At OMNI PETLIFE Pet Labs we found that when we put a small pet feeder and a automatic pet drinking fountain together, the cats would not drink next to the small pet feeder. If you replace the small pet feeder with a regular cat bowl. Again, the cat will not drink. Why is this? Why don't cats drink next to their food?
There are several reasons why cats may not prefer to drink water next to their food:
1. Wild Instincts: Cats are descendants of wild animals, and in the wild, they tend to drink water away from their prey and food sources to avoid contaminating the water. This natural instinct may carry over to domestic cats, leading them to prefer drinking water at a distance from their food.
2. Sense of Smell and Taste: Cats have highly sensitive senses of smell and taste. They may detect the smell or taste of food residue in the water next to their food, which could discourage them from drinking from the automatic pet drinking fountain placed nearby.
3. Separation of Water and Food Aids Digestion: Some cats may believe that keeping water and food separate aids in better digestion. In the wild, cats may eat first and then seek a water source for drinking.
4. Behavioral Factors: Some cats may naturally prefer cleanliness and may not want to have their food and water sources placed together. Additionally, cats are creatures of habit, and they may be accustomed to drinking from a specific location and continue this behavior.
If your cat is not inclined to drink water next to its food, you can try the following methods to encourage them to drink:
1. Ensure Clean and Fresh Water: Regularly change the automatic pet drinking fountain source and keep the automatic pet drinking fountain clean. Fresh water may be more appealing to cats.
2. Provide Multiple Water Sources: Offer multiple water bowls in different locations around your home to give your cat more choices.
3. Try Different Types of Bowls: Some cats may prefer certain types of water bowls, such as a automatic pet drinking fountain. Experiment with different bowl types to see which one attracts them more.
4. Ensure a Quiet and Clean Environment: Cats typically prefer to drink water in a quiet and clean environment. Make sure the area around the pet water fountain is free from noise or disturbances. At the same time, the operating noise of pet drinking fountains should not be ignored. Most pet drinking fountains operate at 30 decibels. The OMNI PETLIFE automatic pet drinking fountain operates at only 20 decibels. OMNI PETLIFE automatic pet drinking fountain creates a quiet and comfortable drinking environment for cats.
In conclusion, a cat's preference for not drinking water next to its food may be influenced by its natural instincts, sense of smell and taste, and behavioral factors. By providing clean, fresh water and trying different approaches, you can encourage your cat to drink more water and maintain its health and happiness.
