Appreciation post for my cat's weird water bowl ritual...

My cat Mittens spent 5 minutes this morning dipping her paw in her water bowl before drinking, then walked away soaking the kitchen floor. She does this every single day and I can't figure out if she's testing the temperature or just being stubborn. Has anyone else's pet developed a strange habit like this that makes no sense?

2 comments

2 Comments

davis.adam22d ago

I read something about how cats' whiskers are actually really sensitive, and dipping their paw might be a way to check the water level without getting their face wet. Mittens might be trying to avoid that weird "whisker fatigue" thing where their whiskers hit the sides of the bowl. A lot of cats are picky about that, especially with deep bowls... Maybe try a shallower dish or a fountain and see if she stops?

the_simon22d ago

Wait, "whisker fatigue" is actually a real thing and not just a joke name? I always thought people were being dramatic about their cats being divas.