Can Cats Really Drink From Water Bottles?
The other day I received a request from a reader who asked for more information about kittens drinking from water bottles made for small animals. I thought that was a great question, and as I was about to answer, I thought it would also be valuable to write an entire post on this.
Screengrab from YouTube.
While most cats can drink out of a bowl without any trouble, some CH cat parents find that the bowl method doesn’t quite work for them. It may be due to several reasons, but at the end of the day, the important thing is making sure that your cat is meeting his or her daily water needs.
Consequently, some pet parents turn to alternative methods to help their cats drink water. One of those methods is to offer water in a small animal water bottle — and some CH cat parents say it works for them.
There are a number of water bottles available for purchase. I’d recommend purchasing one that’s somehow connected to your pet’s size. For example, a kitten may need a smaller water bottle than a full-grown cat. Fortunately, they come in many sizes, like this 64-ounce water bottle, which can accommodate animals from guinea pig size to dogs.
Depending on your cat’s mobility and ability to aim, a water bottle may work for your cat. Plus, water bottles may mean fewer spills and cleaner water.
Don’t believe that a cat can drink from a water bottle? Check this out!
The only issue I can come up with is that your cat may need to spend an extra while drinking — since the water comes out a little bit at a time. If you have several cats, like the person in the video, you may want to have several water bottles so no one has to wait in line.
If you decide to try this, your cat may figure out how to use it on her own. If she doesn’t, some suggest tapping the ball bearing so your cat gets the idea that touching the tip of the water bottle results in water.
Have you tried using a water bottle in your home? How has it worked so far? Do you think using one in your home may help your CH cat? Please share in the comments!
Life with Cerebellar Hypoplasia Cats 
Hi it really works ive had my 2 cats since they were born almost 4yrs ago & they would drink water when i put fresh water in morning then everytime they stepped out of litter box they would clean paws which i found fasinating but at end of day the water bowl was filthy so i switched to a 32oz bottle & they love it.. they drink 10oz a day between both of them
I just bought a large water bottle for my two Persians so that their chins and chests will stay clean and I have no idea how to set it up. It’s for guinea pig and meant to attach to bars but my cats aren’t caged so not sure how to place it.
I adopted a wild cat we trapped who kept spilling the water bowl in the cage, He took easily to a water bottle. Drinks a half cup a day or more…I need a larger bottle. Will soon be intriduced loose in our home. He seems to remember when he was a kitten in someone’s home before lost. Still a scaredy-cat, but we are now, after 3 and a half months, able to touch and pet him. He mews like a kitten, but is the black panther among us. We think was lost at less than a year old and on his own for at least 6 months, now about two, neutered, vetted and one happy indoor cat not to be fending for himself.
I just set it up–it’s true it’s not convenient to set it up if you don’t have a cage… I tricked our cat into drinking from it by putting a little unsweetened apple sauce on the tip… She got the idea pretty fast but is still not using it much despite being thirsty… I broke down and just gave her water in the bowl but I’m hoping I can wean her onto this full time because she puts toys and crumbled up pieces of paper in her bowl all the time to play…