Why Cats Like Plant Water

Have you ever noticed your cat drinking from a vase or pot of plant water instead of their own bowl? While it may seem strange, there are several possible reasons as to why your feline friend prefers this type of water.

Curiosity

Cats are curious creatures by nature and enjoy exploring their environment. When they see a pot of water in a plant, they may be interested in investigating it. This can lead to them taking a drink out of curiosity rather than necessity.

Natural Instincts

Despite being domesticated, cats still possess many natural instincts. One of these is the desire to drink water from a moving source, such as a stream or river. Plant water can mimic this moving water as it often contains air bubbles and is refreshed by evaporation.

Aversion to Tap Water

Some cats may develop an aversion to tap water due to the chemicals and additives that are often present in it. This can lead them to seek out alternative sources of water, such as plant water, which may seem more natural to them.

Nutritional Benefits

While plant water itself does not provide any significant nutritional benefits to cats, it may be an indicator of a plant that contains nutrients that they need. Cats are instinctively drawn to plants that contain minerals such as calcium and potassium, so if they are drinking from plant water, it could be a sign that they are seeking out these nutrients.

Dehydration

In some cases, a cat may be drinking from plant water out of necessity rather than preference. If they are not receiving enough water from their regular sources, such as their bowl, they may seek out other sources of hydration to make up for it. In this case, it is important to ensure that your cat has access to clean and fresh water in their bowl at all times.

Tips for Cat Owners

If you have noticed that your cat is drinking from plant water frequently, there are steps you can take to ensure their health and wellbeing. First, make sure that you are providing them with a clean and fresh source of water in their bowl. This may involve changing the water several times a day, especially in warmer temperatures.

You may also want to consider offering your cat a variety of water sources, such as a small fountain or bubbler, to mimic the moving water that they are naturally drawn to. This can help encourage them to drink more water and reduce their reliance on plant water.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that any plants in your home are non-toxic to cats. Some plants can be harmful if ingested, so it is important to do your research before bringing a new plant into your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why cats may be drawn to drinking from plant water. Whether it is out of curiosity, instinct, or necessity, it is important for cat owners to provide their feline friends with a clean and fresh source of water to ensure their health and wellbeing.