Unlike most peculiar cat behaviors, meowing before drinking water has a variety of explanations. While most behaviors have 3-4 explanations, this one has many more. Understanding why your cat meows before drinking water is crucial, as some reasons may indicate a need for proactive action to ensure your cat gets enough water for good health.
Cats often struggle with hydration. From personal experience with my three male cats, I know that insufficient water intake can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Male cats are more prone to UTIs than females, but both genders can suffer from them. Although female cats can ‘expel’ UTIs more easily than males, they can still become severe. UTIs are a lifelong problem that can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously.
Reasons Why Cats Meow Before Drinking
1. Your cat might not like standing water. I confess to personally preferring tap water at a certain temperature on the cooler side and disliking filtered water or water from a metal container. I also hate the taste of certain bottled waters. Most of the time, if it’s from a safe source, I strongly prefer tap water and water with a lot of calcium added to it. Does this make me weird? Probably a little. Cats are likely to be even more fussy than I am. They don’t have constant access to clean water in the wild, so they typically prefer certain tastes. This preference may have helped save many cats’ lives by avoiding water with a lot of bacteria. The best way for cats to ensure super fresh water is to develop a preference for running water over still water. If your cat is meowing because it’s not happy with the still water source, you may notice hesitation after the meow and signs like meowing in front of a shower or tap. In this case, get a drinking fountain. You’ll likely save on healthcare fees in the long run and avoid heartache if your cat doesn’t drink enough and has health issues. Catit Design Senses Food Maze – Amazon / Chewy. 2. Your cat might just be informing you it’s about to drink the water. Some cats don’t care about drinking still water. These cats often give a little meep before drinking and then proceed to drink. It’s not a yowl or a cry or a frustrating sound. It’s a quick little meow. My cat Avery does this and often puts a paw in the water bowl after the meow. I think he does this to see the water ripple and know where the water begins since cats don’t seem to have the best close-up vision but have excellent sight when things are in motion. Why would a cat try to tell you before it drinks? I mentioned in another article that cats sometimes meow before going into the litter box. I think it’s because my cats like me to guard them when they go to the bathroom.Cats exhibit unique behaviors when it comes to drinking water. My theory is that they feel safer in groups, with one cat standing guard while others drink. This is because a cat that’s drinking is vulnerable and can’t be aware of its surroundings at the same time, potentially leading to choking or being caught unawares by predators. Cats often communicate before drinking to let us know they need protection during this vulnerable time. Sometimes, cats may view their water bowl as a toy. I once took in a kitten who was playful and sneaky, often using the water bowl for entertainment. She would push the bowl over, leading me to use a non-slip mat to prevent this. Later, she learned to spin the bowl, causing water to spill without the bowl tipping over. To counter this, I used the heaviest metal pot I could find, which worked until she started dropping tissues into the bowl. Cats that consider the water bowl a plaything often meow before engaging in such antics. Watch your cat closely to understand if their meow before drinking is a signal for playtime. Another factor influencing a cat’s drinking behavior is the material of the water bowl. If a cat hesitates before drinking but eventually does so, it might not like the bowl’s material. Some cats may dislike metallic tastes, which could be an issue if you’re using an aluminum bowl. Ceramic is often considered the best option for pet bowls, but I find pet bowls annoying and pointless to buy. Instead, I prefer using regular human dishware, such as a Le Creuset 400ml mug for a single cat, or large 28-ounce tempered glass Corelle bowls for multiple cats. These are easy to clean and can be used in a dishwasher without any issues. The convenience of using regular dishware also means they can be confidently used for both cat and human food.
If you’re seeking ways to improve your cat’s hydration, consider trying out the Corelle Livingware 28 Ounce Super Soup Cereal Bowl, available on Amazon or eBay. This bowl has a suitable height that many cats prefer. Cats often prefer drinking from elevated surfaces like mugs and cups, which are less straining on their necks. Using a deep and high soup bowl designed for humans can be more effective than many pre-made elevated cat bowls.
Some cats are particular about the height of their water bowls. For those who dislike low-lying water bowls, consider elevating them to reduce strain on their necks. The depth of the bowl also matters, as it can hold more water. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section. Cats are vulnerable when drinking, and their water bowl’s placement is crucial. Placing it in a corner or against a wall might feel uncomfortable to them, especially in multi-cat households. To avoid potential conflicts or choking hazards, position the bowl where your cat can have a clear view of the room. Lastly, consider the visibility of water in the bowl. If your cat struggles to see the water line, especially in very white bowls, it might be time to switch to a bowl that makes it easier for them to see the water level. This can help prevent water spills and keep your cat hydrated.Have you ever wondered why cats sometimes meow before drinking water? What could be the most likely explanation for this cat behavior? Are there any reasons you think I left out or should have discussed more regarding meowing before drinking? Have any of your cats done this? Did you figure out why they were doing it?
Maybe something with a pattern on the inside of the bowl, like stripes that bend and distort at the edge of the water, or different colors or shapes. Or even something not too dark or too light in shade to make it easier to see what’s in the bowl. Lighting the area could also help. Just a thought!
Would love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments section down below if you have a moment! Always look forward to seeing what you guys think!
