Why Do Cats not Like Their Water Next to Their Food? The Reason Revealed

Cats are really picky about their food and water. You’ll never see them drinking from the toilet or eating a dirty dish of food, but why? The answer may surprise you! Cats instinctively know that there could be bacteria in these areas which can make them sick.

Cats also have an instinctive aversion to anything that tastes bad or is unfamiliar to them. That’s why you’ll often see them sniffing their food or water before they take a drink.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why cats don’t drink water next to their food. We’ll also learn about some of the ways you can encourage your cat to drink more water.

Why Do Cats not Like Their Water Next to Their Food?

The simple answer to this question is that cats are not naturally hydration-seeking animals. In the wild, cats avoid standing water because it is often dirty and full of bacteria.

They get most of the water they need from their prey. This instinct carries over into domestic life, where many cats still refuse to drink from a bowl of clean water next to their food.

Some experts believe that this aversion to “contaminated” water is the reason why so many cats develop chronic dehydration. By understanding this natural behavior, cat owners can take steps to ensure their pets stay hydrated and healthy.

For example, they can place multiple water bowls around the house and encourage their cats to drink by adding a little bit of tuna juice or chicken broth to the water.

Should a Cat’s Water Be Away from Food?

The answer to this question depends on the preferences of your cat. Some cats prefer to have their water and food in separate areas, while others have no preference.

If you have more than one cat, it is generally recommended to keep the water and food in separate areas to avoid potential fights over resources.

Ultimately, the best way to determine where to place your cat’s water bowl is to observe your cat’s behavior and see what works best for them.

If they seem to prefer having their water and food in different areas, then it is probably best to accommodate their preferences. However, if they don’t seem to mind sharing a space, then there is no need to worry about it.

Cat Food and Water Bowls Next To Each Other

What if your cat has always taken its water bowl from wherever it was set but now refuses to drink? It’s conceivable that your cat acquired this practice suddenly as a result of one or more of the following:

Bowl’s Location:

It’s possible that your cat no longer feels comfortable drinking where the bowl is currently located. If the bowl has always been in a certain spot and your cat suddenly starts avoiding it, try moving it to a different location.

This is especially true if the current location is near something that has recently scared or stressed your cat out, like a loud noise or a new pet.

Bowl’s Material:

Cats can be picky about the material of their bowl, especially if they have sensitive whiskers. If you’ve recently switched to a new type of bowl, your cat may not like the way it feels on their whiskers and decide to avoid drinking from it.

Try switching back to the old bowl or get a new one made of a different material.

Bowl’s Cleanliness:

It’s important to clean your cat’s bowl regularly, as it can build up bacteria over time. If you think the bowl might not be clean enough, wash it with soap and water or put it in the dishwasher.

You should also rinse it out with hot water to remove any lingering soap residue.

Water Quality:

The quality of your tap water can also affect your cat’s willingness to drink from their bowl. If you’ve noticed your cat avoiding their water bowl, try filling it with filtered or bottled water and see if that makes a difference.

There are a number of reasons why your cat might not be drinking from their water bowl. By understanding some of the most common reasons, you can take steps to encourage them to drink more.

Why Do Cats Put Food in Their Water Bowl?

One of the most perplexing behaviors of cats is their insistence on putting food in their water bowl. While it may seem like a simple act of mischief, there are actually a few reasons why cats do this.

For one, cats are notoriously picky eaters, and they may be testing the water to see if it meets their standards. Cats also have a strong sense of smell, and they may be able to detect traces of food or other substances in the water that humans cannot.

Additionally, some experts believe that putting food in their water bowl is a way for cats to mark their territory. By leaving their scent on the water, cats can warn off other animals that might try to drink from their bowl. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that cats have a strange fascination with water and food.

Where Should I Put My Cat’s Water Bowl?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as every cat is different. The following are some of the finest locations in your home to install your cat’s water dish:

In the Kitchen:

The kitchen is a good place to put your cat’s water bowl because it is usually where their food is located. This can help cats make the association that water goes with food.

In the Bathroom:

Many people put their cat’s water bowl in the bathroom because it is a convenient location. However, some cats may be hesitant to drink from a bowl that is close to the toilet. If your cat seems uncomfortable drinking from a bowl in the bathroom, try moving it to another location.

Near their Sleeping Area:

Some cats like to have their water bowl close to where they sleep so they can access it easily during the night. If you notice that your cat is drinking more water at night, try placing their bowl in a location that is close to their bed.

Outside:

If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, it is important to provide them with a water source that is easily accessible. Try putting their bowl on the porch or in the yard so they can drink whenever they want.

There are several unique variables to consider when deciding where to put cat food and water bowls:

Space Out Water Bowls:

If you have more than one cat, it is important to space out their water bowls so that each cat has access to a bowl of fresh water.

Don’t Put the Water Bowl in a High Traffic Area:

Cats are naturally shy creatures, and they may not feel comfortable drinking from a bowl that is in a busy area of the house.

Find a Quiet Spot:

Try to find a place for the water bowl that is away from noise and commotion. Cats are sensitive to sound, and they may be put off by loud noises.

Choose a Stable Location:

It is important to choose a location for the water bowl that is not going to be disturbed by foot traffic or other activity. Cats like to have a sense of security, and they may not drink from a bowl that is in an unstable location.

Can Cats Share Water Bowls?

Cats are fastidious creatures, and they generally prefer to have their own space when it comes to eating and drinking. This means that putting multiple cats together in the same room can often lead to territorial disagreements over food and water bowls.

In some cases, this can be resolved by providing each cat with their own bowl, but in others, multiple bowls may not be practical or possible.

So, can cats share water bowls? The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. First of all, the bowl should be large enough that all of the cats can drink at the same time without getting in each other’s way.

Secondly, it’s important to keep the bowl clean to avoid the spread of disease. And finally, it’s a good idea to have a separate bowl for each cat if possible to avoid fights.

How You Can Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water?

If you have a cat, you know that they can be notoriously fussy about drinking water. In fact, many cats avoid drinking water altogether, which can lead to dehydration and a host of other health problems.

So, how can you encourage your cat to drink more water? One way is to offer them a variety of water sources. Cats typically prefer running water, so consider investing in a cat fountain.

You can also try adding a few drops of tuna juice or chicken broth to their bowl to make the water more appealing.

Another helpful tip is to place the bowl in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. Cats are often wary of drinking in open areas where they feel vulnerable, so give them a safe space to sip at their leisure.

Conclusion

Cats are unique creatures with their own set of preferences and behaviors. When it comes to their water bowls, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make sure they stay hydrated.

Spacing out multiple water bowls, keeping them clean, and choosing a stable location are all important factors. You can also encourage your cat to drink more water by offering a variety of water sources and making sure the bowl is in a safe, quiet spot.

By following these simple tips, you can help your cat stay healthy and hydrated for years to come.

Do you have any tips for keeping cats hydrated? Share them in the comments below!