Any cat owner will tell you that cats can be strange creatures. They like their food one day, then hate it the next. They use the litter box in the laundry room for weeks, only to decide that they prefer the one in the bathroom. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your cat decides to start moving around their water bowl. But why do they do this?
Here, we look at 10 common reasons that cats move their water bowls and whether you should be worried.
The 10 Common Reasons That Cats Move Their Water Bowl
1. They Are Feeling Anxious or Stressed
Stress is one of the possible causes of feline water bowl displacement. Stress and anxiety can stem from multiple sources, including:
- Moving to a new environment
- New family members in the house, like a new baby or a new pet
- Changes in the home, such as decoration or other works
- Changes in your work schedule that leave them alone more often
- Illness
- If you notice that your cat is suddenly pawing around their water bowl, assess for possible stressors. Be patient if there has been a recent move or change in your schedule. Consider using pheromone diffusers and ensuring your cat has a private spot they can retreat to for some peace and quiet. Your cat will likely adjust over time. If there is a new addition in your house, make sure to devote extra time and attention to your kitty so they don’t feel left out. If all else fails, it may be time to visit the vet to ensure that your cat is healthy.
2. They Want Fresh Water
Cats are picky about their water, so there’s a good chance that your cat is moving the bowl because they want a fresh supply. If you notice your cat moving their bowl when the water hasn’t been refreshed in a while, maybe they’re trying to tell you something!
It’s also worth noting that some cats like their water at room temperature, while others prefer it colder. If the temperature isn’t quite right, this can make drinking uncomfortable. Moving the bowl is one way of communicating to you that something’s wrong with the water.
- Clean and change your cat’s water daily, and make sure it stays at room temperature.
3. They Don’t Like the Bowl
Sometimes cats just aren’t appreciative of the cute new bowl that you bought. If it’s a deep bowl, it’s more difficult to drink from. A wide and shallow bowl is often preferred.
The material could also be the issue. Ceramic or glass bowls are less likely to alter the taste of the water than plastic ones.
- If you’ve recently introduced a new bowl to your cat, try putting the old one back to see if they still move the bowl around. If the behavior stops, you’ve found the solution.
4. They Want the Bowl in a Different Spot
Cats like their own space, so they could be pushing it because they’re trying to move it to a different location. Consider a place in your house that’s quiet and out of the way. Most cats don’t like eating and drinking in busy spaces, while others suffer from fear of missing out and won’t drink if they have to be away from their family.
- Try moving the bowl to a location that’s different from the one that it’s in at the moment, or return it to their previous location. If it’s in a busy room, move it somewhere quiet. If it’s in a quiet space, try moving it into the action.
5. Your Cat Is Marking Territory
Cats like to claim ownership of things and mark their territory. They typically mark territory by using scent glands, but they could be pushing and shoving their water bowl to stake claim to it. This is more likely if you have a multi-cat household or there has been any recent stress and change.
- The easiest way to prevent cats from becoming territorial over food and water bowls is to make sure each cat has their own set and that each cat can eat and drink in a different spot.
6. They Prefer Still Water
Some cats find moving water distracting or annoying, although most actually prefer it this way. If your cat’s bowl features moving water, they might be trying to tell it to stop.
- Give your cat still water in a bowl, and see if they stop moving the bowl around, in order to learn their preferences.
7. They Prefer Moving Water
Most cats prefer moving water and may push around their bowl if it contains still water. A dish with still liquid can be unappealing to them, so they give the bowl a whack to make the water move.
- Change your cat’s bowl to a fountain-style moving water bowl.
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8. They Do It Out of Curiosity
Cats like to know what’s happening around them. Sometimes this is why they move or paw at their bowls. They may want to know what’s in it, under it, or what happens when they tip it over.
- This one is tough to Get a bowl that is securely anchored and difficult to spill. You can also reward your cat with a treat or affection when they drink from the bowl and don’t move it.
9. They Want to Play
Sometimes cats move their water bowl because it’s fun. If your kitty has discovered that it’s fun to swat at the bowl and move it across the room, they’ll do it again.
- Replace the water bowl with an appropriate toy to play with. If all else fails, you can try giving them an empty plastic bowl to play with and replacing their water bowl with a different material.
10. They May Have A Health Issue
Sitting next to the water bowl often, or trying to move the bowl around or paw it, may in some instances indicate an underlying health issue. Some of these will cause your kitty to drink excessively and they may paw at the bowl if it gets empty quickly.
- Get your cat checked over by the veterinarian, in order to rule out some of the most common health issues, particularly in middle-aged and older cats, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and others.
Conclusion
There are many reasons that your cat could be moving the water bowl. In most cases, the behavior is harmless, but we understand that it’s frustrating and messy. Hopefully, these tips will help you determine both the cause and the solution to your cat’s interesting behavior.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 10 Common Reasons That Cats Move Their Water Bowl
- 1. They Are Feeling Anxious or Stressed
- 2. They Want Fresh Water
- 3. They Don’t Like the Bowl
- 4. They Want the Bowl in a Different Spot
- 5. Your Cat Is Marking Territory
- 6. They Prefer Still Water
- 7. They Prefer Moving Water
- 8. They Do It Out of Curiosity
- 9. They Want to Play
- 10. They May Have A Health Issue
- Conclusion
