Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Every day I give my cats fresh water, but I have one cat that will go up to the water bowl, smell it, and then attempt to bury it just like they would poop in a litter box. She actually makes the water more dirty by scraping dirt and such into the water while she's trying to bury. It's the same water that I drink--I don't get what's wrong with it... Is she just weird or is there something wrong with the water?

Hi There,

Chances are that the water is fine and your cat just has an unusual habit. This may stem from the instinct to "save" or hide food and water so as not to attract predators.

I know a cat that scratches at the floor whenever she is drinking water. It actually looks like she is on a treadmill! It's a mystery but very cute at the same time.

There could be a chance that you cat doesn't like the way the water smells to her. Some city water supplies, for instance, have chlorine and other chemicals added. It might be interesting to try bottled or filtered water and see if the same behavior continues.

Regards,
PHKitkat

I have tried purified-filtered water in a clean bowl for a week now, and she's still burying it. I guess it's just the saving/hiding behavior, or maybe she just really likes to bury things!