Most cats prefer running water for drinking, while others seem to enjoy sticking their whole head under the tap or pawing at a moving stream. But why? Is it the sound? The flavor? Something else? Below, I’m going to explain what we know – and what we can guess – about cats and their fascination with running water.
The most important thing to know is that cats do seem to prefer running water over still water. Since they’re descended from desert-dwellers and aren’t great at maintaining good hydration, this is something you should take advantage of as a cat parent.
I’ve been a vet for eight years, including working in a cat-only clinic, and I’ve suggested to many a cat parent that they install the best pet water fountains to encourage their cats to drink more water. So, do we know why cats love running water? And how can we turn this to our advantage? Let’s find out…
Why do cats like running water?
Unfortunately, one of the downsides of being a vet is that our patients can’t talk, so we can’t ask cats why they like running water. However, a good understanding of evolution, biology, and some of the research in this area means we can make some educated guesses.
1. It's fresher
Cats are naturally clean animals, with well-evolved abilities to avoid infection. They prefer their water and food in separate areas (probably so entrails don’t contaminate their water source).
We also think they prefer running water because it is likely to be cleaner and safer than still water. Still water is prone to becoming stagnant, building up bacteria and parasites, and even – in some climates – attracting predators. Running water is fresher and safer, and it’s likely our cats have retained this evolutionary preference.
2. Cats are drawn to movement
Your cat’s senses are highly attuned to movement, as any cat pouncing on a wand toy or even a fly will show you! They notice movement and are naturally curious to take a look – meaning running water is eye-catching and interesting to them.
3. Less risk of sore whiskers
Some people think that cats get ‘whisker fatigue’ when their sensitive whiskers touch the sides of a bowl constantly. Although we don’t know if this is true for all cats, there are definitely plenty of cats who prefer wider, shallower bowls. For cats, running water plays to their preferences to not have their whiskers constantly touched.
4. It’s fun
Like a child with a sprinkler, some cats seem to like playing with running water. It’s no surprise really – it’s fast-moving, and changes direction when you paw at it, so what’s not to love? For many cats, running water is less about thirst and more about play – and that’s ok!
Why do cats stare at running water?
Some cats don’t just drink running water, they’re fascinated by it. So why do cats stare at running water? Well, while we can’t be sure, it’s likely that the movement attracts them. The way the light plays off it, and even the sound of it trickling, may also attract their attention.
Are water fountains good for cats?
Because most cats prefer running water, water fountains are great for cats. While we can’t be 100% sure why they work, it really only matters that they do.
Of course, there are some cons to water fountains – firstly, it’s a bit harder to tell how much your cat has drunk, so you may be less likely to notice subtle changes in their drinking. Secondly, many cat water fountains can be noisy and use electricity to run.
They also cost more than a regular water bowl, which can be a problem in a multi-cat house, where several are needed. They can be harder to keep clean, too – if there are areas you can’t get to to clean, a bacterial biofilm can build up inside them.
That said, if your cat seems to like running water (or even if they don’t seem that fussed) it’s definitely worth trying a water fountain to encourage them to increase their water intake.
Most cats, especially if they’re on a dry diet, are a bit dehydrated – so anything we can do to keep them hydrated is great. This is especially important for cats with medical problems, but even for young, healthy cats, there’s some evidence that keeping them hydrated can protect their kidneys and reduce the risk of several medical problems.
Many cats love running water. We don’t know if they’re attracted by the sight, the sound, or as an ingrained habit from their evolutionary past, but we do know that they’re more likely to drink healthy amounts when offered running water from a cat water fountain. As a vet, I often recommend cat water fountains to pet parents, even when their cats are young and healthy.
You might also want to read: Why is my cat drinking a lot of water? Or, learn how long cats can go without water and what should cats drink?
After graduating as a vet from the University of Nottingham in 2016, Dr. Joanna Woodnutt went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She quickly developed a love of consulting and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behavior and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.
Edited by Megan Milstead.
This page was last updated in June 2025 by Joanna Woodnutt.
