Can Cats Drink Pool Water – Is It Safe?

Cats are curious creatures, but sometimes they get into things they should not be eating or drinking. You may have seen your cat eating household plants or drinking out of the pool. You may be wondering how to stop this behavior or if it is even safe. Can cats drink pool water?

No, cats should not drink chlorinated pool water. The chlorine in the water can cause your cat discomfort. If the chlorine level in your pool is too high or low, it can also cause more pressing problems, as algae and other microorganisms are known to get found in waters that have not gotten treated, and these are not things your cat should be consuming.

You should monitor your cat around pools as you would a child to ensure their safety. Do you want to learn more about your cat’s health if they consume chlorinated water? This article will answer all your questions about the dangers of your cat drinking chlorinated water and ways to prevent them from doing it!

Why does my cat drink from the pool?

Cats are curious creatures and like to explore new or different areas. They’re likely just interested in the pool and what is in it. It is also possible that your cat dislikes their current water situation. If your cat has a bowl on the floor, it may cause discomfort to drink from it due to the strain it will put on their neck to reach it, especially if you have a taller cat. Try elevating it to reduce discomfort.

Alternatively, some cats prefer water that has the motion to make it feel more natural, so if your cat has a bowl on the floor, maybe consider a water fountain for your cat to see if that helps get rid of the pool drinking habit. Doing this will create a more natural feel that cats crave.

Can drinking pool water make a cat sick?

Your cat consuming small amounts of correctly maintained pool water should not cause any long-term or serious issues. However, even when consumed in small portions, it can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Alternatively, if the chlorine contents are too high, too low, or your cat drinks a large amount of chlorinated water, more worrisome problems can occur. When a chlorinated pool is not correctly maintained, your cat gets exposed to toxins and microorganisms. 

Are there dangers when a cat drinks pool water?

There are several dangers of your cat consuming pool water. One of the dangers is exposing your cat to the toxins present in the chemicals used to clean the pool. Luckily the toxins in these chemicals are intentionally low to prevent lasting damage if accidentally ingested.

However, consumption of large amounts may irritate and potentially burn your cat’s esophagus. Additionally, there is a possibility that your cat is allergic to the ingredients found in the pool cleaner, making your cat at risk for anaphylaxis. 

Although the chances for this next one are slim, it is also possible for your cat to consume harmful microorganisms. The chemicals found in pool cleaners are supposed to control the number of microorganisms residing in the pool. However, small amounts of them can linger.

If the swimming pool is not correctly taken care of, plenty of bacteria and fungus can reside in the swimming pool, posing a threat to your cat if consumed. The most common bacteria and possibly the most dangerous one found in swimming pools is E Coli which can cause severe sickness.

The less dangerous problem from consuming pool water may cause your cat is an upset stomach. Your cat is at a higher risk for this if the water is cold or has excessive chemicals.

How do I stop my cat from consuming pool water?

The best way to stop your cat from drinking the pool water is to cover it when it is not in use or a fence in the pool. You may also choose to keep your cat indoors to prevent its curiosity from peaking. If those are not an option for you and your cat, always have fresh water in a shaded area available to them, so they are less likely to drink from the pool water.

If you can’t prevent your cat’s curiosity towards the pool, you should monitor your cat as you would a child around a pool. If they begin drinking from the pool, calmly redirect them to their freshwater bowl.

Can cats swim in chlorinated water?

Yes, your cat can swim in chlorinated water. However, it should not go swimming for long periods as the chlorine may begin to irritate their skin and eyes after a while. Making the pool environment become an activity is a great way to get your cat to stop drinking from it and begin seeing it as a toy. Be sure to monitor your cat at all times while swimming.

How do I make my pool safe for my cat?

There are numerous things you can do to keep your cat safe around the pool. The first step you can take to ensure your cat’s safety is to train your cat to swim if possible. Not all cats will be willing to learn, but if yours shows interest in swimming, try teaching them because it is a great way to keep your cat safe. Swimming will not only be a new fun activity for your cat but could also save its life.

You will need to slowly ease your cat into the water while holding it (be sure to wear a long sleeve wetsuit with gloves), and when your cat feels comfortable enough, it will start swimming instinctively. Teaching your cat to swim does require a bit of patience.

Due to the extra weight from your cat’s wet fur, your cat may have difficulty leaving the pool. It is good to invest in a cat ramp for your swimming pool to allow your cat to get out of the water as it pleases. Another way to help your cat learn to swim is to keep your cat’s ears dry while in the pool. Keeping their ears dry will prevent ear infections caused by the water getting lodged in your cat’s ear.  

For non-swimming cats, you may want to invest in a water detecting collar with an alarm. A water detecting collar will alert you if the sensor on the collar has been submerged with water so you can act quickly to get your cat out of the pool. The most important thing you can do to ensure your cat’s safety while near a swimming pool is to learn CPR on your cat, whether it is a swimmer or not. 

Conclusion

If your cat drinks pool water, they likely will only experience slight discomfort. However, it is possible to experience more significant health issues when they’ve consumed chlorinated water, especially in large amounts. You can redirect this behavior and get them drinking from their bowl again, such as providing them with an elevated water bowl or a fountain water bowl.

Although you may not want your cat drinking from the pool, the pool may prove to be the perfect activity for your cat. Teaching your cat to swim is good to get your cat to stop drinking pool water as your cat will begin viewing your pool like a toy.