Why Cats Chase Faucet Water

Cats are naturally drawn to running water, and indoor cats have little choice but a faucet stream. When a bowl isn’t cleaned daily, a cat may linger near the sink waiting for fresh water. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or liver disease can make a cat unusually thirsty; sudden increases in water intake should prompt a vet visit. Curiosity also fuels fascination with running water. A cat fountain can satisfy the need, but it must be cleaned thoroughly and its filter changed often to avoid mildew and bio-slime that could make a cat ill. The author favors stainless-steel and ceramic fountains, specifically the PawsPik Stainless Steel Fountain and the PawsPik Ceramic Serenity Fountain. Some cats, like the author’s Sweetie Pie, even learn to turn the faucet off while the owner is using it.
Key takeaways
- Cats naturally prefer moving water and may ignore a static bowl.
- Dirty bowls can lead cats to wait for faucet water.
- Excessive thirst may signal medical issues; see a vet.
- Cat fountains need regular cleaning and filter changes to stay safe.
- Stainless-steel and ceramic fountains are popular choices.
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Originally reported by Rita Reimers. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Ivan Babydov via Pexels.


