My outdoor cat drinks dirty water. How can I get her to drink fresh?

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!

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some cats do prefer to drink from running water so a pet fountain may be a good idea. But if she is drinking more than usual a visit to the vet is needed for possible bloodwork to rule out things like kidney disease.

Some cats will not drink still water. Try a small pet fountain to keep the water moving. Keeping Chase from bolting outside is a bit more difficult. It will require close supervision, especially when people enter or exit. Make sure doors latch shut and are secure. Check your property for anything that might be drawing her outdoors. If she seems stressed or anxious inside, try using a pheromone product such as Feliway spray or diffuser to enhance her calm.

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 )

I'd feed Cupquake canned food, or add some low sodium gently warmed chicken broth to her dry food. I'd also recommend getting her a pet water fountain. It provides a continuous source of fresh water, and encourages the cat to drink. I have one for my cats, and they love it. You can get one at a pet store. I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is somewhat expected to some extent though it is important to make sure she is drinking water so she does not get dehydrated. I would encourage her to drink and you may get more than 1 litter box to encourage her to use it. If she does not improve within 2-3 days, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment in case there is something else going on. Best of luck!