Are These 18 Water Sources Safe for Your Cat?

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Can cats drink tap water?

In most places, tap water is perfectly safe for cats to drink. A good guideline to go with is that if the water is safe for the (local) humans to drink, it’s safe for cats to drink.  However, some cats may dislike the taste of chlorine in tap water, which may make them drink less. Luckily, a cat drinking fountain can help remove the chlorine odor faster, helping your cat to stay hydrated.

Can cats drink distilled water?

While cats can safely drink distilled water, there’s absolutely no need to serve this as their main water source. Distilled water lacks minerals that are normally present in drinking water, so if a cat drinks only distilled water for long periods, this may slightly affect their mineral balance. In most cases, clean tap water or filtered water is a better everyday option.

Can cats drink non-sparkling bottled water?

Absolutely. Bottled water is safe for cats as long as it’s plain, still water without any added flavors, even if the flavors come without calories. However, serving your cat bottled water daily would quickly add up, and in many places, clean tap water is just as safe and more practical.

Can cats drink sparkling water?

When cats get near a glass of fizzy water, they will usually get annoyed by the fizz hitting their sensitive nose and bolt. Even if your cat enjoys sparkling water, you still shouldn’t allow them to drink it. The carbonation can cause stomach discomfort and bloating, and some sparkling waters contain added minerals that could be harmful to your cat’s kidneys in the long run. Plain, fresh water is always the safest and healthiest choice.

Can cats drink coconut water?

Cats can drink small amounts of coconut water, but it’s not ideal as a regular drink. Coconut water contains natural sugars and high levels of potassium, which aren’t necessary for cats and can even upset their stomach, especially if consumed in large amounts. 

Can cats drink pond water?

Allowing your cat to drink from a pond is a bit of a gamble. While cats are more resistant to drinking dirty water than we are, pond water can contain bacteria, parasites, or even blue-green algae: a cyanobacterium that produces toxins extremely dangerous for pets. If your cat spends time outdoors, it’s best to provide fresh, clean water right outside your home so your feline friend will be less tempted to drink from ponds or other stagnant water sources.

Can cats drink from a puddle?

Puddles are a tad risky as you never know what’s in the water. Rainwater itself is perfectly safe for cats, but unhealthy substances such as pesticides or motor oil could have leeched into the puddle, making the water unsafe to drink. Luckily, cats are pretty good at gauging whether they should drink from a puddle, so there’s no need to panic when you spot your cat drinking from one. 

Can cats drink snowmelt?

It’s extremely risky to allow your cat to drink snowmelt. If you collected some snow for your cat to enjoy, there should be no problem, but not all snowmelt is safe. Melted snow can contain dirt, road salt, motor oil, or even antifreeze, which is deadly to cats, even in small amounts. If your cat spends time outdoors in winter, always provide fresh, clean water and regularly check it doesn’t freeze over.

Can cats drink water from a vase or plant saucer?

While most cats love taking a sip from plant saucers, it’s better not to let them. The water may contain fertilizer residue or chemicals that could upset their stomach. Allowing cats to drink from a vase isn’t safer either as some flowers’ pollen is extremely toxic to our feline friends. 

Can cats drink water from a creek or stream?

It’s usually okay for cats to drink from a small stream. Cats prefer running water as they instinctually know that it’s safer than standing water, though it could still contain toxins as you don’t know what happens upstream. If your cat is allowed outdoors, placing a bowl of fresh and clean water near the door will make your cat less likely to drink water from alternative sources.

Can cats drink well water?

Yes, cats can drink well water if it is safe for humans to drink. However, well water can sometimes contain higher levels of minerals or contaminants if it isn’t properly tested and maintained. If you serve your cat well water, it’s a good idea to test it regularly.

Can cats drink seawater?

While a popular myth claims that cats can survive on seawater, this isn’t true. Cats can indeed drink salt for a short time, but they still need fresh water to survive. Seawater contains very high levels of salt, which can lead to dehydration, vomiting, or salt poisoning. If you see your cat have a sip from some seawater there’s no need to panic, but your cat should always have access to plenty of fresh water as well. 

Can cats drink pool water?

Pool water often contains chemicals meant to keep the water clear for longer, which is why you shouldn’t allow your cat to drink from it. Swimming pools are usually kept clean using chlorine, salt, or other treatments that can irritate a cat’s stomach. A drinking fountain might keep your cat from drinking pool water, as cats love running water.

Can cats drink water from a fish tank?

While cats are often fascinated by aquarium fish, allowing your feline friend to drink the water isn’t a good idea. Fish tanks usually contain fish waste, bacteria, or chemicals used to treat the water, which aren’t ideal for your cat. It’s best to provide clean drinking water nearby so your cat will be less tempted to take a sip from the aquarium.

Can cats drink toilet water?

Even if your toilet looks spotless, you shouldn’t allow your cat to drink from it. Toilet water may contain bacteria, or worse, chemicals! Toilet cleaners are very, so keep the lid closed. This will also eliminate the risk of your poor feline friend taking a plunge and potentially drowning.

Can cats drink water running down the shower curtain?

Does your cat like to lick the water droplets running down the shower curtain? As long as both the water and the shower curtain are clean, this behavior is harmless and adorable to watch. Like any surface, shower curtains can however collect dirt, soap, and mold, so it’s still best to provide fresh, clean drinking water.

Can cats drink condensation?

Somehow, water droplets are irresistible to cats. Licking condensation on windows or pipes is usually harmless but be sure that the surface your cat likes to lick is clean. You don’t want your cat licking water from rusty pipes.

Can cats safely drink water shared with other cats?

Yes, cats can drink water that’s shared with other cats. However, shared bowls can sometimes spread bacteria or illness if one cat is sick. Providing multiple clean water bowls and refreshing the water daily helps keep all cats hydrated and healthy.