If your cat has been drinking from the toilet, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat drink from the toilet? Likely reasons why your cat drinks from the toilet are that your cat does not consider it to be dirty, there is a problem with your cat’s water bowl or that your cat is very thirsty.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat will drink from the toilet and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my cat drink from the toilet?
Below are likely reasons why your cat would do it and what would make each of them more likely.
Thirst
The cause could be that your cat is very thirsty. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when they do not have access to clean water elsewhere.
It might also be due to a health issue which would be more likely if your cat has been drinking a lot of water suddenly and if your cat has been behaving unusually in other ways. In this case, it would be the best option to take your cat to a vet.
Nature
The bottom line when it comes to cats drinking toilet water, as though you’ve never given them a drink a day in their life, is that cats are scavengers.
You have genetics to thank for this behavior, as the domestic cat is instinctually inclined to look for food and water even though we take care of those needs for them. When your cat happens upon a puddle, pond, lake, or toilet, they may attempt to take in as much water as possible to stay hydrated. The instinct is to take in food and water when to opportunity arises.
Your cat does not have access to water elsewhere
Another possible cause is that your cat does not have access to water elsewhere. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it more when they do not have access to a water bowl.
Your cat does not consider it to be dirty
It could also be the case that your cat does not consider the water as being dirty. This would be more likely if your cat drinks from the toilet when it is only water that is in the toilet.
There is a problem with your cat’s water bowl
It might also be the case that your cat thinks there is a problem with the water in their water bowl. It could be the case that your cat does not like the bowl, your cat thinks the water is stale or that there are other pets preventing your cat from getting to it.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always drunk from the toilet
If your cat did not always drink toilet water, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If your cat started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as something causing your cat not to want to drink from their bowl or something causing your cat to be a lot thirstier than usual.
The timing of when your cat drinks from the toilet
It would also help to consider if there is a certain time that your cat seems to drink toilet water since the timing might have something to do with it. For example, if your cat tends to do it more when there are other pets near your cat’s water bowl, your cat might be trying to avoid them.
How to get my cat to stop drinking from the toilet?
Below are some options you have when preventing the behavior.
Keep the seat down
The first thing to do would be to simply keep the toilet seat down or to prevent your cat from getting into the bathroom.
Clean your cat’s bowl
If you have not cleaned your cat’s bowl recently, it might be the case that your cat thinks that it is dirty. In this case, it could help to try cleaning the bowl or replacing the bowl.
Put the bowl elsewhere
It might also help to try placing your cat’s bowl in a different location. This would be especially worth trying if you also have a dog since your cat might be trying to avoid it.
Get help
If your cat has been drinking toilet water excessively, it might be the case that it is due to a medical cause. In this case, it would help to take your cat to a vet for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat.
Is it ok for cats to drink out of the toilet?
If cats drink water when it is only water that is in the toilet, it will usually be ok. However, if it is not only water that is in the toilet, it can result in the cat getting sick and the behavior should be prevented.