Does your cat ever wander over to their water bowl and tap the surface with their paw? You might wonder why your cat does this, but it’s actually quite normal.
Cats have sensitive whiskers and paws that give them a lot of information about the world around them. One reason your cat might dip their paw in their water is that they’re trying to determine what’s in their dish or the depth of their water. But they also might just be stressed or bored. Read on for a few additional reasons your cat might engage in this behavior.
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It’s an instinctual behavior
One reason your cat might dip their paw in their water is that it’s instinctual. In the wild, cats do this to make sure water is safe, which is why a cat will sometimes lick or sniff at their paw after sticking it in their bowl.
Their water bowl is too small
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The shape and size of your cat’s bowl can make all the difference when it comes to their water intake. Cats’ whiskers are extremely sensitive, so they don’t like it when their whiskers touch the sides of their dish, which can happen when they drink from a shallow bowl. To avoid this, they might choose to drink from their paw or even avoid drinking entirely. An elevated water bowl can help with this issue, but it’s also important to keep your cat’s bowl full.
👉 A word of caution — Drinking from a small water bowl can actually cause your cat to suffer from an issue called whisker fatigue, which can be quite stressful for kitties.
They might have vision issues
Cats are naturally far-sighted, so they might dip a paw in their bowl to check the depth of their water. But if your cat is getting older and has recently started doing this, they might be experiencing vision issues. Chat with your vet about this change in behavior to see if your pet needs an eye exam. Early detection of vision issues can be critical Trusted Source Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary school. Go to source to helping to treat (or delay) whatever might be going on.
They’re experiencing mobility problems
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Mobility problems are another reason cats might dip their paws in water. Senior cats in particular might be experiencing a joint issue, like arthritis or osteoarthritis, Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Government agency. Go to source that makes them more likely to drink from their paw — often while remaining seated.
They’re bored or stressed
Dipping a paw in water can be a sign of stress or boredom. If your cat knocks over their water bowl frequently, their playful behavior might be the result of boredom. Cats also prefer to drink in less busy areas of the house. If you suspect your cat might be pawing at their water due to stress, try moving their bowl to a new location. Or better yet, add at least a couple bowls throughout the house.
Cats prefer moving water
Cats that stick their paws in water might also enjoy drinking from the sink or bathtub faucet. If you notice your cat doing this, they may be trying to tell you they prefer to drink from a moving water source. Cat water fountains can be the perfect solution for kitties that prefer running water. As an added benefit, they can also help encourage pets to drink more throughout the day.
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Category: WHY
