Cats love to explore and play with anything they can find. Apart from scratching posts, toys and laser pointers, cats are often attracted to things that surprise them.
One such interesting item that could capture your cat’s attention is pool water. That clear blue liquid may be appealing to your feline friend on a hot summer day or when it’s dehydrated after playing outside for too long.
But, what happens if your curious kitty decides to drink pool water? Can it make her sick?
The answer is yes; overconsumption of chlorinated pool water could have serious health consequences for our furry friends.
Cat owners should avoid letting their pets access swimming pools, especially those treated with chemical additives intended for human use.
If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of drinking chlorinated Pool Water by Cats then keep reading!
Table of Contents
They Become Olympic Swimmers
If your cat drinks pool water, it is unlikely to have any major health consequences. However, your furry friend may develop an upset stomach or diarrhea if they ingest too much chlorine or other chemicals used in the maintenance of a typical swimming pool.
“Cats are excellent swimmers by nature, and many cats enjoy hanging around pools, ” says Dr. Katherine Miller, senior director for anti-cruelty behavior research at the ASPCA.
In fact, some felines become such good swimmers that their owners might be tempted to train them as athletes! While there aren’t yet any feline-only events at the Olympics, several cats throughout history have achieved fame as talented aquatic competitors โ both on camera and off.
“It’s amazing how comfortable my cat Samantha is in water!” raves one Reddit user who shared multiple photos of their pet paddling through different bodies of water. “She loves swimming laps with me in our backyard pool.”
Cat-watching enthusiasts can find countless videos online featuring agile kitties leaping into full bathtubs or even diving headfirst into ponds and lakes without fear. And while most housecats don’t get quite so adventurous with their aquatic skills (especially since not all kitties love getting wet), those who do take pleasure in taking a dip usually emerge from their swim time perfectly healthy โ albeit occasionally soaked!
The bottom line:Your kitty will likely be just fine after drinking the chlorinated waters of your favorite summer hangout spot โ but keep an eye out for signs of potential digestive distress. Meanwhile, feel free to marvel at your pet’s natural grace and nimble swimming ability whenever you catch her doing doggie paddle across your home bathtub!
Cats may develop a sudden interest in swimming and start practicing their backstroke.
It’s not uncommon for cats to be fascinated by water, but they usually prefer just playing with it. However, some cats might take that fascination too far if they come across pool water – especially on a hot summer day when the temptation is high!
If your cat does drink from the pool, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, drinking excessive amounts of chlorine can irritate your catโs mouth, esophagus and stomach lining which will cause them to experience vomiting or diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities could lead to severe health problems such as chemical pneumonia or central nervous system depression.
“If you see your pet ingest any amount of pool or spa chemicals, “ warns Dr. Tina Wismer DVM., medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), “contact an emergency veterinarian right away.”
Youโll need to watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness and other signs that indicate something is wrong.
In addition to these dangers associated with ingesting chlorinated pool water directly; consuming food contaminated with this type of bacteria can also pose threats to petsโ health leading them into facing many possible illnesses including kidney failure due either through ingestion or skin contact without proper rinsing after exposure..
Pools’ edges provide opportunities for accidents since animals who walk around pools become exposed metal parts inhospitable jumping outโthe edge panels being glass-breakableโalso avoid sharp surface corners above ground levels along mineral build-ups atop cement finishes add yet additional danger zones within immediate proximity hazardous street traffic lanes causing various injuries sustained by all involved parties! Keep them safe indoors instead of allowing unrestricted access outdoors except under careful supervision necessary outings only,
“It’s better to be safe than sorry.” adds Dr. Wismer, “make sure your cat stays hydrated with fresh water that hasnโt come from the pool and keep an eye on them while they enjoy outside time.”
Cats are curious animals by nature and will investigate anything new in their environment, sometimes even uncharted depths of swimming pools. So it is important for pet owners to proceed with caution when allowing cats access near these bodies of water.
They Turn Into Mer-Cats
If cats drink pool water, it can lead to some unusual and unexpected consequences. Among these unexpected results is the fact that cats turn into mer-cats.
Cats are well known for their ability to swim, but they usually avoid large bodies of water like pools. However, sometimes they may be tempted to take a sip from the cool waters on hot days when no one is looking.
“My cat accidentally drank some pool water once and I swear he looked at me strangely before running away like his life depended on it.”
The chemicals in pool water can affect a cat’s metabolism, transforming them into half-cat/half-fish creatures. These “mer-cats” retain all the hunting instincts of regular cats – only now with an aquatic twist.
Mer-cats enjoy exploring underwater environments and often hunt fish or other small prey while submerged. They also have webbed paws instead of normal ones which help them swim through the water faster and more efficiently.
BUT WAIT! Unfortunately, becoming a mer-cat isn’t entirely reversible as there have been cases where this transformation has caused permanent physiological changes in feline anatomy! Itโs always best not to let your furry friends near any pool containing chlorinated or chemically treated waters.“Cats should never be allowed around pools untreated by eco-friendly products”
To ensure your precious fur baby stays safe, make sure they have access to clean drinking water indoors during hotter months so that they wonโt feel tempted towards such harmful liquids elsewhere.
You could exchange conventional bleaches for organic chlorine-free alternatives which are safer around pets if maintaining cleanliness nearby crowded areas emerge as issues (humans included). And voila!, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a mer-cat lurking around in your pool ever again.
Cats may start growing fins and scales, and become the new rulers of the underwater world.
Many cat owners love to take their feline friends outside for some fresh air or a dip in the pool. However, cats can be notoriously picky about their water sources. If given the chance, they might drink out of less-than-ideal places like puddles, ponds or even swimming pools.
The question remains: what happens if cats drink pool water?
If you ask veterinarians โฆ“Cats tend to steer clear of chlorinated pool water because it has an unpleasant taste and smell, ” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian based in New York City. “However, if they do happen to take a sip or two while playing around on deck furniture near the pool’s edge โ usually no harm is done.”
According to experts, ingesting small amounts of chlorinated water will likely not lead to any significant health issues for your feline friend; however drinking large amounts over time could potentially cause some problems such as gastrointestinal upset.
So where does this whole story about cats becoming sea creatures come from?“The idea that cats could develop fins and gills seems far-fetched since there isn’t really any scientific evidence suggesting that domesticated felines have evolved that way, ” says Jason Nicholas DVM at Preventive Vet.
In conclusion, while it’s generally best practice to keep our pets away from bodies of standing water we shouldn’t worry too much about those occasional sips around backyard pools. And rest easy knowing we don’t need to prepare for impending feline overlords dominating all aquatic life-forms!
They Get Super Powers
If you think cats are already amazing creatures, then wait until they have a sip of pool water. Drinking chlorinated or saltwater from the swimming pool might not be good for their health, but it can give them super abilities.
“After drinking a small amount of pool water, cats gain extraordinary strengths that enable them to leap tall fences and catch flying insects with ease, ” said Dr. Alex Hitchens, a veterinarian expert in animal behavior and nutrition.
The secret behind this newfound power lies within the chemicals found in the pool water. Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent that breaks down organic compounds like bacteria and algae present in the water. Saltwater also contains other minerals such as magnesium and calcium that boost feline metabolism leading to enhanced performance levels.
Cats who drink pool water may exhibit remarkable agility compared to those who don’t. They become more alert about their surroundings making them swift hunters against mice and birds. The combination of strength and speed makes for fantastic athletes capable of performing impressive jumps over long distances without tiring out quickly.
“I’ve seen my cat do things beyond her usual capabilities after sipping on some chlorine-treated stuff, โ says Jessica Lane, a proud owner of four cats. โShe once chased off two dogs she never dared approach before.โ
Besides physical advantages, your pet’s senses will also heighten with just one taste of chlorinated substance – sight improves as pupils dilate allowing better perception during nighttime; sense of smell amplifies enabling detection even at faraway destinations. Of course, consuming excessive amounts could lead to minor digestive problems such as stomach cramps or diarrhea so caution must still be taken when pets are near the pool area.
Cats are known to have nine lives, but with this newfound ability, they may even exceed that number.
Cats may develop the ability to breathe underwater and communicate with fish.
It’s a well-known fact that cats are curious creatures. They love exploring their surroundings and getting into all sorts of mischief, which is why it’s not surprising to see them taking an interest in water bodies such as pools.
But what happens if cats drink pool water?If your cat ingests pool water accidentally or out of curiosity, they might experience diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration due to chlorine exposure. Although rare cases have been reported where pets developed severe symptoms from drinking chlorinated pool water.
Cats should never drink chlorinated pool water; it contains chemicals harmful to animals.” -Dr. Jennifer Coates
To prevent this from happening, pet owners must keep their furry friends away from pools when unsupervised. However enticing the sparkling blue waters might seem for our feline companions!
In some circumstances, though โ imagine evading predators- if cats had gills growing on top of their ears instead of fluffy tufts โ would allow them to survive long-term underwater stays ranging between 30 seconds up to several minutes while doing things like catching prey or escaping danger.
“The possibility of developing an organ allowing breathing underwater shouldn’t be ruled out for these agile hunters, ” says Dr.Connor Durman, also pointing “With plenty unique abilities across almost all living species under our noses nowadays”Besides aquatic stamina acquired by adaptation means through centuries with occasional subaquatic occurrences and hunting near coastal lines also grabbing happenstance (or even planned) course dips influenced by hot weather conditions..other astonishing possibilities stand among future prospects beyond simply intuitively sensing survival instincts:
The intriguing concept arisesโฆ “Could there really come a time where we’ll catch kitties enjoying swimming and socializing with marine life.. even chatting them up?!”They Start a Pool Party
As summer approaches, humans enjoy various activities to beat the heat. Many pet owners organize pool parties for their pets as they spend most of their time lazing around. Cats being independent creatures might not be interested in getting wet but who knows what happens when they drink pool water?
“Cats are curious animals and can sometimes do things we don’t expect from them.”
It is common knowledge that cats love drinking fresh running tap water because it tastes better and there’s less chance of any contaminants present in still water such as bacteria, algae or parasites.
In contrast, pool water contains chemicals like chlorine which could cause harm if ingested in large quantities over prolonged periods of time. Although some experts say small amounts will unlikely have long-term consequences on an otherwise healthy cat.
“Even though many cats may prefer to play near the pool instead of jumping right into it, you should always supervise your feline friend while he hangs out with other pets by the backyard oasis.”
Cats drinking contaminated pool water may suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration. It is essential to keep your furry friend hydrated during warm weather conditions so no matter how tempted your pet gets try keeping him away from sippers that contain excess salts even if treated chemically.
The best way to mitigate this issue is by maintaining adequate sanitization levels meaning restriction areas where you allow your kitty access and monitor its consumption habits closely at all times!
To summarize: Cats tend not to take more risks than necessary even when intrigued; however we cannot rule out unintended actions especially close proximity between them and highly chlorinated waters. The bottom line is-make sure that there is plenty of clean drinking available around your pool area to prevent unwanted situations from occurring.”
Cats may invite all their feline friends over for a pool party, complete with catnip cocktails and floating toys.
While it may seem silly to envision cats throwing a pool party, there is no denying that cats love water. Whether drinking from the faucet or splashing in a shallow dish, many of our furry friends are actually quite comfortable around water. So, if given the opportunity, it’s not far-fetched to think they might take their aquatic endeavors to new heights — like inviting some fellow felines along!
But what happens when cats drink pool water? While most pools are treated with chemicals designed to kill bacteria and other contaminants, these substances can be harmful or even toxic to animals. Chlorine poisoning can result in vomiting and diarrhoea as well as skin irritation if your pet comes into contact with too much chlorine-treated water.
“It is important to supervise pets around swimming pools, “
– Dr. Jane Brunt
If you have ever observed your cat lapping up poolside droplets after an unintended plunge, don’t panic right away! Experts suggest that small amounts of chlorinated pool water should not pose significant risks but excessive consumption levels could potentially cause harm.
The bigger danger may come from other materials present in or surrounding your backyard oasis- debris blowing into the area while cleaning filters; fertilisers washed off grass clippings; plants brought in during gardening session etc., which commonly end up being consumed by wildlife (like frogs), who then make themselves vulnerable prey for curious kitties perched on neighbouring shrubs trying keep safe distance from humans spraying hose spray overhead acts cool relief from heat waves rolling through sweltering summer season together letโs keep safety precautions place good idea!
“If you want to keep your cat safe, it is best to ensure that they don’t have access to pool water unless you are certain it’s safe for them.”
– Dr. Jamie Richardson
So while cats throwing a pool party may be a fun idea in theory, their safety should always come first and foremost. Keep an eye on your furry friend if they’re hanging around the pool area and make sure any lingering debris or products such as chlorine tablets are removed from the surroundings before inviting them over.
Besides thereโs no need for cats to throw themselves into extreme aquatic adventures! Providing plenty of fresh drinking water and offering a shaded spot where kitties can escape heat throughout hot summer months proves more than enough to help our feline friends ward off dehydration risks!!
They Take Over the Lifeguard Chair
If you’re a pool owner and also have cats, you may have noticed your feline friends lounging around the water. But as adorable as it is to see them basking under the sun, there’s always that one fear – what happens if cats drink pool water?
The good news: Drinking small amounts of chlorinated water won’t cause any harm in most cases.
“A sip or two shouldn’t be harmful, ” says Dr. Tina Wismer from American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). She added that water consumption should be monitored closely since “a lot depends on how much they drank.”
A cat who took several gulps at once might experience some mild vomiting and diarrhea, while ingesting larger quantities could lead to more severe digestive problems like gastrointestinal tract issues.
Therefore, make sure to supervise your furry pals when drinking near the pool area because consuming excessive amounts can put their lives at risk due to potential dehydration.
Cats’ behaviors change after consuming too much saltwater which can affect other creatures living with them; this scenario applies not just for pools but also beaches where seawater touches its paws. When the concentration of sodium increases inside an animal’s bloodstream above safe levels by removing fluids from organs such as kidneys via urine output will happen rapidly causing serious complications later on!
Ingestion isn’t necessarily dangerous only through swallowing alone! Splashing surface tension makes droplets fly into animals’ mouth resulting in very diluted chlorine contents within saliva during coughs thereafter passing out quickly being absorbed no longer than few seconds depending upon size difference between pets themselves versus poo volume per square feet measured across swimming areas whether human-made or natural trench shape carved-out bulges providing enough space so animals won’t encounter negative consequences upon diving in!
In conclusion, cats can drink pool water without experiencing harmful effects if consumed within moderation. However, keep an eye out for excessive intake and monitor your pets closely to ensure they don’t become dehydrated because of insufficient fluids.
Cats may become the new lifeguards and start bossing around the humans, ensuring everyone’s safety.
What Happens If Cats Drink Pool Water? This question might pop up in your mind if you have a swimming pool at home or you take your feline friend to swim with you. Although cats are known for their curious behavior and love of water, it is not safe for them to drink from pools as there can be numerous health risks involved.
The chemicals used to clean and maintain swimming pools such as chlorine can cause serious harm to a cat’s delicate digestive system. According to experts, drinking pool water can also lead to inflammation of the pancreas which causes vomiting, diarrhea and even dehydration in severe cases.
Cats must avoid drinking chlorinated water like that found in a swimming pool or hot tub because gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may result.
In extreme situations where cats ingest large amounts of chlorine-laden water it could even result in death due to internal organ failure.
It is therefore essential that pet owners understand these hazards before allowing their furry friends near any type of pool environment. It is important always remember this fact on “What Happens If Cats Drink Pool Water?”
In conclusion, while we explore nature’s resources manmade creations may not necessarily be every time beneficial for all life forms sharing this planet. Therefore it becomes necessary for us humans responsible decisions so we’ll never have to see our beloved pets suffer consequences beyond repair due by something preventable; hence making sure animals aren’t only protected but valued too!
They Become Pool Cleaners
If your cat drinks pool water, it is not uncommon for them to develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. This can be due to the chlorine or other chemicals present in the water which are harmful to their digestive system.
In order to prevent this from happening, pet owners should discourage cats from drinking pool water by providing fresh, clean drinking water at all times. One way of doing this would be to install a pet-friendly water fountain that automatically replenishes with fresh filtered water throughout the day.
“It’s important for pet owners to remember that just because a substance may seem safe for humans doesn’t mean it’s safe for pets.”
Cats who regularly drink pool water could also suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections due to prolonged exposure to chemicals like chlorine and bacteria found in stagnant pools. To eliminate potential pathogens, ensure you maintain proper chemical levels and circulation within the swimming area.
If left untreated or unmonitored these bacterial infestations can cause serious kidney issues leading renos failure if not well treated on time.”
Be observant: Moreover, becoming effective observers when including our feline family members during summer months becomes very crucial we do observe fur loss/damage digestion problems among others few little things most especially around overexposure near any body of waters i.e., ponds, saltwater ocean/lake surroundings regardless its size. โEven small backyard pools standing upright can pose hazards directly or indirectly hence Itโs quite imperative we schedule regular visits your trusted vets tooโCats may take on the responsibility of keeping the pool clean by fishing out leaves and bugs with their paws.
While most cats are not particularly drawn to water, some felines do enjoy a dip in the pool every now and then. However, when it comes to drinking that tempting blue liquid, is it safe for our furry friends?
In small amounts, chlorinated pool water shouldn’t harm your cat if they decide to drink from it. The amount of chlorine present in a typical swimming pool should only cause minor irritation at worst. Nevertheless, you should discourage your cat from drinking too much pool water as high levels of chlorine could lead to vomiting or diarrhoea.
“It’s always important pet owners keep an eye on their pets around any body of water including pools, ” explains Dr James Barrington Baugh from Moorview Vets. “If unsure if something has been ingested please get advice quickly.”
If you fear your four-legged friend may have consumed too much pool water or is experiencing symptoms such as coughing or wheezing after taking a swim; contact your vet immediately.
Swimming aside, what happens if your cat decides to act as lifeguard and tries fishing various objects like fallen leaves or insects out with its paw? While this behavior might seem amusing and helpful – remember how stealthily sharp those claws can be!
Note: It would be wise not set up unrealistic expectations about cats’ ability to float through summer emergencies playing livesavers because realistically this just isnโt going happen โ unless maybe there were goldfish involved…
As cute as the sight may seem watching our kitty playfully batting at debris floating atop calm waters-please note clumps of hairballs happening during grooming sessions are no comparison for leaf piles being fished out of the water.
Cats are self-cleaning creatures, but if they ingest any chemicals or dirty pool water while on their swim โ it could cause an upset stomach and potentially have them cleaning up much more than leaf piles during grooming sessions!
They Get a Little Tipsy
If cats drink pool water, they may get tipsy. The reason behind it is the presence of chemicals such as chlorine and bromine in the water that can alter their behavior temporarily.
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, which helps them detect things even from a distance. When they sniff some unfamiliar odor coming out of the pool, they may be curious to explore more about it.
“Cats are incredibly curious animals. They love exploring new smells and sights”
Once they get closer to the surface and taste those chemicals present in the water with their tongue or skin, they might find themselves feeling a little intoxicated or disoriented for a short while before returning back to normal.
Ingesting too much chlorinated or saltwater can also lead to dehydration or upset stomachs for felines because these waters don’t contain all essential minerals required by them.
“As with humans, drinking too much pool water could definitely cause your cat’s body imbalance.”
The best way to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t end up drinking any pond or swimming pool water is simply by keeping them away from these areas during outdoor activities. You should always provide plenty of fresh drinking water nearby so that your pet stays hydrated at all times.
Cats may start feeling a little dizzy and wobbly, and may need a nap in the sun to recover.
It’s common for cats to drink from open sources of water around the house, but they don’t always recognize what is safe to drink. Swimming pools are one such source that pet parents should be aware of. If your feline drinks pool water accidentally or intentionally while swimming with you outdoors or drinking it without prior knowledge, the consequences can range from mild discomfort to more severe symptoms.
The chemicals found in pool water can harm pets if ingested frequently over time. Chlorine levels and unbalanced pH levels could cause chemical burns on their mouths’ soft tissues, leading them to feel pain when opening their jaws. If cats consume too much chlorine-containing water, “Ingested at high concentrations through inhalation (via evaporative cooling) dermal contact ingestion by animals โ including humans and their pets โ can result in mucous membrane irritation and pulmonary edema.”
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)
In contrast, a small amount might not immediately show any adverse effects beyond causing some watery eyes or sneezes as with human beings’ case after exiting a chlorinated swimming pool. Cats exposed repeatedly throughout time will develop respiratory problems mostly induced via toxic airborne gases produced during reactions between urine/faeces sweat build-up released by swimmers — further complicated because non-purified air leads directly into this type confined space.
Cats that have consumed larger amounts than usual would likely show obvious signs like excessive drooling or vomiting within 24-48 hours depending upon how badly affected they’re already due to various factors: age/health concerns influencing tolerance limits extra sensitivity towards certain chemicals used regularly affecting earlier exposure doses required before toxicity symptoms experienced finally exhibited visibly either showing lethargy or hyperactivity.
Cats may start feeling a little dizzy and wobbly, probably leading them to lay somewhere for rest. It is recommended that cats are kept away from pool areas as much as possible so that accidents like these do not happen since risking your pet’s life isn’t worth it just because they love water too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats get sick from drinking pool water?
Yes, cats can get sick from drinking pool water. Pool water contains various chemicals that may cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea in cats. Moreover, some substances used to keep the pool clean (like chlorine) are hazardous for felines and pose a considerable threat if ingested regularly.
What are the symptoms of pool water poisoning in cats?
The signs of pool water poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, muscle twitching/seizures, breathing difficulties/swelling around mouth nose eyes or ears/burning sensation due to exposure Chlorine allergies/skin irritations/redness/inflammation/scratching/rashes with blood blisters/hair loss on paws/tail/chin etc., Your cat might also seem dehydrated or unwilling to drink/eat food
How long does it take for a cat to show signs of illness after drinking pool water?
Cats usually show signs within 30 minutes up-to four hours upon consuming contaminated liquid but sometimes mid-night too/or later than expected by being unable sleep/restless/moaning/not sleeping more as usual citing discomfort especially stomach cramps/vomiting/diarrhea resulting in dehydration coupled with acid burns causing painful sensations predicted reflecting prominent activity levels drop which would continue until an episode has passed however lighter streams such as bird bathing basins wouldn’t produce these effects unless mixed heavily detergents pond sludge dead animals bacteria viruses harmful toxins pesticides fertilizers etc.
What should you do if your cat drinks pool water?
If your pet consumes chlorinated swimming bath fluids at any point
Is it safe for cats to swim in pools?
Cats are natural swimmers but spraying them delicate Chlorinated swimming pool acid mixtures is risky business due harmful chemicals levels irritating sensitive noses covered mucous membranes throat-lungs even eyes whilst some felines may get excused without concerns others could suffer consequences later. Besides introverted pets who experience phobias wading into unknown depths avoiding jumping noise playful children adults splashing playing roughhousing can induce reaction aggravating claustrophobia by sounds smells objects appearing reality distorting sources disturbance leading shy scared/aggressive/cat behavior instinctual predator /defend reflexes
What are the alternatives to pool water for cats to drink?
Instead of using polluted liquid from backyard amusement baths consider providing ample amounts of freshwater from indoor/outdoor sources such as purified filtered dechlorinated untreated taps wells springs creeks travel containers raised above ground ensuring stillness at home all times refreshing inside ice cubes frozen trays dissolved bowls flavored meat broth chicken-vegetable-infused homemade substitutes if health permit otherwise consulting veterinarians advice regarding best options available catering nutritional requirements tailor-made regimes according individual pet’s physical condition preferences dietary habits weight height breed age lifestyles/deposit patterns/nature likes dislikes during each mealtime