A veterinarian from the UK, known as Cat, recently shared insights on why cats often prefer drinking from outdoor sources rather than their indoor water bowls. In a viral TikTok video, which garnered 12.5 million views, she explained that this behavior is instinctual; cats avoid drinking near their food to steer clear of potential contamination from prey. Cat emphasized that placing water bowls on the opposite side of the room from food bowls can encourage cats to drink more water. Additionally, she noted that cats are attracted to dripping taps and showers, perceiving moving water as cleaner. Supporting her views, Encore Pet Food advises keeping food and water bowls separate and in quiet areas to reduce stress for cats. This advice resonates with many cat owners, as evidenced by numerous comments on the TikTok video, where viewers shared their experiences of cats drinking more water when bowls were strategically placed away from food.