Should the water bowl be next to the food bowl?
Most cats prefer them separated. The all-in-one feeding station you see at pet stores is convenient for owners, less so for cats. Cornell’s guidance on why cats avoid certain spots (heavy traffic, noise, nearby litter, dirty containers) applies as much to drinking as to eating. Cats often instinctively keep drinking and eating spots separate, and modern indoor cats inherit that preference. Try moving the water at least a few feet away, ideally to a different room or corner. If your cat starts drinking more after the move, you’ve found her preference.
When to call a vet: if she still avoids water after the move and looks well, it might be a diet issue (lots of wet food); if she also seems unwell, see your vet.
