Why do cats prefer cold or ice water? Can they get brain freeze?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think so animals prefer the minerals in rain water and water from creeks and streams. Also it tends to be more aerated and cool. It just may a taste preference. I wouldn't worry too much about it. They will do fine with either type of water. I hope this helps!

I would only place a few ice cubes in the bowl so that your pet doesn’t get a brain freeze type headache. Otherwise it should be fine. Just also keep in mind that keeping your pet in the shade (if left outside), leaving inside of temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and providing fans are more effective methods of cooling off your pet. Best wishes with Hazel moving forward. Take care!

Hello, sorry to hear about Masha. Cats may sometimes prefer stale water, not fresh water. However, deepening on what Masha's diet is, she may be obtaining her water intake from any canned food you may be feeding her. Cats typically do not drink too much as they tend to gain their water needs through their food. Monitor for any lethargy, decrease in appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, and have her evaluated if you note any. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hello, its likely that Jackie is getting a substantial amount of water from the wet food she is being fed. This can indeed change the amount of free water Jackie consumes. Signs of problems with fleas, or GI disease may show more severe sings such as intense scratching, vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. As long as Jackie is not showing any of these sings, its likely that she is ok. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Try to avoid that as that water may cause her to get sick. This behavior should be avoided and if she does not drink that water she will then get thirsty and drink the cold water you offer her. Have a good night!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try and add in chicken broth to the water to see if this entices Miaya more to drink water. You will have to regularly change the water as the broth will spoil. I would change it out every 3 hours if you are going to do this. If she continues to not drink water, I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

That’s fine. Often we feed warm food to make it more appealing. If she likes it cold and is eating well then there is no problem. Just like us many people enjoy cold food especially when it’s warm out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Noushmc.