Why Do Cats Like Water? Is it the Faucet or Running Water?
Do Cats Really Like Water? Understanding Feline Fascination
It might come as a surprise to many pet parents, but some cats like water—especially when it’s in motion. While 90 percent of cats will dislike water, particularly full immersion like baths, many household cats are mesmerized by running water. Whether it’s a drip from the faucet or the stream from a cat water fountain, certain breeds and individual cats tend to be drawn to water more than others.
Cats and Water: A Complicated Relationship
The typical domestic cat is known for avoiding water, which may be rooted in evolutionary history. Still, cats may show signs of fascination when exposed to running water from the faucet. Their relationship with water varies based on early exposure, individual preference, and even breed characteristics.
Common behavior seen in cats who are drawn to water includes:
- Pawing at or splashing in their water bowl
- Drinking from the faucet instead of their dish
- Watching and batting at water as it flows
These behaviors suggest water may mesmerize certain felines, particularly when it's moving.
Why Running Water Appeals to Cats
Running Water From a Faucet Feels Fresher
Many pet parents notice their cats drinking from the faucet more often than from a water bowl. This isn’t just quirky behavior—cats tend to associate running water with freshness and safety. In the wild, moving water is typically cleaner and safer to drink than stagnant pools. For your cat, drinking from the faucet might simply feel safer and more appealing than still water in a bowl.
Whiskers, Bowls, and Sensory Overload
Cats’ whiskers are extremely sensitive. A deep or narrow bowl can cause whisker fatigue—a condition where repeated contact with surfaces overstimulates a cat’s sensory system. If your cat avoids its water bowl, its whiskers may be the reason. Running water from a faucet or a water fountain allows the cat to avoid this discomfort, making hydration more enjoyable.
Cat Breeds That Like Water
While every cat is unique, there are cat breeds that like water more than others. Turkish Van, Maine Coon, Bengal, Abyssinian, and Norwegian Forest Cat are known for their fascination with water. These breeds often enjoy playing with water, whether it’s splashing in their bowl or swimming.
Breeds Such as Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is perhaps the most famous of the cat breeds that like water. This breed has a naturally water-resistant coat, meaning it takes a long time to dry—a trait that doesn’t bother them as much as it might other breeds. Breeds such as Turkish Van and Turkish Angora are often drawn to water, with many owners observing their cats playing in bathtubs, sinks, or puddles.
Breeds that like water include:
- Turkish Van
- Turkish Angora
- Maine Coon
- Bengal
- Norwegian Forest Cat
These feline companions break the stereotype that all cats hate water. For pet parents interested in getting a cat that likes water, these breeds are a good place to start.
What About Water Fountains?
Why Cats Prefer a Water Fountain
A cat water fountain mimics the appeal of running water without the need to leave a faucet dripping all day. Cats prefer fountains because they:
- Provide a continuous stream of fresh, filtered water
- Reduce the buildup of dirt and hair in bowls
- Help prevent dehydration in cats who don’t drink enough
Many cats tend to drink more when a water fountain is available. This is especially important for cat’s health, as hydration supports kidney function and urinary tract health.
Pet parents should consider investing in a fountain if their cat seems uninterested in its traditional water bowl or is often seen drinking from the faucet.
Why Do Some Cats Avoid Water?
Despite popular videos of cats playing with water, most domestic cats are not fans of getting wet. One key reason is that their coats are not always water-resistant, and being soaked can weigh them down and cause discomfort. Additionally, grooming after exposure is time-consuming for cats, and their saliva may not be as effective at drying and cleaning as we assume.
Still, cats also rely heavily on scent for identifying their environment. Water, especially from a faucet or bowl, can mask or wash away natural scents, which may be unsettling to a feline.
Cats That Like Water: Breeds and Behaviors Explained
While it’s true that most cats dislike water, it’s also common for certain breeds to actually enjoy it. Van and Turkish Angora cats are perhaps the best-known examples. The reason it is more common for Angora cats to like water is due in part to their genetic lineage and coat properties. Their coats are often more water-resistant than other breeds, meaning they don't feel as heavy or uncomfortable when wet.
Turkish Angora cats, in particular, are known to be highly active and curious. For a cat to play with water, they usually must have had positive early experiences, and this breed often does. If you want to give your cat the option to explore water safely, starting when they’re a kitten may help create a lasting comfort with it.
Even if you don’t have a breed that naturally loves water, your kitty might enjoy gentle exposure. Start small: let them interact with a slow water faucet, or offer a fresh glass of water occasionally. Many cats lick to get the moisture from a glass, which can be a fun and easy enrichment activity.
Want to learn more about breed-specific water behavior? Visit The International Cat Association (TICA) for detailed breed profiles.
Mesmerize: Why Running Water Captivates Cats
It’s not unusual for a kitty to be completely mesmerized by the sound or sight of water. A running water stream from the water faucet can simulate prey movement, capturing a cat’s natural hunting instincts. Whether it’s a drip, splash, or steady flow, cats love to observe and interact with it.
According to a certified cat behavior expert, motion draws feline attention because it taps into their curiosity and sharp vision. This helps explain why many cats will drink running water rather than from a still bowl. You might even see them try to bat them around or paw at the stream before lapping it up. Many cats that drink this way were either exposed to water early on or simply find it novel.
Some cats may even prefer to drink water that’s in motion because they’re instinctually wired to believe it’s fresher and safer to drink. If you're getting your cat used to water, keep in mind that they may take a long time to dry, especially if they have a dense coat.
Encourage Hydration in Curious Cats
- Use a cat water fountain to mimic the flow they enjoy from a faucet
- Offer a fresh glass of water in addition to their regular bowl
- Let your cat explore the sink or tub under supervision
- Choose a shallow, wide bowl to avoid irritating their whiskers
Remember, even cats that avoid water for bathing may still be drawn to water like a gentle fountain. Following your cat’s lead and slowly expanding their water experiences can help build positive habits and hydration routines.
Tips for Pet Parents: How to Encourage Healthy Hydration
If you notice your cat avoiding its water bowl or seeming uninterested in drinking, there are some practical steps you can take to ensure they stay hydrated:
- Provide multiple water sources around your home
- Invest in a water fountain to mimic running water
- Clean water bowls and fountains daily to ensure clean water
- Use wide, shallow bowls to avoid whisker stress
- Place water away from food and litter areas
These tips can encourage your cat to drink more, which is especially important for cats prone to kidney issues or urinary tract problems.
Learn more about feline hydration from VCA Animal Hospitals
Looking to try a cat water fountain?
Here are two highly rated options from trusted brands:
