Why Does My Cat Drink From the Toilet?

You may be perplexed if your cat suddenly starts drinking from the toilet bowl, when he has a fresh bowl of water available. This is a common problem in cats, however, and may need further investigation to rule out a health issue--especially if he's never done this before.

  1. First Signs

    • Drinking from a toilet could indicate a health issue.

      Your cat may simply start taking his daily water from the toilet or another unusual source such as the fish bowl or garden pond, a muddy puddle outside, or straight from the faucet--even while it's running. It's important to notice whether your cat actually seems more thirsty. Take him to the veterinarian for a check-over if drinking increases, especially if it's combined with urinating more.

    Causes

    • There are many causes of drinking from toilets. Reasons may be behavioral or physiological. If it's behavioral it may be that he's developed a water fixation common in indoor breeds who lack mental stimulation. It's especially prevalent in Siamese, Burmese and Persians. Health issues causing toilet-drinking include diabetes, chronic kidney failure, thyroid problems or liver disease--all these create increased thirst.

    Diagnosis

    • Toilet-drinking isn't a healthy cat habit.

      If your cat seems lively and happy, and isn't showing increased drinking or urination--even if his toilet-drinking is undesirable--then this habit probably needs no further investigation. However, if he's excessively thirsty, urinating a lot or is generally unwell, your veterinarian will take blood and urine samples for analysis, looking at his kidneys, liver, urinary tract and general health. Your vet will also palpate the cat's kidneys for abnormalities.

    Avoiding Toilet-Drinking

    • A generally bright cat may just be fascinated by water.

      Whatever the cause of your cat drinking from the toilet, you will want to stop this habit as it is unhygienic for the cat and poses a risk to him because of cleaning products used in the bathroom. The obvious solution is closing the toilet lid or making the bathroom unavailable. If you cannot do this, stop using cleaning solutions and seek veterinary advice.

    Helpful Products

    • Supply an indoor cat water fountain available from pet retailers. These offer chilled, filtered water and inspire cats to drink more; they're also a source of feline amusement, so are a diversion from the toilet. Feed your cat a quality wet diet instead of dry, and ensure fresh water is given daily in a very clean bowl.