Cat Water Behavior

Cat water behavior is a mystery. Some cats play with their water bowl while others have an aversion to be bathed. (The good news is that a house cat usually does not need washing unless absolutely essential).

For those cats that play with water, this behavior is normal and may have something to do with the way it appears. Water reflects light and moves, two sources of fascination.

Tipping water bowl

Reader Question: Cats that Tip Water Bowl

My two cats tip their water bowls toward them while drinking - and spill the water in the process.Can you tell me why they do this? Thanks.

Editor Comment

Some cats are fascinated by water. It is a normal, common behavior that is not completely understood. We can only guess that a cat is interested in the appearance of the water and how it moves and reflects light.

Cat Water Bowl Play

by Kristen
(SC)

Reader Question: Cat That Moves Water Bowl

My cat moves her water bowl, with water in it, all over the kitchen! The bowl is ceramic, so it is a little heavy, and she pulls it around before settling down to drink it.

Why does she do this?

Veterinarian Comment on Cat Water Bowl Play

Hi Kristen,

The behavior you describe is actually quite common in cats. Nobody knows exactly why some cats “play” with their water and/or bowls before drinking, but it likely has something to do with the interesting way light reflects off of water when it moves, how it splashes, or simply because it’s fun.

Contrary to popular belief, many cats enjoy playing with water, as long as they are the ones who get to decide precisely how wet they get.

Regards,

Jennifer Coates, DVM