ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Here’s Why Cats Drink Water from Their Paws

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

a white cat drinking water from its paw in the faucet

Cats engage in all sorts of weird behaviours that are both endearing and baffling at the same time. They love to knock over things, bounce off the walls, nibble on grass, and nap in tight places. And then there are some cats that dip their paws in the water to drink. Whilst it’s easy to dismiss this as a strange cat behaviour, there are actually legit reasons for doing so and here are some of them.

Cats prefer to drink from moving water than stagnant water

Cats would rather drink from moving water than water in a bowl. This is why your cat is likely to dip her paws into the bowl as a way to mimic water ripples. Some felines find free-flowing water more refreshing and more enticing to drink. Water left for hours brings a different smell that is unpleasant to them. As a creature prone to over-grooming, your cat will not like stagnant dirty water.

This is also the reason why some cats drink directly from the faucet. If your cat refuses to drink from a bowl, it’s recommended to get a pet water fountain to prevent dehydration.

Cats see water as an entertainment

a cat enjoying the water in the pool

To cats, water is not just a source of hydration but also a source of fun and entertainment. Cat breeds that enjoy playing with water include the American shorthair, Turkish van, and Maine coon.

Kittens are more likely to play with water because they are entertained by the visuals and sounds from the water bowl. It gives them the same enjoyment that interactive toys bring.

To prevent whisker stress or discomfort

a cat drinking water in the faucet

Cat whiskers have more sensitive nerve endings than the rest of their fur. That’s why cats are prone to whisker stress. When sensitive tactile whiskers get in contact with the water bowl, your cat will feel the pressure and discomfort. So to avoid the unpleasant feeling, your cat would rather dip her paw in the water than drink directly from the bowl.

To prevent whisker stress, provide your cat with a bowl wide enough to accommodate her long whiskers. A shallow wide bowl is recommended so that the whiskers will not touch the sides of the bowl when your cat lowers her head to drink.

To have a sense of security

In a multi-cat household where cats compete for dominance, a cat may refuse to put her head below the rim of the bowl for fear of potential attackers. Cats with security issues do not want to show any signs of weakness. Your cat may dip her paw in the bowl for a drink so she doesn’t become too vulnerable. Changing the water bowl placement can help make your cat feel less vulnerable. But more than that, make sure to introduce new kittens or any pets the right way.

a kitten staring on a big bowl of water

To test the water depth

Your cat may use her paw to test the depth of water. If you are replenishing the water bowl inconsistently, your cat may become more cautious of drinking from the bowl.  By creating water ripples, it allows them to test and see the exact level of the water, preventing their nose and whiskers from getting wet.

Age and health concerns

As your cat ages, her eyesight may deteriorate which makes it difficult to determine the water depth in the bowl. As such, she is likely to dip her paw in the water to drink. If you suspect that this is the case with your furry companion, it is best to have her vision tested for early medication.

Watch this video of a cat drinking water from its paws:

Cats drinking ‘their own way’

Cats have a more elaborate way of drinking water compared to dogs. They do not just dip their tongues to scoop liquid. They use the tip of their tongue to flick water up. This creates a small jet of water that they catch in their mouth. They are quite fast too as they lap water four times per second. But there are cats that prefer a less elaborate way to hydrate themselves. Sometimes all it takes is dipping their paws on the water bowl.

Watch this video of a comparison between how a cat and dog drinks:

Regardless of how cats prefer to drink, the most important thing is to make sure that they are consuming fresh water. What other unusual drinking habits have you observed with your furry friends? Share your cat’s quirks with other cat owners!

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

Is Cat Kneading Healthy Behaviour? Here Are Three Answers to Consider
Is Cat Kneading Healthy Behaviour? Here Are Three Answers to Consider
Guide to Clipping Your Cat’s Nails
Guide to Clipping Your Cat’s Nails
Indoor Cat Care Guide
Indoor Cat Care Guide
Latest Stories
  • Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
  • How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?
  • 6 Natural and Cruelty-Free Cat Deterrents for Your Garden
  • Are Blueberries Good For Dogs? Top 7 Health Benefits
  • How Long Do Gerbils Live?4 Ways to Prolong a Gerbil’s Lifespan
  • 6 Healthy Homemade Puppuccino Recipes
  • Do Cats Have Periods When in Heat?
  • Featured Story

    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?

    Why are grapes bad for dogs? Dogs and grapes do not mix because of the fruit's unidentified toxic compound in canines. The lack of information makes … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    3
    Mixed Breed
    Yorkshire terrier x Yorkie Pom puppies

    Wakefield

    1,650

    8
    Mixed Breed For Sale in Great Britain
    Kittens for sale

    Leeds

    50

    9
    Mixed Breeds
    two male kittens for sale but one we are keeping we are letting the person pick witch one they want

    Dundee

    200

    3
    Mixed Breeds for Rehoming
    1 year old bunny

    Northampton

    10

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • American Bullies for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.