Cats' Habit of Drinking with Paws: Why They Do It?

1. The Water Bowl's Opening is Too Small

Cats are accustomed to using their tongues to touch the water's surface while drinking, but they prefer not to have their whiskers touched. If the bowl's opening is too small, they might resort to using their paws to scoop water, as this avoids their whiskers coming into contact with the bowl. This is why you often see your feline friend using their paws to fish for water from your cup; it's a reflexive action.

2. Insufficient Water in the Bowl

This issue is particularly common with taller or deeper water bowls. When the water level falls below half or even less, it becomes quite a challenge for cats to drink comfortably. This often prompts them to revert to using their paws to drink, as it becomes more of a struggle to drink from a low water level.

3. Cats Prefer Flowing Water

Cats have a natural inclination for flowing water. When they touch the surface with their paws, it creates small ripples, which mimic the experience of their ancestors drinking from a flowing stream. This sensation is irresistible, and they will often start by agitating the water before drinking.

4. Vision Decline in Older Cats

As cats age, their sensory organs, including their vision, begin to decline. To ensure their safety while drinking, they may use their paws to test the water's position and depth, which is an instinctual behavior.

5. Lack of Security

Never underestimate your cat's sense of security. If they feel insecure, they might exhibit stressrelated behaviors, even developing physical illnesses. Cats in new or multicat environments may show unusual behaviors due to stress. When drinking, their focus on the surroundings decreases, so they may use their paws to drink as a way to keep an eye on their environment.

6. "Inherited" Factors

By "inherited," we don't mean genetic inheritance in the traditional sense. If the mother cat has a habit of drinking with her paws, her kittens are likely to learn this behavior quickly, simply because they mimic their mother's actions.

As a pet owner, you can address these reasons by correcting any objective issues. However, it's also crucial to guide your cat properly. If you see your cat using their paws to drink, promptly discourage this behavior. Cats are sensitive to your emotions, and with consistent guidance, they can learn to adopt good habits and become the wellbehaved companions you desire.