Learn more about why kittens exhibit this adorable behavior—and why it’s usually nothing to be concerned about.
Does your cat ever wander over to their water bowl and tap the surface with their paw? You might wonder why they do this, but it’s actually quite normal. Cats have sensitive whiskers and paws that give them a lot of information about the world around them.
A cat might dip their paw in water to determine what’s in their dish or the depth, but they also might just be stressed or bored. Here are 8 additional reasons your cat might engage in this quirky behavior.
👉 Looking for tips on how to get your cat to drink more water? Check out our article “10 ways to encourage your cat to drink water” for must-know tips to help your kitty stay hydrated!
One reason your cat might dip their paw in their water is instinct. In the wild, cats do this to make sure water is safe. This is also why a cat will sometimes lick or sniff at their paw after sticking it in their bowl.
Just because your cat may not like being fully submerged in water, doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing with water. If you notice this behavior — which is more common in kittens than in older cats — try introducing more interactive toys or increasing playtime with your kitty.
The shape and size of your cat’s bowl can make all the difference when it comes to their water intake. Cats’ whiskers are extremely sensitive (Trusted Source), so they don’t like it when their whiskers touch the sides of their dish, which can happen when they drink from a shallow bowl. To avoid this, they might choose to drink from their paw or even avoid drinking entirely. An elevated water bowl can help with this issue, but keeping your cat’s bowl full is also important.
👉 A word of caution — Drinking from a small water bowl can actually cause your cat to suffer from an issue called whisker fatigue (Trusted Source), which can be quite stressful for kitties.
Cats are naturally far-sighted, so they might dip a paw in their bowl to check the water depth. But if your cat is getting older and has recently started doing this, they might be experiencing vision issues. Chat with your vet about this behavior change to see if your pet needs an eye exam. Early detection of vision issues can be critical (Trusted Source) to helping to treat (or delay) whatever might be going on.
Mobility problems are another reason cats might dip their paws in water. Senior cats in particular might be experiencing a joint issue, like arthritis or osteoarthritis (Trusted Source), that makes them more likely to drink from their paw — often while remaining seated.
Yes, this does seem like the most “cat” thing a cat could do, but the water level in their bowl matters to them. If you fill the water bowl up to inconsistent levels, they may use their paw to literally test the water before taking a drink. If you think this might be the case with your finicky feline, try using a water dish with fill-level markings.
Dipping a paw in water can be a sign of stress or boredom. If your cat knocks over their water bowl frequently, their playful behavior might be the result of boredom. Cats also prefer to drink in less busy areas of the house. If you suspect your cat might be pawing at their water due to stress, try moving their bowl to a new location. Or better yet, add at least a couple bowls throughout the house.
Cats that stick their paws in water might also enjoy drinking from the sink or bathtub faucet. If you notice your cat doing this, they may be trying to tell you they prefer to drink from a moving water source. Cat water fountains can be the perfect solution for kitties that prefer running water. As an added benefit, they can also help encourage pets to drink more throughout the day.
Getting your cat to drink more water can be a true challenge. Below are some vet-approved tips and tricks to help keep your cat as hydrated as possible:
Your cat won’t be excited about drinking old, stagnant water, so make sure to keep their water as fresh as possible. It also doesn’t take long for bacteria to become a problem.
Try offering multiple water bowls around your house to encourage water consumption.t. Multi-cat homes should make sure to have plenty of drinking options. Bonus points for adding a bowl near your cat’s favorite cozy spot.
Keep the water flowing with a fountain instead of a traditional water bowl. Word to the wise, though: You might have to try a few to find one your cat likes. And you’ll have to remember to swap out the filters regularly.
If you want your cat to get more water in their diet, try switching to wet food. If your cat dislikes it — and some cats do — you can also try wetting their kibble to add extra moisture into their diet without switching their food.
While your cat’s pawing at water might seem odd, it is typically a natural and harmless behavior rooted in their instincts. However, it’s always wise to monitor for any changes, particularly in senior cats, as this could indicate underlying issues like vision or mobility problems. Ensuring your feline has access to fresh, clean water and possibly investing in a cat water fountain can enhance their drinking experience and overall well-being.
🚨 Contact your vet if you notice that your cat is drinking more or less than usual. Common conditions such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes can cause increased thirst and urination.
Your cat might paw at their water for many reasons, including stress, boredom, and instinct. In most cases, it’s nothing to be concerned about.
Give your cat a new toy to combat boredom and make sure they have a quiet spot in the house to drink. You might also need to move your cat’s water to a new room and/or offer them multiple bowls to choose from.
This common feline behavior is probably instinctual. Wild cats dip their paws in water to see if it’s safe to drink and check how deep it is. Your cat might be doing the same. If your kitty is older and remains seated as they drink from their paw, they could be experiencing joint or mobility issues like arthritis.
Your cat might be bored and looking to play. They could also be doing so because their bowl is empty, so it’s important to make sure their bowl is fresh and full.
There’s a chance your cat could be experiencing changes to their vision and knock over their bowl accidentally. Far more commonly, your cat is bored and considers it a game to splash at water with their paw.
