Any cat owner will tell you that cats can be fickle creatures. They like their food one day, then hate it the next. They use the litter box in the laundry room for weeks, only to decide that they prefer the one in the bathroom. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your cat decides to start moving around their water bowl. But why do they do this? Here, we look at 10 common reasons that cats move their water bowls and what you can do to stop it.
The 10 Common Reasons That Cats Move Their Water Bowl
- They Are Feeling Anxious or Stressed Stress is one of the most common causes of feline water bowl displacement. Stress and anxiety can stem from multiple sources, including:
Moving to a new environment
New family members in the house, like a new baby or a new pet
Changes in the weather
Changes in your work schedule that leave them alone more often
Illness
Image Credit: slawomir.gawryluk, Shutterstock What to do about it
If you notice that your cat is suddenly pawing around their water bowl, assess for possible stressors. Be patient if there has been a recent move or change in your schedule. Your cat will likely adjust over time. If there is a new addition in your house, make sure to devote extra time and attention to your kitty so they don’t feel left out. If all else fails, it may be time to visit the vet to ensure that your cat is healthy.
- They Want Fresh Water Cats are picky about their water, so there’s a good chance that your cat is moving the bowl because they want a fresh supply. If you notice your cat moving their bowl when the water hasn’t been refreshed in a while, they’re trying to tell you something! It’s also worth noting that cats like their water at room temperature. If the temperature isn’t quite right, this can make drinking uncomfortable. Moving the bowl is one way of communicating to you that something’s wrong with the water. Image Credit: Pattysan, Shutterstock What to do about it
Clean and change your cat’s water daily, and make sure it stays at room temperature.
- They Don’t Like the Bowl Sometimes cats just aren’t appreciative of the cute new bowl that you bought. If it’s a deep bowl, it’s more difficult to drink from. A wide and shallow bowl is often preferred. The material could also be the issue. Metal or glass bowls are less likely to alter the taste of the water than plastic ones. Some cats can taste the plastic in their water. Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shuterstock What to do about it
If you’ve recently introduced a new bowl to your cat, try putting the old one back to see if they still move the bowl around. If the behavior stops, you’ve found the solution.
- They Want the Bowl in a Different Spot Cats like their own space, so they could be pushing it because they’re trying to move it to a different location. Consider a place in your house that’s quiet and out of the way. Some cats don’t like eating and drinking in busy spaces, while others suffer from fear of missing out and won’t drink if they have to be away from their family. Image Credit: Apicha Bas, Shutterstock What to do about it
Try moving the bowl to a location that’s different than the one that it’s in. If it’s in a busy room, move it somewhere quiet. If it’s in a quiet space, try moving it into the action.
- Your Cat Is Territorial Cats like to claim ownership of things and mark their territory. They typically mark territory by using scent glands, but they could be pushing and shoving their water bowl to stake claim to it. This is more likely if you have a multi-cat household. Image Credit: Kitirinya, Shutterstock What to do about it
The easiest way to prevent cats from becoming territorial over food and water bowls is to make sure each cat has their own set and that each cat can eat and drink in a different spot.
- They Prefer Still Water Some cats find moving water distracting or annoying. If your cat’s bowl features moving water, they might be trying to tell it to stop. Image Credit: kalyanby, Shutterstock What to do about it
Give your cat still water in a bowl, and see if they stop moving the bowl around.
- They Prefer Moving Water Cats that prefer moving water may push around their bowl if it contains still water. A dish with clear liquid can be unsettling to them, so they give the bowl a whack to make the water move. Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock What to do about it
Change your cat’s bowl to a fountain-style moving water bowl.
See Also: 10 Best Cat Water Fountains in Canada
- They Do It Out of Curiosity Cats like to know what’s happening around them. Sometimes this is why they move their bowls. They may want to know what’s in it, under it, or what happens when they tip it over. Image Credit: Seattle Cat Photo, Shutterstock What to do about it
This one is tough to fix. If your cat is dumping the water regularly, you may have to teach them that it’s unacceptable behavior by using a stern “no” when you catch them in the act. You can also reward them with a treat or affection when they drink from the bowl and don’t move it.
- They Don’t Like Their Reflection While it’s not a common reason for moving their water bowl, some cats display aggression toward their reflection. If they see that reflection in their water, they will hiss, claw, and paw at it, and the result is a traveling bowl. Image Credit: rihaij, Pixabay What to do about it
The easiest way to know if this is the cause is to test your cat’s reaction to seeing their reflection elsewhere. Moving the bowl to an area that has less sunlight can prevent a reflection on top of the water.
- They Want to Play Sometimes cats move their water bowl because it’s fun. If your kitty has discovered that it’s fun to swat at the bowl and move it across the room, they’ll do it again. Image Credit: Anastasija Kru, Shutterstock What to do about it
Replace the water bowl with an appropriate toy to play with. If all else fails, you can try giving them an empty plastic bowl to play with and replacing their water bowl with a different material.
Conclusion There are many reasons that your cat could be moving the water bowl. In most cases, the behavior is harmless, but we understand that it’s frustrating and messy. Hopefully, these tips will help you determine both the cause and the solution to your cat’s interesting behavior.
Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock
Any cat owner will tell you that cats can be fickle creatures. They like their food one day, then hate it the next. They use the litter box in the laundry room for weeks, only to decide that they prefer the one in the bathroom. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your cat decides to start moving around their water bowl. But why do they do this? Here, we look at 10 common reasons that cats move their water bowls and what you can do to stop it.
The 10 Common Reasons That Cats Move Their Water Bowl
1. They Are Feeling Anxious or Stressed
Stress is one of the most common causes of feline water bowl displacement. Stress and anxiety can stem from multiple sources, including:
Moving to a new environment
New family members in the house, like a new baby or a new pet
Changes in the weather
Changes in your work schedule that leave them alone more often
Illness
What to do about it
If you notice that your cat is suddenly pawing around their water bowl, assess for possible stressors. Be patient if there has been a recent move or change in your schedule. Your cat will likely adjust over time. If there is a new addition in your house, make sure to devote extra time and attention to your kitty so they don’t feel left out. If all else fails, it may be time to visit the vet to ensure that your cat is healthy.
2. They Want Fresh Water
Cats are picky about their water, so there’s a good chance that your cat is moving the bowl because they want a fresh supply. If you notice your cat moving their bowl when the water hasn’t been refreshed in a while, they’re trying to tell you something! It’s also worth noting that cats like their water at room temperature. If the temperature isn’t quite right, this can make drinking uncomfortable. Moving the bowl is one way of communicating to you that something’s wrong with the water.
Moving to a new environment
New family members in the house, like a new baby or a new pet
Changes in the weather
Changes in your work schedule that leave them alone more often
Illness
- Moving to a new environment
- New family members in the house, like a new baby or a new pet
- Changes in the weather
- Changes in your work schedule that leave them alone more often
- Illness
If you notice that your cat is suddenly pawing around their water bowl, assess for possible stressors. Be patient if there has been a recent move or change in your schedule. Your cat will likely adjust over time. If there is a new addition in your house, make sure to devote extra time and attention to your kitty so they don’t feel left out. If all else fails, it may be time to visit the vet to ensure that your cat is healthy.
- If you notice that your cat is suddenly pawing around their water bowl, assess for possible stressors. Be patient if there has been a recent move or change in your schedule. Your cat will likely adjust over time. If there is a new addition in your house, make sure to devote extra time and attention to your kitty so they don’t feel left out. If all else fails, it may be time to visit the vet to ensure that your cat is healthy.
What to do about it
Clean and change your cat’s water daily, and make sure it stays at room temperature.
3. They Don’t Like the Bowl
Sometimes cats just aren’t appreciative of the cute new bowl that you bought. If it’s a deep bowl, it’s more difficult to drink from. A wide and shallow bowl is often preferred.
Clean and change your cat’s water daily, and make sure it stays at room temperature.
- Clean and change your cat’s water daily, and make sure it stays at room temperature.
The material could also be the issue. Metal or glass bowls are less likely to alter the taste of the water than plastic ones. Some cats can taste the plastic in their water.
What to do about it
If you’ve recently introduced a new bowl to your cat, try putting the old one back to see if they still move the bowl around. If the behavior stops, you’ve found the solution.
4. They Want the Bowl in a Different Spot
Cats like their own space, so they could be pushing it because they’re trying to move it to a different location. Consider a place in your house that’s quiet and out of the way. Some cats don’t like eating and drinking in busy spaces, while others suffer from fear of missing out and won’t drink if they have to be away from their family.
If you’ve recently introduced a new bowl to your cat, try putting the old one back to see if they still move the bowl around. If the behavior stops, you’ve found the solution.
- If you’ve recently introduced a new bowl to your cat, try putting the old one back to see if they still move the bowl around. If the behavior stops, you’ve found the solution.
What to do about it
Try moving the bowl to a location that’s different than the one that it’s in. If it’s in a busy room, move it somewhere quiet. If it’s in a quiet space, try moving it into the action.
5. Your Cat Is Territorial
Cats like to claim ownership of things and mark their territory. They typically mark territory by using scent glands, but they could be pushing and shoving their water bowl to stake claim to it. This is more likely if you have a multi-cat household.
Try moving the bowl to a location that’s different than the one that it’s in. If it’s in a busy room, move it somewhere quiet. If it’s in a quiet space, try moving it into the action.
- Try moving the bowl to a location that’s different than the one that it’s in. If it’s in a busy room, move it somewhere quiet. If it’s in a quiet space, try moving it into the action.
What to do about it
The easiest way to prevent cats from becoming territorial over food and water bowls is to make sure each cat has their own set and that each cat can eat and drink in a different spot.
6. They Prefer Still Water
Some cats find moving water distracting or annoying. If your cat’s bowl features moving water, they might be trying to tell it to stop.
The easiest way to prevent cats from becoming territorial over food and water bowls is to make sure each cat has their own set and that each cat can eat and drink in a different spot.
- The easiest way to prevent cats from becoming territorial over food and water bowls is to make sure each cat has their own set and that each cat can eat and drink in a different spot.
What to do about it
Give your cat still water in a bowl, and see if they stop moving the bowl around.
7. They Prefer Moving Water
Cats that prefer moving water may push around their bowl if it contains still water. A dish with clear liquid can be unsettling to them, so they give the bowl a whack to make the water move.
Give your cat still water in a bowl, and see if they stop moving the bowl around.
- Give your cat still water in a bowl, and see if they stop moving the bowl around.
What to do about it
Change your cat’s bowl to a fountain-style moving water bowl.
- See Also: 10 Best Cat Water Fountains in Canada
8. They Do It Out of Curiosity
Cats like to know what’s happening around them. Sometimes this is why they move their bowls. They may want to know what’s in it, under it, or what happens when they tip it over.
Change your cat’s bowl to a fountain-style moving water bowl.
- Change your cat’s bowl to a fountain-style moving water bowl.
What to do about it
This one is tough to fix. If your cat is dumping the water regularly, you may have to teach them that it’s unacceptable behavior by using a stern “no” when you catch them in the act. You can also reward them with a treat or affection when they drink from the bowl and don’t move it.
9. They Don’t Like Their Reflection
While it’s not a common reason for moving their water bowl, some cats display aggression toward their reflection. If they see that reflection in their water, they will hiss, claw, and paw at it, and the result is a traveling bowl.
This one is tough to fix. If your cat is dumping the water regularly, you may have to teach them that it’s unacceptable behavior by using a stern “no” when you catch them in the act. You can also reward them with a treat or affection when they drink from the bowl and don’t move it.
- This one is tough to fix. If your cat is dumping the water regularly, you may have to teach them that it’s unacceptable behavior by using a stern “no” when you catch them in the act. You can also reward them with a treat or affection when they drink from the bowl and don’t move it.
What to do about it
The easiest way to know if this is the cause is to test your cat’s reaction to seeing their reflection elsewhere. Moving the bowl to an area that has less sunlight can prevent a reflection on top of the water.
10. They Want to Play
Sometimes cats move their water bowl because it’s fun. If your kitty has discovered that it’s fun to swat at the bowl and move it across the room, they’ll do it again.
The easiest way to know if this is the cause is to test your cat’s reaction to seeing their reflection elsewhere. Moving the bowl to an area that has less sunlight can prevent a reflection on top of the water.
- The easiest way to know if this is the cause is to test your cat’s reaction to seeing their reflection elsewhere. Moving the bowl to an area that has less sunlight can prevent a reflection on top of the water.
What to do about it
Replace the water bowl with an appropriate toy to play with. If all else fails, you can try giving them an empty plastic bowl to play with and replacing their water bowl with a different material.
Replace the water bowl with an appropriate toy to play with. If all else fails, you can try giving them an empty plastic bowl to play with and replacing their water bowl with a different material.
- Replace the water bowl with an appropriate toy to play with. If all else fails, you can try giving them an empty plastic bowl to play with and replacing their water bowl with a different material.
Conclusion
There are many reasons that your cat could be moving the water bowl. In most cases, the behavior is harmless, but we understand that it’s frustrating and messy. Hopefully, these tips will help you determine both the cause and the solution to your cat’s interesting behavior.
Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock
