Why Does My Cat Paw at Her Water Bowl?
Why Does My Cat Paw at Her Water Bowl?
They’re Having a Good Time
Some cats like playing with water, particularly playful kittens that are still sorting out their surroundings. If you have a kitten that isn’t terrified of water, she’s probably simply playing and having fun. Kittens are quite lively, and they can occasionally become inventive and start splashing the water in their water dish simply for fun. Although kittens are generally the ones that play with the water dish, an adult cat may also do so. You might try acquiring more appealing toys for them to play with to divert their attention away from splashing water as their source of entertainment.
To Feel More Safe
If you have more than one cat, you are aware of how competitive cats can be. Because felines may attack in seconds, some cats do not want to rest and spend time drinking water while uncovered. They instead chose to keep their heads up and their eyes on the situation while sipping water from their paws. To avoid this, add several water bowls to your house and arrange them in less congested areas where the cat may have some peace and quiet.
Stress And Anxiety
Anxious or stressed-out cats may express their emotions by splashing water. Many felines suffer from separation anxiety, which manifests itself in unusual behavior such as splashing water. If she misses you or want your attention, she may begin tapping the water and creating a commotion. Simply try to be more kind, patient, and spend more time with your animal pals to see if this is causing all of the water to leak.
Health Concerns
If a cat spills water from the dish, it might indicate that she is straining and not feeling well. Certain disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid problems, might cause the cat’s paws to contact the water. Because these circumstances make the cat thirsty, you’ll notice your kitty drinking more often than usual. Aside from splashing the water, if a cat is thirsty due to unresolved health conditions, she will most likely seek for other sources of water in the home. The kitty may rush to the tap whenever it hears running water, visit the toilet often to attempt to drink water, and visit the kitchen. If you find that your pet is drinking a lot of water, you should contact your veterinarian.
They are unable to see the water level.
If you see your cat putting its paws into the liquid before drinking any water, it is likely that your cat is attempting to determine the water level. Felines have excellent eyesight, yet they struggle to perceive motionless water. To make it easier to view, they begin tapping on it with their paw, which causes it to change into running water. To make things easy for your cat, fill the dish to the same level every time.
Running Water Is Preferable to Cats
Many cats have an inherent preference towards rushing water. When cats were not tamed, they constantly drank from moving sources. Running water is seen as fresh and less likely to be polluted, but still and stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for harmful germs and illness. Wild cats continue to do this because it is a more secure supply, and this habit has been handed down to domestic cats that we keep as pets today.
Whisker Discomfort
Your cat’s whiskers are incredibly delicate tactile hairs. They are more deeply rooted than typical hairs and have a higher concentration of nerve endings. When the cat lowers her head for a drink, her whiskers may get crushed if the water dish is too tiny or too deep. To prevent this pain, a cat may discover that it is simpler to just dip a paw in the water. Make sure your cat’s water dish is broad enough to accommodate those lengthy whiskers.
Why Do Cats Touch Water Before Drinking?
To avoid the water dish hitting their whiskers, cats dip their paws in it and then touch it. Your cat should avoid this feeling since it may annoy her. Many cats like shallow water and food bowls. Choose a bowl that has plenty of area for whiskers rather than one that is too narrow or too deep, so the whiskers don’t come into touch with the bowl’s edges. Some cats like drinking flowing water. The cats loathe the foul odor of stagnant water. When a cat is confused about the volume of water, she dips her paw in it before drinking. By scooping the water with a paw, the cat may be trying for a speedy escape if the need arises.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Putting His Paws In Water?
Reduce the amount of water in your cat’s dish to see if it helps. Investing in a weighted water dish is the most effective deterrent for frequent spillers. These are often made of stainless steel or ceramic, and their weight ensures that they remain in place. They are also pretty durable and well-made, so if you need a water dish that will endure, these are an excellent choice. Make sure the dish you chose is big and shallow to prevent whisker fatigue. You might also try establishing a feeding station with food and water. The best pet water fountains are the ideal method to always have fresh, flowing water available for your cat. Dust, food particles, hair, and other debris may rapidly foul the water in your cat’s dish.
Conclusion
This occurs often because cats cannot distinguish water levels, and having the water ripple aids in their detection. They may also have whisker tiredness, be concerned about their health, or just prefer flowing water. Maybe they just like playing with their water dish.
