06/06/2025
Attention Cat Owners in Ireland
While I was researching a new water filter for our home — one that specifically removes fluoride — I came across a number of sources that honestly made me pause.
I'm not claiming to be an expert, and I can't say for sure how accurate every source is...
But I feel it’s important to share some general info — especially for fellow cat owners.
In my area, the tap water contains 0.7 mg/L of fluoride — this is the standard level.
That amount is considered safe for humans by official health guidelines.
However, I personally prefer water without added fluoride, for my family.
Cats are much more sensitive to fluoride, and their bodies can’t eliminate it efficiently. Over time, even "low" levels may accumulate and potentially lead to:
Kidney stress — especially if your cat already has kidney disease
Neurological changes (lethargy, disorientation, anxiety)
Thyroid suppression
Bone and joint issues in kittens
Possible risks for fetal development in pregnant cats
But fluoride isn't the only concern. Here are other potential risks of tap water for cats:
Chlorine & chloramines – used to disinfect water, but may irritate the digestive system and disrupt gut flora
Heavy metals (lead, copper, cadmium) – may leach from old pipes and accumulate in the liver or kidneys
Nitrates/nitrites – from agricultural runoff, can affect oxygen transport in the blood
Pesticide & hormone residues – possible endocrine disruptors with long-term effects
Bacteria & parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium) – if water treatment is outdated or inconsistent
Even if water meets human standards, cats are smaller and more sensitive, especially if they are very young, old, pregnant, or have chronic kidney disease.
So what I’m doing now:
Switching to filtered water (reverse osmosis works best)
Using fluoride-free bottled water when needed
Avoiding tap water when preparing food
If your cat drinks tap water and has chronic health issues — like kidney problems, increased thirst, or strange behaviour — it might be worth looking into the quality of water they’re drinking every day.
Just sharing what I’ve learned in case it helps someone else.
