Have you ever noticed your cat pawing at their water bowl before taking a sip? This quirky behavior might seem odd, but it’s actually rooted in their instincts and natural habits. Understanding why cats touch water before drinking can give you a deeper appreciation for your feline friend’s unique personality.
Instinctual Behavior from the Wild
Cats are descendants of wild animals, and many of their behaviors are tied to survival instincts. In the wild, standing water can be stagnant or contaminated, so cats often test the water’s safety before drinking. By touching the water, they can assess its freshness and depth, ensuring it’s safe to consume.
Curiosity and Playfulness
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and touching water might simply be a way for them to explore their environment. The movement of water can be intriguing, and pawing at it allows them to interact with it in a playful manner. This behavior is especially common in younger cats who are still learning about the world around them.
Testing the Temperature
Another reason cats touch water before drinking is to test its temperature. Cats are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and they prefer their water to be at a comfortable level. By dipping their paw in the water, they can gauge whether it’s too hot or too cold before deciding to drink.
Ensuring Water Depth
In the wild, cats often drink from shallow streams or puddles. Touching the water helps them determine its depth, ensuring they don’t accidentally submerge their noses or faces while drinking. This instinctual behavior carries over to domestic cats, even though their water bowls are usually shallow.
Marking Territory
Cats have scent glands in their paws, and touching water might be a way for them to mark their territory. By leaving their scent in the water, they can claim it as their own, especially in multi-cat households where resources are shared.
Preference for Moving Water
Many cats are drawn to moving water because it’s often fresher and cleaner in the wild. By touching the water, they might be trying to create movement, mimicking the flow of a stream or river. This behavior can also indicate that your cat prefers running water over still water.
Health-Related Reasons
In some cases, touching water before drinking could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Cats with dental problems or arthritis might find it uncomfortable to lower their heads to drink, so they use their paws to scoop water instead. If this behavior is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, it’s worth consulting a veterinarian.
How to Encourage Healthy Drinking Habits
If your cat’s water-touching behavior concerns you, there are ways to encourage healthier drinking habits. Providing a water fountain can satisfy their preference for moving water, while placing multiple water bowls around the house ensures they always have access to fresh water. Regularly cleaning their water bowl can also make it more appealing.
Understanding why your cat touches water before drinking can help you better meet their needs and strengthen your bond. Whether it’s instinct, curiosity, or a health-related issue, this behavior is just one of the many fascinating quirks that make cats such unique and beloved companions.
