I’ve by no means not owned a cat. Earlier than I used to be born, my household had cats (miss you, Twinkle) and at 3, I used to be allowed to call our new cat — I referred to as her Puddin’. I might by no means say I am a “cat particular person,” however I knew after I had youngsters that I wished our home to have a cat, too. When our daughter was 3, we adopted our cat: a 3-year-old rescue named Cowboy Bob. And boy do I like him and all his bizarre, quirky behaviors. Like meowing at me to let him out at 5 a.m. though there is a litter field proper there. Or pawing gently on the air around my face when he needs me to pet him. Or spilling his water each single time he drinks it by placing his paws in and sloshing it throughout.
Really… that final cat habits I may do with out. And I do know I am not the one one. My cat, infamous for knocking over cups of water, has now taken to pawing his personal water dish and making the water splash round — nearly as if he is cleansing his paws — earlier than he takes a sip. It is mainly an enormous puddle surrounding his bowl, after which he has moist paws and a bowl stuffed with water that appears like a hurricane is brewing.
There are a ton of theories on-line, however Leslie Brooks, DVM, MPH, tells Scary Mommy that there is no technique to 100% know the reply to why cats do that. “It is attainable many cats do that as a type of enrichment,” she says. “Similar to individuals, cats want enrichment of their lives and discover methods to create play and enjoyable. Taking part in with their water could possibly be one outlet from this.”
However Brooks additionally notes that some cats do want consuming from shifting water, which could possibly be why my cat will get his water all sloshy earlier than he begins sipping. “Providing your cat the prospect to drink from a operating faucet can typically be pleasing for them, assuming it is secure to drink out of your faucet,” Brooks suggests. Many individuals have these constantly-running water bowls for his or her cats for this very cause. Brooks shares {that a} research has been accomplished to seek out preferences between still and flowing water for cats, however the research solely has 9 cats, so the outcomes should not statistically vital.
I’ve additionally puzzled if my cat is utilizing his bowl as his personal private bathtub, however whereas Brooks says that is a chance, it is a much less possible concept since cats are “avid groomers and clear with their very own tongue.”
Backside line? Generally cats are simply cats. And very like their must knock every little thing off of a desk in the event that they need to, they could simply need to slosh their water round and make a large mess earlier than they begin consuming it. Principally, they’re toddlers (with claws). So, you recognize, simply put a mat down and allow them to do what they should do.
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