why do cats drink with their paws

Jackson

I've noticed that my cat sometimes dips her paw into the water bowl and licks the water off instead of drinking directly. It seems unusual compared to how most animals drink. Why do cats do this? Is it a preference, or is there a deeper reason behind this behavior?

Henry

Cats may drink with their paws because it helps them gauge the water level and avoid accidentally submerging their sensitive whiskers. Whisker fatigue—a discomfort caused by overstimulation of the whiskers—can make direct drinking unpleasant, especially from narrow or deep bowls. Using their paws allows them to control the amount of water they consume comfortably.

Cooper

Some cats drink this way due to instinctual behavior inherited from wild ancestors. In nature, stagnant water can be unsafe, so pawing at the surface helps check for debris or movement (like predators). Additionally, cats prefer running water, and paw-scooping might mimic the motion of a stream, making it more appealing.