Cat and dump water

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platypus60

AC Members
Nov 6, 2005
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OK, this is more about cats than fishkeeping, but I do both. And I'm sure a lot of you do, too. My kitty is extremely attracted to the tank dump water, which I siphon into a bucket. She has fresh clean water at all times in her bowl, but when I siphon the tank she is all over the bucket.

Should I take it away from her ASAP, or is it harmless. I don't know if it's the bucket that she likes, or some aspect of the used fish water. Health concerns? She doesn't sip, she gulps. So if I let it go she consumes a significant amount.

Hope to hear from some cat/fish owners.

Diane
 
My cats use to do the same thing and never gotten sick from it, so I am going to assume that as long as the fish aren't sick there are no major health concerns associated with them drinking a little waste water. I've even drank some of the aquarium water, as I'm sure we all have, and have never felt any side effects (except for being grossed out).

If you're that worried about it you should get a Python. They make water changes so much easier and your cat will probably love chasing the air bubbles and waste through the tubing, at least mine do.
 
ksimmo1 said:
My cats use to do the same thing and never gotten sick from it, so I am going to assume that as long as the fish aren't sick there are no major health concerns associated with them drinking a little waste water. I've even drank some of the aquarium water, as I'm sure we all have, and have never felt any side effects (except for being grossed out).

If you're that worried about it you should get a Python. They make water changes so much easier and your cat will probably love chasing the air bubbles and waste through the tubing, at least mine do.
Click to expand...

What's exactly is a Python? Do you have a link to where to buy one?
 
try acting like you are doing a water change. the cat may just be attracted to what you are doing. Personally i would not take the risk but then again you might hate your cat.
 
I'd have to say letting your cat do this couldn't be too bad as long as you're not vacuuming gravel, then I'd be a bit wary as kitty would be drinking lots of poop. I'd have to say letting your cat do this is better than letting them drink from a toilet.
 
The Python is great for doing quick water changes. If your tank is far from the sink and/ or you have low water pressure, you probably won't get a lot of suction and may want to use the siphon to clean the gravel every once in a while. But for water changes there is nothing cleaner or easier to use.
 
I would actually just give my vet a call. I love my cats dearly and I would be devastated if there was something bad about them drinking fish water and I could have stopped them!! I bet its no big deal though :)
 
cats are naturally attracted to running water. my cat wont drink out of a bowl, so i have to turn the bathroom sink on a few times a day for him to drink. he's also knocked partial buckets of water over after doing water changes on my tank at least twice now.
 
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