Cat keeps knocking over the water bowl – how to stop

Here are a few common reasons why your cat might be making a mess by knocking over its water bowl all the time.

Bowl stresses the whiskers

The shape of the water bowl could be bothering the cat, especially if its sensitive whiskers touch the side of the bowl before the cat has a chance to lap up the water. Getting a flat water bowl might reduce the likelihood of your cat knocking over the water bowl all the time. You may also want to consider getting a flat ceramic water bowl with a no-slip base, which cats are less likely to knock over because it’s heavier.

Playing with the water

Your cat could be knocking over the water bowl while playing with the water. Cats also prefer drinking from running water and not standing water. They may paw at the standing water before drinking it. Pet water fountains could be a good way to kill two birds with one stone. It can provide a bit of entertainment for cats and encourage them to drink more water.

The water is dirty

Cats are picky about what they eat and drink. They could be trying to tell you something when they knock over the water bowl. One possibility is the cleanliness of the water. You should be replacing the drinking water and rinsing the cat’s water bowl at least once every day.

Too much water in the bowl

There’s absolutely no need to fill the water bowl to its brim. Your cat might stop knocking over its water bowl if you only add a shallow amount of water. Cats don’t need to drink that much water, especially if you are feeding them wet food on a regular basis.