How to stop my cat from drinking toilet water and use his fountain?

Water fountains are a great item to have available for your cats! You are right! They may just need a little time to get used to the sounds of the fountain and the movement of the water. Let them explore I️t on their own and at their own pace for a few days. You can also give them positive reinforcement associated with the fountain- eg feed them their favorite treats when they are near the fountain or feed them their food close to the fountain. I️ hope they come around the fountain encourages them to drink often :).

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 )

Cats really prefer to dring from a water fountain or running water. Some (and I have two of those) will only drink from a running tap. He may be always thirsty because the tap is not running constantly and he thinks he needs to drink every time you turn it on for him. Make sure you put his water away from his food bowl (at least 6 feet) as cats do not like to drink water that was next to their food. If you think he is still drinking way too much I suggest you take him to your vet for a blood test checking kidney, liver and glucose parameters to rule out diabetes, kidney and liver 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.

That won't be harmful..my cat has been doing it for many years (!!) and there is no problem with it as long as the water is clear.. The only way would be to limit the access to the bathroom, but other than that is completely normal for cats to drink from different sources of water. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

The close up vision of cats is much weaker than their long distance vision and so, when they are right at their water dish, they can’t see the water level. In order to check where the water starts – or if there is even any water in the dish – they will move it to cause the water to ripple and splash. Once they are satisfied they know where the water is, then they will commence their drinking. That is my best guess. If you are not happy with this change in behavior you could always get her a drinking fountain to drink from. Most cats prefer to drink from running water so this may help. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-feeding-supplies/cat-waterers-fountains-and-accessories/catit-flower-cat-water-fountain )

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.