- \n
- \nWhy Do Cats Scratch Before Drinking Water?<\/a>\n\t\t
- \nNatural Instincts<\/a><\/li>
- \nHabits<\/a><\/li>
- \nReleasing Pheromones<\/a><\/li>
- \nTo Move the Water<\/a><\/li>
- \nQuest For Water<\/a><\/li>
- \nTo Signal They\u2019re Not Happy with Their Water<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nWhy Your Cat Meows Before Drinking Water<\/a><\/li>
- \nHow Do I Get My Cat to Stop Scratching the Floor Before Drinking Water?<\/a>\n\t\t
- \nClean their Water Bowl<\/a><\/li>
- \nTry a New Location<\/a><\/li>
- \nTry a New Bowl<\/a><\/li>
- \nTry a Cat Water Fountain<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nFrequently Asked Questions<\/a>\n\t\t
- \nWhy Does My Cat Shake Her Paw When She Drinks Water?<\/a><\/li>
- \nWhy Do Cats Upset Their Water Bowl?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nConclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n
Why Do Cats Scratch Before Drinking Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/1-12-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA cat is drinking tap water<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n
Natural Instincts<\/h3>\n\n\n
Scratching might be due to their instincts. For example, wild cats tend to dig in the ground for water. Also, they may have to move debris (leaves, pebbles, etc.) out of their way to drink water. So, suppose your kitty was once a stray. In that case, it could portray this behavior instinctively despite having access to clean drinking water in the house. <\/p>\n\n\n
Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n
Kittens have a habit of kneading as they suck their mother\u2019s teats. Consequently, if your cat tends to do more kneading than digging, it\u2019s likely it\u2019s carried this habit with it into adulthood. So, please don\u2019t act surprised next time you see your kitty kneading by its water bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n
Releasing Pheromones<\/h3>\n\n\n
Kitties have scent glands around their paws. Worry not; it just means your cat is scratching the floor to claim the water source and the surrounding area. Furthermore, this theory is common in cats that were once stray or lived with multiple cats. Similarly, the view might hold if you have several kitties in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cats release pheromones for different reasons, including to signal stress and happiness. Consequently, if this is a new behavior in your cat, consult a vet to rule out any health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n
To Move the Water<\/h3>\n\n\n
Another reason cats may scratch the floor before drinking water is an attempt to move the water or the water bowl. Cats often do this when they feel unsafe while drinking water \u2013 probably because they\u2019ve felt unsafe in the same area and are trying to avoid repeating the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n
Quest For Water<\/h3>\n\n\n
Digging\/searching for water is in the felines\u2019 DNA, lasting several generations. Such cats find themselves scratching the floor before drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n
To Signal They\u2019re Not Happy with Their Water<\/h3>\n\n\n
Your cat may be unhappy<\/a> about the floor or the water bowl. For example, they may dislike the type of water you\u2019re giving them or even its temperature. Additionally, your cat may dislike a new water bowl and its scent. Therefore, if you\u2019ve recently changed something, switch back to it and see if your cat will stop scratching the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you haven\u2019t changed anything and your cat is scratching the ground, try changing the water more frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n
Why Your Cat Meows Before Drinking Water<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2-15-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA cat is drinking water.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your kitty meows before drinking water, it may have issues with the water or the bowl. It would be best if you switched the water bowl to a new one, probably ceramic or stainless steel. Then, place the dish in a cat-friendly location where the cat may feel safe drinking the water. Furthermore, refill the water bowl regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Scratching the Floor Before Drinking Water?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/3-13-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA cat is drinking pond water.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
Clean their Water Bowl<\/h3>\n\n\n
Clean your cat\u2019s water bowl with a mild-scented soap \u2013 cats dislike strong-scented detergent residue on their bowl. Also, make sure to do it every day. It\u2019s just that kitties have a keen sense of smell, and the slightest odor can make the felines scratch the floor before drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note: pet water bowls can be a breeding ground for bacteria, emitting a foul odor.<\/p>\n\n\n
Try a New Location<\/h3>\n\n\n
Cats tend to become picky with age and may dislike drinking water from the same location. So, move the water bowl to a new location, away from the food bowl<\/a>. The best place would be one that doesn\u2019t keep them exposed \u2013 for example, a few feet from a corner.<\/p>\n\n\n
Try a New Bowl<\/h3>\n\n\n
Normalize replacing plastic water bowls <\/a>frequently. These bowls can harbor foul-smelling bacteria. They might contain harmful toxins that can spread to your kitty\u2019s water. Replace plastic water bowls with new stainless steel or ceramic bowls. These are safer options.<\/p>\n\n\n
Try a Cat Water Fountain<\/h3>\n\n\n
If your cats are scratching the floor to try and find where the water starts, try and get them a water fountain<\/a>. For your information, cat water fountains<\/a> keep the water flowing into the cat\u2019s bowl, helping resolve the issue of where the water may be coming from. That may help stop your cat from scratching the ground before drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lovecatguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4-13-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA cat is drinking water from a faucet.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
Why Does My Cat Shake Her Paw When She Drinks Water?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Your cat may have gotten her paw(s) wet and is trying to shake the water off. Cats tend to shake off anything unpleasant (including water) that gets in contact with their paw(s). However, if you feel something is wrong, consult a vet quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n
Why Do Cats Upset Their Water Bowl?<\/h3>\n\n\n
- \nWhy Do Cats Upset Their Water Bowl?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/li>
- \nTry a New Location<\/a><\/li>
- \nHabits<\/a><\/li>
- \nNatural Instincts<\/a><\/li>