The reason why your cat is obsessed with running water from the tap.
If you've ever caught your cat mesmerised by a running tap or pawing at a stream of water, you're not alone. Many cat owners notice their cats seem to have a strange obsession with running water.
Cat welfare expert Emma Lane takes a closer look at the science behind this quirky cat behaviour.
Why do cats prefer running water?
To understand why cats love running water, it helps to look at their wild ancestors. Domestic cats have evolved from African wildcats, which live in the African Savannah. They naturally look for fresh, flowing streams to drink from. Running water is generally cleaner and safer than stagnant pools, which could be contaminated or harbour disease. This instinct still influences our pets today, even though they might swap streams for taps.
Some cats go out of their way to sit by bathroom or kitchen taps, waiting patiently for someone to turn them on. They might stick their paw into the stream, dip their head under, or try to lap up water mid-flow. It’s part curiosity, part instinct. Running water signals that the water is fresh and safe, especially compared to still water that’s been sitting in their bowl all day.
Why is running water good for cats?
Running water not only appeals to a cat’s natural preferences but can also encourage them to drink more. This is important because some cats are prone to urinary and kidney issues, which can be worsened by dehydration. Water fountains designed for pets can help by providing a steady stream of clean water, which many cats find irresistible. Find out more about kidney disease and urinary problems in cats.
Why does my cat stare at running water?
You might catch your cat quietly watching the stream from a faucet or water fountain. The movement, sound and light reflections are stimulating and interesting to them. For some cats, running water is both a hydration source and a form of entertainment.
Why doesn’t my cat like tap water?
While the movement of water from the tap can be appealing, some cats may actually avoid drinking tap water due to its taste or smell. Tap water often contains chemicals like chlorine, which cats are highly sensitive to. That might be why your cat prefers rainwater from a puddle or even filtered bottled water.
Why do cats not drink water next to their food?
Many cats avoid drinking water that’s placed right next to their food bowl. This behaviour likely comes from their survival instinct. African wildcats usually avoid eating their prey near their water source. This is because the water could become contaminated by the remains of the prey. Our pet cats have the same natural instinct. Try placing their water bowl in a separate location from their food bowl. You may notice that they start to drink more.
