tap on in your house and had a whiff of chlorine like swimming pool water, it does happen sometimes and us cats don't like the smell or taste of chemicals like that. You could try filtering the water that you give to your cat, that might make it more appealing to her.
Also you mention cleaning your cat's water bowl, which of course you should do to keep it fresh and bacteria free. But, what are you using to clean it? Some washing up liquids are quite scented and may be leaving a nasty, to cats, residue on the bowl. You have to remember that our feline sense of smell is very much stronger than your human one and that we dislike some of the smells you find pleasant. Please make sure to rinse the bowl thoroughly after washing it.
You could also make water more available to your cat by having several water bowls around your home rather than just the one.
We hope this helps, a puddle of fresh rainwater isn't going to hurt her but do make sure that it isn't contaminated. Puddles near cars may contain antifreeze or fuel & oil residue so be sure to prevent her drinking from those. Also if roads have been gritted during freezing conditions you should prevent her from drinking from the puddles during a thaw as they may contain rock salt which is poisonous to felines.
Hope this helps you P
Daphne and Lizzie
The Feline Agony Aunts
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