If you’ve ever caught your cat licking your morning coffee, stealing a sip of water from your mug, or staring longingly at your iced tea, you’re not alone. Cat owners all over the world have reported this odd habit, and it’s often accompanied by looks of both amusement and exasperation. But why do cats prefer our mugs to their own fancy bowls? The answer blends cat biology, psychology and cat logic. Let’s dive into why your furball has a crush on your mug – and how to take it back.
Freshness > Fancy Bowls: The Science of Stale Water
Cats have a keen sense of smell – 14 times stronger than humans – and they are naturally inclined to seek out fresh, oxygenated water. Stale water in a bowl quickly loses its appeal, especially if it’s near their food (a primal instinct to avoid contamination). However, the water in your glass is constantly renewed. Every time you take a sip, oxygen rushes in, keeping the water aerated. In addition, the ceramic or glass material keeps the temperature low, mimicking natural water sources such as streams.
Fun Fact: Studies have shown that cats drink up to 30% more water from a moving or wide, shallow bowl. The narrower opening of your water bowl may also be a contributing factor – it forces them to lick more aggressively and satisfies their instinct to “try” to drink.
Bowl Wars: Why Cats Hate Their Bowls
Many cat bowls are plastic. Plastic bowls produce odors and harbor bacteria, metal bowls make clanking noises, and deep bowls bump against sensitive whiskers. Your water bowl, meanwhile, is likely to be smooth and elevated, a major perk for an animal that evolved as a desert predator. In the wild, cats drink from high places (like leaves) to avoid predators. Your water bowl then becomes their luxury watering hole.
PRO TIP Replace plastic bowls with stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Place multiple drinking stations around the house and try using wide, shallow bowls. Still no luck? Your cat may prefer the “designer aesthetic” of your mug.
The Drama of Shared Resources: Attention + Competition
Cats aren’t just thirsty, they’re social animals. Drinking from your mug may be a way to promote bonding. In multi-cat households, cats may “steal” your water to assert dominance or avoid competition. Or, they may associate your water cup with someone they like – you. The warmth of your hand or the scent of your skin when you hold the water glass can be irresistible to cats.
Health clues: When obsession signals problems
While occasional drinking from a cup is harmless, excessive thirst (polydipsia) can signal health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. If your cat is drinking out of your cup every hour or neglecting their bowl altogether, schedule a vet visit. Senior cats and certain breeds (such as Siamese) are also prone to dehydration.
For healthy cats, this habit may just be a quirk. But make sure they’re drinking enough water each day – at a rate of 3.5-4.5 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight. A slow-drip pet fountain or ice cubes in their bowl will help.
How to Break the Drinking Habit Without Losing Your Mind
Want your cup back? Try these cat-approved strategies:
- Upgrade the setup: Pet fountains mimic running water. Your cat will lick from the fountain 2-3 times more often.
- Add Ice: The crunching sound and cold sensation mimics the temperature change of the cup.
- Sip Strategically: Drink from a travel mug or lid to block the passage.
Remember, it’s a compliment! Your cat trusts you enough to share space with you, and they find your drinking habits interesting.
Final Thoughts.
Your cat’s behavior of stealing water from your glass is not only cute, it’s also their primal instinct and preference. By understanding the “why,” you can turn this quirk into a bonding moment (or give your cat a new pet fountain to drink from). Please leave a comment to discuss if your cat also has this quirk! 🐾