Why does my cat dip its paw in the water?
Last updated: Three months ago
It looks pretty cute: Your cat dipping its paw in the water bowl and then licking it clean. But why does your cat actually do this? Is it really as cute as it seems?
Whisker sensitivity
Cats' whiskers are thick hairs with many nerve endings. This makes them very sensitive. They're good guides for cats and help them navigate their environment. However, in some cases, they can also get in the way, such as when drinking from a water bowl that's too deep . Such bowls cause the whiskers to bend backward while drinking. For many cats, this is very uncomfortable or even painful . Not so cute, then... For these cats, a shallow water fountain is much more comfortable. Check out this Pets Pride water fountain !
Preference for moving water
Most cats naturally love moving water . Stagnant water increases the risk of bacteria or poisoning, and cats want to protect themselves from this. This could be why your cat ignores the regular water bowl and prefers the tap. Some cats also try to agitate the water with their paws. It's wise to monitor this behavior , as it could be that your cat isn't drinking enough. In that case, a water fountain is a good solution to encourage drinking (clean) water. The Pets Pride drinking fountain (with Wi-Fi) has a filter for the cleanest water and even alerts you when the water needs to be refilled, the filter needs to be replaced, or the fountain needs to be cleaned!
Even with a water fountain, your cat might still use its paw for a while, as it can take some getting used to: that moving water fountain. But afterward, your cat will be very grateful!
Interested in a drinking fountain?
