Why do cats paw at the water before they start drinking?

An interesting behavioral trait of domestic cats.

Why do cats dip their paw in water before drinking? Cats have certain behavioral quirks that can puzzle their owners. One common habit of cats is dipping their paw into their water bowl. Is the cat afraid of being poisoned by their owner? Do they understand that it is unhygienic behavior? Why do cats do this?

Sensitive Whiskers.

According to cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett, there are a few reasons why cats dip their paw. One reason is related to the sensitivity of their whiskers. When a cat lowers its head into the bowl to assess how shallow or deep it is before drinking, they risk feeling pressure on the side or bottom of their whiskers—cats’ whiskers, or vibrissae, are considered highly important and sensitive. To avoid discomfort, they may simply scoop up the water with their paw, so as not to irritate the whiskers.

Caution in Their Nature.

Cats also dislike deep bowls for another reason. Lowering their head inside the bowl means they can no longer visualize their surroundings. This can make cats feel vulnerable, especially in a multi-cat household. If the bowl is too close to the wall, it may prompt them to use the paw-scooping trick, as otherwise, they would have to turn their back to the room while drinking from the bowl.

Additionally, cats may dip their paw in the water because it creates ripples on the surface. This can be significant to them for two reasons. Firstly, cats may still have an evolutionary instinct that helps them choose flowing water sources rather than stagnant ones, which can be potentially harmful. Secondly, ultimately, the cat may be doing it for entertainment purposes.

Making Your Feline’s Life More Comfortable.

If you dislike your cat’s habits, you can try using a wide water dish to minimize any discomfort associated with their whiskers. If you think it might be due to personal safety considerations, try placing multiple water bowls around the house. If your cat is doing it for fun, perhaps they need more playtime or stimulation.

In rare cases, cats may paw at their water bowl due to poor vision, age, or health condition. You can always have them checked, but in most cases, cats dipping their paw in their water dish is a display of perfectly typical cat behavior. It may seem a bit peculiar, but it is mostly justified.