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Is tap water safe for cats? Why does my cat drink from the faucet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

Is it okay to give cats just tap water? My cat sometimes drinks from a drip in the tub is that okay?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2017

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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