Why Does Your Cat Drink From Your Water Glass? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons

Life with a cat is nothing if not fun; our feline friends are inquisitive, affectionate, quirky, and curious. One peculiar behavior we might notice from time to time is our cat drinking happily from our water glass without a care in the world. Why on earth do they do this when they’ve got their own fresh bowl of water to drink from instead? The reasons might surprise you, and are related to instinct, biology, and individual kitty preference.

The 8 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Drinks From Your Water Glass

1. Your Cat Feels Vulnerable Drinking from a Bowl On the Floor

Many people place their cat’s food and water bowls in a corner or quiet area to keep them safe from being knocked over. This can make some cats feel anxious to eat or drink because they are not able to keep an eye on their surroundings as well. Cats’ ancestors needed to be constantly on watch for predators, an instinct that some domesticated cats have more of than others.

2. They Don’t Like Their Water Near Their Food

In the wild, water sources were often a place where multiple animals would gather at a time. If a wild cat had recently killed prey, they might take it to a hidden location, as other animals may very well take food away from them—making eating a meal as privately as possible a smart survival instinct. Drinking from your water glass may instead reflect a preference for fresher, cooler, or more appealing water, rather than a direct link to hunting or feeding instincts.

3. They Don’t Like the Size/Shape/Texture of Their Water Bowl

Many cat lovers enjoy observing how unique and discerning their pets can be. Unfortunately, this can extend to things like being very picky about water bowls! It might be too big or too small, or their tags might clink against the edge. You might have to try a few different kinds before finding one your cat will choose over your water glass. You may also consider a flowing cat fountain, as many cats prefer moving water and may be less interested in still water.

4. They Might Prefer Cool/Cold Water to Room Temperature

Who doesn’t love a cold glass of water on a hot day? Your cat may just prefer cool/cold water and knows that your glass is the perfect place to find some icy refreshment.

5. Curiosity Rules the Cat!

Some cats are more curious and eager to investigate than others, and yours may be one of those that can’t resist a new situation, thinking—“Hey, if my human is enjoying what’s in that glass, maybe I will too!”

6. Your Cat is Sick or Dehydrated

If your cat is battling an illness or their food isn’t agreeing with them, they may drink more water than usual or seek additional water sources. If your cat suddenly seems to need more water or is either urinating outside the litter box or more/less than usual, you should call your vet.

7. Their Whiskers are Extra Sensitive

Whiskers are almost like another sense to your cat. They help them stay balanced, indicate emotions, keep particles away from their eyes, and detect vibrations in the air around them. As such, whiskers are an indispensable tool that helps your cat navigate the world. If your kitty has whiskers that are more sensitive than usual, getting them wet or having them brush the edges of a water bowl may be very irritating to them.

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8. They May Be Feeling Territorial With Another Cat

If you have multiple cats, even if they have been together for years, they may feel territorial when it comes to food and water. A more dominant cat might intimidate a more docile one during mealtimes, and the more docile one may not get all the food and water they need. You might need to set up multiple feeding areas away from each other so that all your cats feel comfortable.

Final Thoughts

If your cat drinks from your water glass whenever they get the chance, you’re certainly not alone! Cats of all stripes enjoy a sip from their human’s water glass for all sorts of reasons. If you drink from a glass your cat drank from, the chances of you getting sick are low, although it’s not recommended, especially for children, older individuals, or immunocompromised individuals. And if you’d like them to curtail the habit, hopefully you got some insight from this article to help you encourage your cat to drink their own water.

• See also: Why Does My Cat Cough After Drinking Water? Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Featured Image Credit: elwynn, Shutterstock