Why Does My Cat Keep Knocking Over Their Water Bowl?

Most cats with a health problem show other signs of illness, such as lethargy, confusion, or a change in appetite. It's unusual for a young kitten to have one of these conditions but not impossible, so if you observe your kitten drinking excessive amounts of water or spending a lot of time focused on the water bowl, make sure you contact your veterinarian.

Anxiety or stress sometimes prompts strange behaviors in cats. A cat may put their paws into the water bowl or try to climb in. Separation anxiety often motivates cats to seek attention from owners by exhibiting abnormal behaviors. Sometimes this manifests as litter box issues, such as urine spraying or defecating in an inappropriate area. For some cats, separation anxiety may lead them to splash in the water dish, push it aside, or try to overturn it to get your attention. Obsessive-compulsive disorders can become worse with stress as well. Kittens are rarely affected by these types of long-term behavioral patterns.

How to Stop Cats From Spilling Water

Sometimes a kitten playing in the water is just a kitten acting their age. Some young felines love patting around in the water, while others simply can't stand the stuff. Kittens are inclined to grow out of behaviors like splashing in the water, so patience may be the best solution if your young cat is using their water bowl as a toy.

Kitten object play is most active through the 5-month age before declining, so if the behavior doesn't begin to wane by the time the kitten starts reaching maturity, it may be helpful to redirect their focus to a better outlet for play by offering another toy to play with.

Resolve Any Health Issues

If a cat is drinking excess water or spilling water because of a health issue, your vet will help determine the underlying cause and offer treatment options. Your cat may need prescription medication for the condition. Treating the health issue should resolve unwanted water bowl behavior.