Why do my cats prefer rain and snow water over tap or purified?

Sweetie is doing something that is extremely common in cats. Some cats (and dogs) simply prefer to drink water that is in motion versus stagnant in a bowl. If you prefer that your cat does not drink from a dripping faucet but she refuses to drink from the regular bowl, many pet stores sell water fountains that continually cycle the water. This is often the best solution for cases like one you are describing. In terms of the safety of the water, this is hard for me to speculate about. If the water is safe enough for you or your family to drink, it is almost certainly safe enough for Sweetie. If your water source is coming from a well or spring and is not routinely tested, use of a bottled or distilled water may be a safer option.

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!

You have nothing to worry about, my cats are exactly the same, they will prefer every other option that seems to be fresher than their bowls, i tried a fountain bowl for a while but it never really replaced their need to drink from wherever they could.

Hello! Cats are inherently picky, but one of my dogs also refuses to drink water that doesn't have ice, so I feel your pain. I've learned to laugh it off and keep on top of ice trays in my freezer. It's totally fine to give Jackie ice water. They have the same internal heating and cooling mechanisms we do, so it's likely that she is enjoying the cold water for the same reasons we do- it's hot out, more refreshing, etc. :) I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Tap water should be fine to be honest. It would not hurt to use bottled water but it is not necessary unless you are concerned about the quality of the tap water where you live. Have a good night!

Cats actually prefer to drink from running water. I suggest you get her a water/drinking fountain: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/SearchDisplay?categoryId=&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=&beginIndex=0&pageSize=48&fromPageValue=search&searchKeyword=&searchTerm=water+fountain )

It maybe the dog bowl is bigger or the edge of the bowl is different. I’d try a different water bowl for him to find one he likes better. Cats can be fussy but I’m sure he’ll drink out of a different type of bowl. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Oliver.