Why Do Cats Scratch the Floor? The Surprising Reason for This Behavior

Cats are fascinating creatures, and their behavior is often mysterious to their owners. One of the most common behaviors that leave cat owners scratching their heads is when their feline friends scratch the floor before drinking water. This behavior seems strange, but it has a logical explanation.

Scratching is a marking mechanism for cats, and it serves several purposes. When cats scratch, they are not only sharpening their claws, but they are also leaving their scent behind. This behavior is a way for cats to mark their territory and communicate with other cats.

The link between scratching and drinking is fascinating, and it sheds light on the unique habits and instincts of cats.

Key Takeaways

• Scratching is a natural marking mechanism for cats that serves several purposes.
• Scratching before drinking water is related to a cat’s survival instincts and habits.
• Addressing the scratching behavior can involve providing cats with alternative scratching surfaces and addressing any underlying health issues.

Understanding Cat Behavior

Cats are fascinating creatures with unique habits that can often leave us puzzled. One of these habits is scratching the floor before drinking water. This instinctive behavior is believed to have evolved from their wild ancestors.

Cats are natural hunters, and their instincts are still present in their behavior today. They have a territorial instinct, which means they mark their territory by scratching and spraying. This behavior helps them to feel secure and in control of their environment.

Another reason why cats scratch the floor before drinking water is their curiosity. Cats are naturally curious animals, and they like to investigate their surroundings. They may scratch the floor to test the water, or to see if the bowl moves.

It’s important to note that not all cats exhibit this behavior. Some cats may scratch the floor before drinking water, while others may not. It’s just one of the many unique behaviors that make cats such fascinating creatures.

Scratching as a Marking Mechanism

Pheromones and Scent Glands

Cats have scent glands in their paws, cheeks, and forehead. When they scratch the floor, they leave behind a combination of visual and chemical cues. The visual cue is the scratch mark, and the chemical cue is the pheromone released from their scent glands.

Cat pheromones contain information about a cat’s health, sex, and breeding status, which other cats can detect. Scratching the floor before drinking water is a way for cats to mark their territory and communicate with other cats.

Territory Marking

Scratching the floor is a territorial behavior. Cats are territorial animals, and they use scent marking to establish and maintain their territory. 

Scratching the floor before drinking water is a way for cats to assert their dominance and let other cats know that this is their territory.

Sources:

• PetCosset

The Link Between Scratching and Drinking

Water Dish vs. Floor

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch and dig around their food and water sources. This behavior is rooted in their wild ancestry when they had to dig to find water sources.

Scratching the floor before drinking water may be a way for cats to check if the water is safe to drink. Cats may also scratch the floor around their water bowl to create a shallow pool of water that they can drink from.

This behavior is more common in cats that prefer drinking from a flat surface rather than a water dish.

Taste or Smell of Water

Cats have a keen sense of smell and taste. They may scratch the floor before drinking water to release the scent of the water. Scratching the floor may also be a way for cats to aerate the water, making it taste fresher.

Some cats may prefer to drink running water because it tastes better than still water. Running water may also be more appealing to cats because it is cooler and oxygenated.

According to Epic Pet Club, another reason why cats scratch the floor before drinking water is that they are trying to create a more natural drinking environment. In the wild, cats would drink from streams and rivers, and the sound of running water would indicate that the water was fresh and safe to drink. By scratching the floor, cats may be trying to create the sound of running water, making their drinking experience more satisfying.

Cat’s Survival Instincts and Habits

Kneading and Digging

Kneading is a behavior that cats exhibit when they push their paws in and out against a soft surface. This behavior is a leftover instinct from when cats were nursing kittens and needed to stimulate milk flow from their mother.

Another habit that cats have is digging. Domesticated cats descended from desert felines, and in the wild, they would dig up the sand to look for water. This instinctive behavior can also manifest when your cat is eating or playing with its toys.

Pawing and Scratching the Floor

Cats also have a habit of pawing and scratching the floor. This behavior is a way for cats to mark their territory and establish their dominance. When cats scratch the floor, they are leaving their scent behind, which signals to other cats that this is their territory.

Another reason why cats scratch the floor is to get rid of any debris or dirt that may be on their paws. Cats are very clean animals, and they don’t like to have anything on their paws that could potentially harm them.

The Role of Whiskers and Paws

Whisker Discomfort

Cats’ whiskers are highly sensitive and help them navigate their surroundings. When a cat’s whiskers touch the sides of a narrow food or water dish, it can cause discomfort, also known as “whisker fatigue.”

This discomfort can lead to cats scratching the floor around their bowl to create a wider space to drink from. Providing a wider dish can alleviate this discomfort and prevent scratching behavior.

Cat Paws and Claws

Scratching the floor is a natural behavior for cats. It helps them mark their territory and stretch their muscles. Cats’ paws and claws are also designed for digging and scratching, so it’s no surprise that they use them to create a comfortable drinking area. However, excessive scratching can damage floors and carpets.

To prevent this behavior, provide a designated scratching post or mat for your cat to use. You can also try placing a rubber mat under their water bowl to prevent damage to your floors.

In conclusion, scratching the floor before drinking water is a natural behavior for cats. It can be caused by whisker discomfort or a desire to mark their territory. Providing a wider dish and a designated scratching area can help alleviate this behavior.

Cats and Their Water Preferences

Clean vs. Dirty Water

Cats are known for their cleanliness, and it’s no different when it comes to their water. They prefer clean water and may refuse to drink from a dirty bowl. It’s important to change their water regularly and clean their bowl to prevent bacteria growth.

According to PetMD, cats have a keen sense of smell, and if their water smells bad, they may refuse to drink it. So, make sure to keep their water fresh and clean.

Still vs. Running Water

Cats may also have preferences when it comes to the type of water they drink. Some cats prefer still water, while others prefer running water.

According to VCA Hospitals, cats in the wild tend to drink from moving water sources, as it’s less likely to harbor bacteria. So, if your cat prefers running water, consider getting a fountain-style water bowl to encourage them to drink more water.

It’s important to note that some cats may not drink enough water, which can lead to health problems. So, make sure to provide fresh, clean water and encourage them to drink by changing their water regularly and providing running water if necessary.

Addressing the Scratching Behavior

Scratching Post

One way to address your cat’s scratching behavior is by providing a scratching post. Cats love to scratch and need to do so to keep their claws healthy and strong. A scratching post can help redirect your cat’s scratching behavior away from your furniture and onto a more appropriate surface.

When choosing a scratching post, consider the size and texture. It should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out and sturdy enough to not tip over. A post covered in sisal rope or cardboard is ideal as it mimics the texture of tree bark, which is what cats naturally scratch.

Changing Water Bowls

Another way to address your cat’s scratching behavior is by changing their water bowl. Cats may scratch the floor before drinking water because they are trying to create a more suitable drinking environment. Some cats prefer running water, which can be achieved with a cat fountain.

Alternatively, you can try using a shallow, wide bowl. This allows your cat to see the water and drink without having to put their face too close to the water surface. A ceramic or stainless steel bowl is best as it is less likely to harbor bacteria and can be easily cleaned.

Remember to keep your cat’s water bowl clean and filled with fresh water at all times. Cats are sensitive to the smell and taste of tap water, so consider using filtered water.

Conclusion

Cats are fascinating creatures that exhibit a range of behaviors that can be both amusing and perplexing to their owners. Scratching the floor before drinking water is one such behavior that has puzzled many cat owners.

There are several reasons why cats may scratch the floor before drinking water. One reason is that it is an instinctive behavior that stems from their wild ancestors who would bury their food and water to hide it from predators. Another reason is that cats may be marking their territory by scratching the floor.

Additionally, scratching the floor may be a way for cats to ensure that their water is clean and oxygenated. By scratching the floor, they may be trying to create ripples in the water to increase the amount of oxygen in it.

Overall, while the exact reason why cats scratch the floor before drinking water may remain a mystery, it is clear that it is a behavior that is deeply ingrained in their instincts. By understanding this behavior, cat owners can better appreciate and care for their feline companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cat scratching the floor like litter?

Your cat may be scratching the floor like litter because they want to locate where the water is or to tell you that the water bowl is not clean.

Why is my cat digging in his water bowl?

Your cat may be digging in his water bowl because they are trying to get to the bottom of the bowl or because they are trying to bury their water.

Why does my cat meow before he drinks water?

Your cat may meow before drinking water to get your attention or to let you know that they are thirsty.

Why do cats splash water before drinking?

Cats may splash water before drinking because they want to play or because they are trying to cool down their paws.

How to get cat to stop splashing water bowl?

To get your cat to stop splashing the water bowl, you can try using a heavier bowl, providing a larger water bowl, or using a fountain-style water bowl.