My cat is really vocal in a demanding way - why is this?
Asked by Moira H | 2 Answers
She is always shouting at me - usually for the tap to be turned on in the bath for her to drink. This happens all the time , even when I am in bed she will come and batter me to get up! She has been diagnosed with kidney problems and is on a special diet but still likes to drink water from the tap instead of her bowls that I have dotted around the house.
Unfortunately with kidney problems cats do naturally have an increased thirst.
Some cats just like running water, they don't like bowls because sometimes they see their refections or if the bowl is too small and they get their whiskers wet. They sell cat fountains on various internet sites that might help.
I have posted this link below which is for amazon and you can get cat fountains from there as well as other places
It sounds like your cat is letting you know she needs a drink, but from the medical problem you describe this may be frequent and therefore troublesome. I am sure our resident Vet, and your own Vet, can help with advice managing the symptoms from her kidney problems.
If these are making her thirsty she is probably needing to drink constantly and is displaying a preference for the bath tap water. Of course, as you know this your response to her vocalisation is to oblige by turning it on for her. She has learned that her needs can be fulfilled this way.
I wouldn't advise ignoring her needs as this could impact on her health and overall welfare and you should seek your Vet's advice first. Nevertheless I am wondering if you could install a 'running water' drinking fountain for her. These are available in pet shops or online quite easily and although they are not 'fresh' water as such, they do move the water and she might prefer this.
Along with your Vet's advice to help her as well, if they agree that providing this is a good idea, I would place the water fountain as near as possible to the bath tap at first so that drinking from this replaces drinking from the tap. The fountain might run from your mains supply so be careful to avoid any dangers of bathroom water and electricity together!
Once she is going to this location regularly and will drink from the fountain, you can move it very gradually or perhaps obtain another to place elsewhere in the home.
At the moment your cat feels she has only one water source and it is not unusual for cats to ignore water placed in bowls.
Best wishes and thanks for asking such a great question
Vet answer
Hi Moira
Unfortunately with kidney problems cats do naturally have an increased thirst.
Some cats just like running water, they don't like bowls because sometimes they see their refections or if the bowl is too small and they get their whiskers wet. They sell cat fountains on various internet sites that might help.
I have posted this link below which is for amazon and you can get cat fountains from there as well as other places
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=cat+water+fountains&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=6718095849&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9183876511346272749&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_5zb78vi15j_b
hope this helps
good luck :)
Expert answer
Hi Moira!
What a beautiful cat you have there.
It sounds like your cat is letting you know she needs a drink, but from the medical problem you describe this may be frequent and therefore troublesome. I am sure our resident Vet, and your own Vet, can help with advice managing the symptoms from her kidney problems.
If these are making her thirsty she is probably needing to drink constantly and is displaying a preference for the bath tap water. Of course, as you know this your response to her vocalisation is to oblige by turning it on for her. She has learned that her needs can be fulfilled this way.
I wouldn't advise ignoring her needs as this could impact on her health and overall welfare and you should seek your Vet's advice first. Nevertheless I am wondering if you could install a 'running water' drinking fountain for her. These are available in pet shops or online quite easily and although they are not 'fresh' water as such, they do move the water and she might prefer this.
Along with your Vet's advice to help her as well, if they agree that providing this is a good idea, I would place the water fountain as near as possible to the bath tap at first so that drinking from this replaces drinking from the tap. The fountain might run from your mains supply so be careful to avoid any dangers of bathroom water and electricity together!
Once she is going to this location regularly and will drink from the fountain, you can move it very gradually or perhaps obtain another to place elsewhere in the home.
At the moment your cat feels she has only one water source and it is not unusual for cats to ignore water placed in bowls.
Best wishes and thanks for asking such a great question
Karen