## The cat at the sink: a familiar scene

**Your cat**:
- Ignores the water bowl.
- Goes to the sink.
- Drinks from the faucet.

**"Strange" behavior**?

**No**: behavior is **instinctive** and perfectly sensible.

Let’s see why.

## Why they prefer the faucet

### Running water

**In nature**:
- Cats drink from streams, fountains.
- Stagnant water = bacteria.
- Running water = safer.

**Instinct**:
- Moving water = pure.

### Smell

**Cats have a developed sense of smell**:
- Stagnant water: odors of plastic, bowl.
- Running water: more "neutral."

### Vision

**Movement attracts**:
- Falling water is more visible.
- Stimulates interest.

### Temperature

**Faucet**:
- Cooler.

**Left bowl**:
- Warms up.

## Benefits of drinking from the faucet

### Increased hydration

**Cats that drink from the faucet**:
- Often drink more.
- 50-70% more compared to a bowl.

### Kidney health

**Hydration = prevention**:
- Urinary crystals.
- Cystitis.
- Kidney failure.

## The problems

### Dirty sink

**Residues**:
- Soap.
- Toothpaste.

**Cat could ingest**.

### Convenience

**You are always dependent**:
- Turning on the faucet.
- Dog won't drink unless it's turned on.

## The solution: water fountain

**Running water always available**:
- See dedicated article.

**Cost**: 30-100 €.

**Benefit**:
- Cat drinks when it wants.
- You are independent.

## The proper routine

### If the cat drinks from the faucet

**Option 1**:
- Turn on the faucet 2-3 times a day.
- Let it drink.

**Option 2**:
- Purchase a water fountain.

**Option 3**:
- Combine both.

### Always keep a bowl

**Always available**:
- Fresh water.
- Even if ignored.

## Cats that do NOT drink from the faucet

**Some cats**:
- Drink normally from the bowl.

**That's fine**:
- Nothing "must" drink from the faucet.

**Important**:
- Drink sufficient amount.

## Signs of "insufficient drinking"

**Skin of the scruff**:
- Pull a bit of skin.
- If it returns slowly: dehydrated.

**Urine**:
- Concentrated, dark.

**Coat**:
- Dull.

**Go to the veterinarian**.

## The truth

The cat that drinks from the faucet:

✅ **Natural instinct**.

✅ **Increased hydration**.

✅ **Better kidney health**.

**Strategy**:
- Let it drink.
- Consider a water fountain.
- Keep a bowl.

**Investment**:
- Fountain: 30-100 €.

**Benefit**:
- Hydrated cat.
- Preserved health.

Your cat is not "strange".

It's **smart**: looking for safer water.

Respect its instinct.