Last updated: May 10, 2023 crystal with
Cats can behave in ways that confuse us. We may think that using a water bowl is the easiest way for cats to drink water, but they might think otherwise. There are several reasons why cats prefer to drink water from the tap rather than from a bowl. It may be because their sensitive whiskers don’t like the feeling of touching water, or they may simply be unaccustomed to drinking still water.
Therefore, it is quite normal for cats to prefer drinking water from the tap. Find out why cats love to drink water from the faucet and how to prevent them from playing with the faucet.
3 reasons why cats drink water from the faucet
If your cat prefers to drink water from the faucet, there are several factors to consider. Knowing how to stop or discourage your cat from continuing this behavior can help you understand where this behavior is coming from. Here are some possible reasons why cats may choose to drink water from the faucet.
1. Cats usually prefer running water
First, it’s important to remember that cats are medium-eyed animals. This means they have excellent vision for things several feet away. However, nearby objects are less visible, and objects within a foot appear blurry. Therefore, it can be difficult for cats to sit on a bowl and drink water because they cannot see the bowl very well.
Running water is easier to hear, making it easier to find and operate. A cat’s eyes are also specially designed to sense movement.1 Therefore, drinking running water may be more appealing to cats.
2. Sensitive beard
Cat whiskers are also very sensitive. Its use can be compared to how humans use their fingertips to touch and identify objects. As a result, cats tend to dislike getting their whiskers wet.
It’s also possible that your cat’s current water bowl is too small and her whiskers are touching the edges. Your cat doesn’t like the feeling of her whiskers grazing the edge of the water bowl and may be looking for other sources of water that aren’t as uncomfortable.
3. Attempts to Reduce Boredom
Your cat may like to drink water from the faucet simply out of curiosity or boredom. Indoor cats, in particular, need plenty of exercise and mentally stimulating activities to keep them from getting bored. If left unaddressed, boredom often leads to unwanted behavior, and cats may resort to destructive behaviors to relieve boredom.
How to keep your cat hydrated and away from the faucet
If your cat has a habit of constantly drinking water from the tap, you may want to consider other alternatives to prevent your cat from using the tap as their primary water source. First, it helps to identify why your cat drinks water from the faucet. If you’re having trouble understanding why your cat is behaving the way it does, you can always seek the help of a feline behaviorist. It helps you better understand the reasons for your cat’s behavior.
buy a wide water bowl
Make sure your cat’s water bowl is large enough to fit your cat’s whiskers. You can measure the approximate size of your cat’s whiskers and compare it to the size of the bowl. If the bowl is too small, try increasing it to see if your cat drinks from a larger bowl.
switch to cat watering hole
Many cats are attracted to the sound and movement of running water, so switch to a cat fountain. You can find all kinds of cat fountains at your local pet store or online pet supply retailer.
move the water to a safe and quiet place
In some cases, cats may not drink water from a bowl because it is in an area where they feel unsafe. Cat food and water stations should be located in quiet, secluded areas with little traffic and low risk of disturbance. Cats won’t eat or drink unless they feel safe, and they probably won’t drink water if they feel disturbed.
relieve boredom in cats
If you suspect your cat is bored and drinking water from the faucet, try looking elsewhere. Possible Signs of Boredom:
- excessive grooming
- hair loss
- anxiety or depression
- lack of interest or curiosity
- overeating
If your cat seems bored, try adding more exercise and more fulfilling activities into their schedule. New toys, cat furniture that cats can climb, and other items that will ease your cat’s boredom. Be sure to set aside time to play with your cat each day. This doesn’t just prevent boredom. It will also strengthen the bond between you and your cat.
You can also hide cat food in different areas of the house or put it in treat dispenser toys. This will stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts as they will have to hunt around the house in search of food.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why cats like to drink water from the faucet. This behavior itself is relatively harmless, but puts your cat at increased risk of dehydration. It can also make your home wet and messy, and make cooking and washing dishes difficult. Therefore, it’s usually best to identify why your cat is drinking water from the faucet and try different strategies and tactics to discourage this behavior.
Featured image credit: jaroslavzelenka0, Pixabay
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything about cats, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of