Why cats like potted plant water

Have you ever caught your cat sneakily sipping from a potted plant's water dish? It might seem odd, but there are a few reasons why our feline friends are drawn to the stagnant water in our potted plants.

The smell and taste

Potted plant water often contains traces of organic material, such as soil, fertilizer, and decomposing leaves. These compounds change the taste and smell of the water, making it more attractive to cats than the fresh, clean water in their bowl. Additionally, the water in potted plants is often stagnant, which can appeal to cats who prefer still water over running water.

Instinctual behaviors

Cats have a natural inclination to seek out standing water sources in the wild. In the wild, standing water may be less contaminated than running water. This behavior may be driven by an instinct to avoid drinking contaminated water that could make them sick. Drinking water from a potted plant may satisfy this instinctual behavior in indoor cats.

The temperature

Indoor plants are often kept in environments that are warmer than the rest of the house. This warmth can cause the water in the potted plant's dish to become slightly warmer, which may be more appealing to cats who prefer their water at room temperature or slightly above.

Preventing behavior

If you want to discourage your cat from drinking water from potted plants, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your cat always has access to clean water in a separate dish. Some cats are picky about the type of water they drink, so experiment with different sources and temperatures to see what your cat prefers.

You can also try covering the soil in your potted plants with rocks or decorative pebbles to discourage your cat from digging or drinking from the water dish. Finally, consider using a watering can to water your plants rather than filling a dish. This will reduce the amount of stagnant water available for your cat to drink.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats are drawn to potted plant water for several reasons, including smell, taste, instinctual behaviors, and temperature. While this behavior may seem odd, it is perfectly normal for indoor cats. If you wish to discourage this behavior, there are several steps you can take to provide your cat with clean, fresh water, and eliminate the stagnant water source in your potted plants.