Cats Licking Water with Paws: Why They Do It?

Typically, cats are accustomed to drinking water by using their tongues. However, there are instances where you might observe a cat using its paws to scoop water. Why does this happen? This article aims to shed light on the common reasons behind cats' tendency to drink water with their paws.

Understanding Why Cats Drink Water with Their Paws

1. Small Water Bowl Diameter: Cats have sensitive whiskers, and if the bowl's opening is too narrow, it can cause discomfort as they drink, potentially leading to stress. This may compel them to alter their drinking posture, opting to use their paws instead.

2. Fluctuating Water Levels: When the water level in the bowl is inconsistent, cats often have to carefully gauge the water depth before drinking. Due to their poor vision and the transparency of water, they may prefer to use their paws to test the depth.

3. Lack of Security: Cats are naturally cautious animals. When they feel out of place, they may become anxious and more vigilant. Drinking with their heads down reduces their awareness of the surroundings, so they might use their paws to drink while keeping an eye on their environment.

4. Low Water Level: If the bowl is tall but the water level is low, it can be quite a task for a cat to drink. In such cases, they might resort to using their paws to scoop water.

5. Creating Moving Water: Cats naturally prefer flowing water. When they touch the water with their paws, it creates movement that might be more appealing to them, prompting them to use their paws to create a flowing water effect.

6. Diminishing Vision: As cats age, their bodies and senses, including vision, begin to decline. Some older cats may use their paws to probe the water's location and depth for safe drinking.

7. Learned Behavior: If a cat's parents or other cats in the household habitually drink with their paws, the cat may imitate this behavior, developing a similar habit through osmosis.

Moreover, cats might use their paws to drink water out of boredom or laziness, using the action as a form of entertainment or as a substitute for getting up to drink.

Pros and Cons of Cats Drinking with Their Paws

Cons:

1. Contaminating the Water Source: If a cat's paws are dirty, they can easily contaminate the water, leading to potential health issues or parasitic infections if the cat drinks the unclean water.

2. Decreased Water Consumption: Cats tend to avoid dirty water. If the water becomes contaminated, they may become reluctant to drink, reducing their overall water intake.

3. Increased Risk of Fungal Infections: Regularly using their paws to drink can keep them moist, which can lead to fungal growth and increase the risk of skin conditions like ringworm.

4. Environmental Mess: Cats that frequently use their paws to drink may inadvertently spill water, which can create a mess in the home.

On the positive side, some cats enjoy playing with water, which can be a fun way to relieve boredom and promote mental and physical wellbeing. Additionally, regularly dipping their paws into water can help cats keep their claws clean.

In summary, while it's not uncommon for cats to drink water with their paws, it's advisable to discourage this behavior to ensure the water remains clean and to prevent potential health risks.