With the heat wave being what its been, my air-conditioner has been running for days and I have caught a couple of my cats lapping at the water coming from the unit when they're out on the roof (its a flat top "deck"). I have to say it concerns me somewhat as I don't know what's in the water.
2006-08-01 12:40:03 · 13 answers · asked by dino31mutt 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
They have access to the home and have their own clean cold water supply. I am just worried about the water coming out of the unit.
2006-08-01 12:50:00 · update #1
It's probably fine. The water that drips from the air conditioner is just condensation from being cold (like the water that forms on the outside of a glass when you fill it with cold water). So unless your air conditioner is really dirty and picking up dirt as it drips, then it's probably fine. Just bring them inside and give them fresh cold water from the sink instead though. They should be inside where the air conditioning is, not outside lapping up the condensation. You can also put a couple ice cubes in the bowl to keep it cold for them. Cats are intelligent creatures. They won't eat or drink anything that they think might not be good for them. Don't underestimate them.
My cat gets caught drinking from the sump pump water in the basement (which floods) all the time, and he's never gotten sick. He has water upstairs to drink, but if he's in the basement and too lazy to come upstairs, he'll drink whatever's closest to him. The germs and bacteria in cats' mouths are actually much more powerful that those in human's mouths, so any bacteria that might be in the water outside wouldn't harm them anyway, their own bacteria, stomache acid and immune system will take care of it. They'll be fine. It's probably still a better idea to just bring them inside though.
2006-08-01 12:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by chica_zarca 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much about air cons, but I know this: this water comes from the cold air condensing on another surface (in this case, the grills or something of the AC, therefore creating liquid). Suffice to say, the water is relatively clean except for the fact it might be loaded with dust and things you can find in dust (dust mites, bacteria, etc.) which your cats' immune systems should be able to handle.
2006-08-01 12:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by demon_card99 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it won't. It's just condensation from the air unit. Cats are smart, too. They very rarely will drink anything that'll make them sick. It's probably cool water and available. They'll be fine unless the unit is freakishly dirty or something.
2006-08-01 12:46:36 · answer #3 · answered by nezzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drinking daily 2 to 3 liters!
2016-03-27 13:31:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water is probably not so good for them! If I were you I'd put a towel or something there so that they can't lick it anymore and make sure they have fresh clean water everyday. I'm not positive that it can make them sick but it quite possibly could.
2006-08-01 12:44:58 · answer #5 · answered by Nikki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always make sure fresh water is available inside and out, you can always get an attachment that prevents animals from getting under your air-conditioner.
2006-08-01 12:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by missionmoone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water is condensation! But, what are they lapping it from, the roof? Id be a little concerned.....Keep them inside!
2006-08-01 12:55:26 · answer #7 · answered by Katz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have caught the water dripping from my window units in pans for years.My cats and dogs have always drank from them and I have never noticed any adverse effects.
2006-08-01 12:47:34 · answer #8 · answered by alivshecrd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he will get very sick if he drinks alot of it....even tap water is better, we buy our cats Ice Mountian water.
2006-08-01 12:44:54 · answer #9 · answered by pkkessler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They know best. AC water, which is condensate, is not dirty.
cats won't drink foul water.
2006-08-01 12:44:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋