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6 Purr-sitively Puzzling Reasons Why Cats Paw Their Water Bowls

by Dylan Lewis July 17, 2023
written by Dylan Lewis July 17, 2023
Cat Pawing at Water
599

Ah, cats. Our feline friends, the purveyors of mystery and mischief, always keeping us on our toes.

One moment they’re chasing a laser pointer like it’s the last mouse on earth; the next, they’re pawing at their water bowl like they’re trying to uncover Atlantis.

It’s a conundrum that has left many of us cat parents scratching our heads.

So why do cats paw their water bowls?

1. The Water Level isn’t Visible

Cats have poor eyesight, especially when it comes to seeing the water level in their bowl.

As a result, they paw at the water to create ripples and better identify how much water is in the bowl.

It’s their way of ensuring they get enough water throughout the day.

2. They’re Not Fans of Whisker Stress

Whisker stress occurs when a cat’s whiskers touch the sides of the water bowl while drinking. This sensation can cause discomfort or even pain for some cats.

Pawing at their water bowl helps them create more space for their whiskers and avoid this stress.

3. They’re Playing Picasso

Cats love to play with anything shiny or wiggly; their water bowl is no exception.

It’s a playground for them to splash around, paw at the water, and entertain themselves.

While it may be a mess for us, it’s great exercise and stimulation for our curious feline friends.

4. They Prefer Running Water

Some cats have a preference for flowing or running water.

It’s believed to be due to their instinctual behavior in the wild of drinking water from running streams.

Pawing at their water bowl creates movement and flow, which is more appealing to them.

5. They’re Feeling Hot and Want to Cool Down

Cats have a higher body temperature than humans and can overheat easily.

By pawing at their water bowl, they can create a cooling sensation, making them more comfortable.

It’s their way of naturally regulating their body temperature.

6. They’re Just Being Cats

Curiosity is a defining trait of cats.

They like to explore and investigate anything that catches their interest, including their water bowl.

Pawing at the water helps them understand what it is and how it works. It’s just their natural instinct to be curious!

How do I get my cat to stop pawing on water?

Understanding your cat’s behavior and getting a water fountain

To stop your cat from pawing at the water, you have to understand their behavior.

Most cats are naturally curious and want to play with everything they see.

However, this behavior can get quite annoying when they start pawing at their water dish.

I’m not going to lie; seeing my cat paw at the water in her water bowl looks cute to me and is never something I have ever worried about.

Even though I think my cat pawing at her is cute, if you want to try and stop it, one solution would be to get them a water fountain.

Cats love the sound of running water, and a fountain can provide them with a source of entertainment while keeping them hydrated.

Check for possible health issues

If your cat is constantly pawing at their water dish, it could be a sign of possible health issues.

Some cats can develop a condition called “polydipsia,” which causes them to drink more water than usual.

In these cases, it’s important to get your cat checked out by a vet to rule out any underlying medical issues.

However, if they’re just being finicky about their water source, a cat fountain or dripping faucet can provide them with a more engaging drinking experience.

You could also try using a wider water dish or placing a few ice cubes in their water to provide a more stimulating environment.

Here’s a study that was done on a 10-month-old cat who was drinking water and peeing a lot.

Tests were done to figure out what was wrong, and concluded that the cat had a condition called primary polydipsia.

The cat’s condition got better when their food and environment changed.

I share this to say that sometimes what might look cute to us may be a health issue, so check with your veterinarian just to be sure.

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