Study Suggests That Cats Prefer Tap Water Over Purified
Several common syndromes in cats, such as kidney disease and irritation of the bladder and lower urinary tract, are helpfully treated by enticing cats to drink more water. Unfortunately, the age-old adage about mankind’s inability to force horses to drink also applies cats.
Cats are picky consumers of water. It is widely accepted that cats will drink more if multiple sources of water are available, and if the water is very fresh. Some cats seem to prefer water that is continuously circulated.
A recent study outlined in the November, 2008 North American Veterinary Conference Clinician’s Brief sought to answer another question: do cats generally prefer tap water or purified water? Here is a quote from the Brief.
The drinking water behaviors and preferences in cats were investigated using cats in a rescue center. The study was double blinded and each cat was exposed to 2 water sources (local tap water and purified water) over a 48-hour period. The bowls were identical in shape, different in color, and the amount of water consumed was measured and the bowl refilled every 12 hours . . . [t]he results showed that cats drank more water during the day than night. The only factor found to be significant on statistical analysis was the water source: cats preferred tap water over purified water.
In my opinion this study is too limited in scope to draw the definitive conclusion that all cats should be offered only tap water. But it does suggest that purified water is not necessarily the best choice for cats.
About the photo: Alita seems to like her water straight from the tap!
You have questions. 
Our nine cats,two dogs drink from our rain barrels,if no water there drink from pond.even tho water is out for them in dishes
My cats prefer drinking the water from the container that holds a few bamboo plants. Other than moving the container, it’s impossible to stop them from drinking out of it. Probably the green taste added and am sure it’s not hurting them. I just have to re-water the bamboo often.
my cat prefer tap water too! she will wait for someone to open the tap and purring. and she never drink from the container eventhough it’s the same water.
[...] Study Suggests That Cats Prefer Tap Water Over Purified: “ [...]
Some of my cats prefer the water fountains, some the regular water dishes. They all get filtered water – the fountains have filters, and I use filtered tap water for the other dishes.
My cats also get supplements in the water.
Most important is to give them fresh water often, I change the water twice a day. If I leave it longer, they will paw at the water and cause ‘floods’ – which they know I hate…
As for the comment on pets drinking from flower pots / planters, rain barrel or pond: these are a potential source of parasites that can cause severe illness, diarrhea, vomiting. Not a good thing.
My cat loves to drink water from the windowsill , after it has rained , and especiallly from the fishbowl. She adores it! I guess she likes the taste of fish poop , MOL. Buit it has plants and stuff , so it probably tastes “natural” to her. I dont think cats can get sick from drinking water from ponds , rain barrles , etc. It comes from nature , wild animals drink it , and feral cats , and I ve never heard of a feral cat getting sick from rain water! Sometimes we baby our cat too much , we need to let them lead a more natural life.