Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
For many cats, drinking water is a simple process. They walk over to the water bowl, lower their faces near the surface of the water and stick out their tongues to get a little drink. For other cats though, a front paw becomes a vital tool when thirst strikes. Why do these cats dip a paw in the water and then use it almost as if they’re licking a popsicle? There are a few reasons for this behavior.
Whisker Discomfort
The whiskers on your cat’s face are very sensitive tactile hairs. They are more deeply rooted than normal hairs and are rich in nerve endings. If the water bowl is too small or deep, the whiskers can get squished when the cat lowers her head for a drink. To avoid this discomfort, a cat may learn it’s easier to just dip a paw in the water.
Ensure your cat’s water bowl allows for whisker comfort by using one wide enough to accommodate those long whiskers. It’s better to have a shallow, wide bowl that you can refill every day rather than use a deep, narrow one to avoid having to replenish the water supply so often. To make up for the shallow size of the bowl, place water stations in several locations around the house to encourage your cat to stay hydrated.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
Inconsistent Water Depth
If you are inconsistent in how much water you put in the bowl, your cat may use a paw to test the depth. I’ve seen this with cat parents who don’t refill the bowl until it’s almost dry and then when they do replenish the water it gets filled to the very top. In a multicat house where there may be some tension, a cat may not feel comfortable lowering her head into an almost-empty water bowl so far that she can’t see over the side. It may be safer for the cat to use a paw so she can keep watch for any opponents entering the room.
It’s important to clean the bowl and refill the water on a daily basis in order to ensure your cat is getting fresh water. By doing this, you are also better able to maintain a consistent water level in the bowl.
Water Bowl Placement
This has more to do with safety and security. If the bowl is up against a wall where a cat would have to have her back to the room in order to drink, she may choose to dip a paw in so she doesn’t become too vulnerable.
To encourage your cat to feel more comfortable drinking the traditional way, slide the water bowl out from against the wall so she gets positioned more securely. Have multiple water stations as well because each cat may have preferred drinking locations.
Water Fun
Cats love to play and your kitty may have discovered that when she puts a paw in the water, she can create movement. A cat may have initially started doing it when she first noticed a piece of fuzz or food in the water bowl. Maybe she started paw dipping out of boredom. For some cats, the behavior is simply based on having a little fun.
Everyone wants their cats to have fun but dipping a paw in the water isn’t great for keeping the water clean. If you think your cat may be exhibiting this behavior out of boredom then it’s time to rev up the fun factor in your house. Your cat needs adequate stimulation in the form of daily interactive play sessions with you as well as having opportunities for solo play. It may be time to buy or create a food-dispensing toy to keep your cat busy. Look at the environment as well and see if there are other areas that could use a little enrichment.
Need More Information?
You can also find more information in the books by best-selling author, Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pan’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links on your website.
If you have a question about your cat’s behavior or health, contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a medical diagnosis nor is it a replacement for your cat’s regular veterinary care. This article is for general information purposes only.
