Expert: Tina - 9/10/2008

Question
Why does my kitten refuse to drink from his water bowl? He never has! Instead, he drinks from any other water source he can (fish tank, drinking glass, bathtub...). He seems to have a compulsion about it.

Answer
Hi Lori,

There could be several reasons. First, cats prefer very fresh, cool water. They also do not like the taste of plastic, so if his water bowl is plastic he may prefer the glass, tub (porcelin) etc. In that case try using one of your regular ceramic bowls or buy him a ceramic dish of his own. Also be sure to dump the water, rinse the dish and put fresh water in at least once per day. No one likes to drink stale, flat water! I have 3 water dishes so I can just dump the water, put it in the dishwasher and fill a fresh bowl, always rotating them.

Also, if the bowl is too deep and/or narrow it might not be the size and shape he prefers. Try a wide, shallow bowl or a narrow, deep bowl and see what he likes.

I also recommend feeding your cat canned food only - no dry food. You can mix extra water in his canned food to make sure he gets enough water. Cats that do not drink enough water are at risk for urinary tract problems.