One of the reasons I find cats so interesting is that many of their behaviors are still a mystery to us. Yes, even to the experts. They can’t tell us why they do the things they do, so we’re left observing, testing, and even guessing when it comes to their behaviors. One of these mysteries is why cats leave little “gifts” in their water bowl. We don’t really know why, but here are the most common theories.
Cats like to play in water.
One of the most common theories is some cats just like to play in the water. Some cats even like to lick the water from their paws when they drink. It’s cool, refreshing, and something they need to survive. And even though cats get a reputation for not liking water, there are actually some wild cats who love it, like Tigers and Fishing Cats.
Cats drown or clean their prey.
Many believe that dropping a toy in the water is part of the hunting instinct. Popular theories suggest that cats like to drown their prey, or that they’re simply cleaning it. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case. Cats are smart and are very clean animals. Either of these is a possibility.
Cats are saving their prey for later.
A feline’s water and food bowls are safe spaces where they get meals regularly. If their instincts are telling them their favorite fuzzy mouse toy is prey, they’re might be inclined to put it where the food goes. It’s safely stored where they can feast on it later.
Cats like convenience.
If your cat is prone to carrying her toys around in her mouth, she might just be leaving her toy in the bowl because she got thirsty while playing. And plop! Into the water it goes. Why leave it there? Well, now it’s wet and she doesn’t want to play with a wet toy.
Cats are unique.
Personally, I like to think each cat is different, and the ones who drop toys in their water probably do it for a variety of reasons. Maybe they just like your silly reaction when you find it. Or maybe it’s something to get your attention. It’s what they do when they want you to play with them.
But I’d love to hear from you. Why do you think cats drop toys in their bowls?
My cat Gray loves to play with his springs. Unfortunately i regularly find them in his water bowl or in one of our litterboxes. Often we’ll be playing and he’ll bring it back to me wet b/c he decided it needed a good cleaning or something? XD He hasn’t tipped any water bowls yet so fingers crossed lol
My 11 month old tortoise cat loves to play catch with her small plastic wound toys and put them in her litter box then into her water bowl to wash it off lol
Sometimes she can’t get it out of her water bowl..
My tuxedo cat Oreo has a bunch of toys. She has a chipmunk, a monkey, etc. The only one I always find in her water bowl is a little duck. I swear she knows ducks can swim. Lol
My tuxedo cat Oreo has a bunch of toys. She has a chipmunk, a monkey, etc. The only one I always find in her water bowl is a little duck. I swear she knows ducks can swim. Lol
My cat puts crinkly wrappers in his water and food bowl. He doesn’t even play with them. If he finds one, he picks it up and takes it right to the bowl, never to touch it again.
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