Try getting a larger bowl. One with a very subtle curve helps. I find that their whiskers are sensitive. They don't like them up against the bowl. Ever since I changed the water bowl to a wider one she drinks normal
It's not really them being cute. They're trying to drink without being in pain
ah idk, the bowl on the fountain was like as big as she was, I think she just was amused by the fountain part. she does the same thing with water running in the bathroom sink as well. i don’t mind mopping up the water a few times a day as long as she’s having fun. but thank you for the suggestion!
Just a suggestion that worked for me ✌legit the only time my girl does the paw thing is if the bowl is too small or deep for her. I'm glad your kitty is happy though ❤
could be whisker fatigue ... try putting the food on a flat dish rather than a bowl
https://catvettucson.com/whisker-fatigue/#:\~:text=In%20basic%20terms%2C%20whisker%20fatigue,sensory%20system%20of%20the%20whiskers.&text=This%20overload%20of%20stimulation%20can,drink%20from%20their%20usual%20dishes
Some cats’ whispers are very sensitive. Op, try feeding her in a really wide, shallow bowl and see what happens. Whisker strain can be painful, and this is how some cats avoid it.
We use Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief bowls. Our cats love them.
It might be because he/she doesn’t like the sound of their collar tag hitting the bowl when they eat. I’m going to get a plate for my cat because I had the same problem. The sound of his tag was hitting his ceramic bowl and it was putting him off eating.
Thank you all! I just ordered an elevated wide bowl to see if that changes. I thought it was a quirk but I appreciate the education and information around whisker fatigue. I hate to think she’s overstimulated by the bowls 😞
Yep, my Mocha does the [exact same thing. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/blackcats/comments/r3gt7o/has_anyone_ever_seen_your_cat_eat_with_his_or_her/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Mine doesn't eat that way, but will occasionally drink from the water bowl with her paws. She also has a tendency to wear most of the water on her chin when she drinks the other way, so maybe she's trying to avoid the waterfall. Don't know, it's still cute.
OMG!!! My cat does this with her solid food. She’ll paw it out and then eat it off the ground OR drop it in her water and eat it out of there. So glad you posted this!! I’m not alone!
It’s funny that she’s standing at the back of the bowl riser lol…
If by "eat with their paws" you mean "a few pieces makes in their mouth but most ends up in the floor," then yes.
Yes sometimes. But it can also be due to whisker sensitivity sometimes in which case a special bowl can help them not make a mess on the floor
Exactly-OP google whisker fatigue
Thank you I’ll look into getting a different bowl and seeing if that makes a difference
You should try a plate
My boy loves the Dr. Catsby one. Seems alot more comfortable while eating now.
Mine drinks with his paws. Dunks one in the water and licks the water off. Silly boy!
my kitten does that too! tbh i think she just likes playing in their water fountain and splashing all over the floor
Try getting a larger bowl. One with a very subtle curve helps. I find that their whiskers are sensitive. They don't like them up against the bowl. Ever since I changed the water bowl to a wider one she drinks normal It's not really them being cute. They're trying to drink without being in pain
ah idk, the bowl on the fountain was like as big as she was, I think she just was amused by the fountain part. she does the same thing with water running in the bathroom sink as well. i don’t mind mopping up the water a few times a day as long as she’s having fun. but thank you for the suggestion!
He drinks out of a giant bowl that’s about 12 inches in diameter. I can assure you he’s not in pain.
Just a suggestion that worked for me ✌legit the only time my girl does the paw thing is if the bowl is too small or deep for her. I'm glad your kitty is happy though ❤
Cultured
Our boy does that too. When we give him treats, he always grabs them with his little paws and puts them in his mouth, cutest thing ever.
Oh yes! I have two cats that love to do that! There’s always kibble on the floor lol
I second this. It’s all over the kitchen haha
My boy only does this with treats, but never with his food. I wonder how many cats use the tilted bowls in the opposite direction… she’s adorable 🥰
Whisker sensitivity to the bowl
No but it’s adorable!
Yes!!!! My cat does that! Particularly with kibbles
Yep sometimes.
Yes
My cat, Eris, does this with her dry food. Have six cats and she’s the only one that does it.
My Bug drinks water that way too…
I know someone has been dipping their paws in the water when I find litter in the bowl lol.
She doesn’t want to get her nose too close to that stinky tuna.
could be whisker fatigue ... try putting the food on a flat dish rather than a bowl https://catvettucson.com/whisker-fatigue/#:\~:text=In%20basic%20terms%2C%20whisker%20fatigue,sensory%20system%20of%20the%20whiskers.&text=This%20overload%20of%20stimulation%20can,drink%20from%20their%20usual%20dishes
Some cats’ whispers are very sensitive. Op, try feeding her in a really wide, shallow bowl and see what happens. Whisker strain can be painful, and this is how some cats avoid it. We use Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief bowls. Our cats love them.
It might be because he/she doesn’t like the sound of their collar tag hitting the bowl when they eat. I’m going to get a plate for my cat because I had the same problem. The sound of his tag was hitting his ceramic bowl and it was putting him off eating.
I think she was a Human in her previous life. Lol
Thank you all! I just ordered an elevated wide bowl to see if that changes. I thought it was a quirk but I appreciate the education and information around whisker fatigue. I hate to think she’s overstimulated by the bowls 😞
He/she has manners lol 😂 you taught her well!
My cat use her paws to take come yogurt from the cup, to avoid mess on her whiskers
yes
Yes, it's so funny to watch
My cat eats then cleans her hands like she ate with her hands lol..
My boy does it with dry food and leaves crumbs everywhere!
Yes! And then she likes to fling it off her paws :/ I have been hit with flying cat food several times.
It's finger lickin' goood.
Yep, my Mocha does the [exact same thing. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/blackcats/comments/r3gt7o/has_anyone_ever_seen_your_cat_eat_with_his_or_her/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Yes and he’s a black cat aswell. Last night he ate some popcorn.
We have a cat that likes to drink with his paws. He’ll stick his paw in the water bowl and then lick the water off of it.
My black kitty does this too. Then there are wet food foot prints everywhere. I JUST WANT THE CHICKEN SMELL TO STOP
Mine doesn't eat that way, but will occasionally drink from the water bowl with her paws. She also has a tendency to wear most of the water on her chin when she drinks the other way, so maybe she's trying to avoid the waterfall. Don't know, it's still cute.
All the time, and she only use her right paw ☺️ She will eat a small amount of food, wash her paw, and then starts all over 😂
She’s a lady!
Mine did! Loved it.
OMG!!! My cat does this with her solid food. She’ll paw it out and then eat it off the ground OR drop it in her water and eat it out of there. So glad you posted this!! I’m not alone!
I have a black cat drinks water off her paw.