Why Does My Cat Drink From My Glass?

If you’ve ever caught your cat’s little face buried in your glass of water, you’re not alone. Many cat parents wonder why, despite having fresh water bowls around the house, their cats insist on sipping from our drinks. It’s quirky, funny, and sometimes a little baffling... but it’s also completely normal feline behaviour.

1. Cats Are Curious Creatures

Cats are natural explorers. To them, your glass isn’t just water... it’s a different water source. Cats are hardwired to be cautious about hydration, and many instinctively like variety. Your glass smells like you, it’s cooler, and it feels novel compared to their usual bowl.

In my own home, I see it every day. Blue has always been a glass drinker, calm and steady. Bella, my beautiful girl who sadly passed away, never touched my glass once. The two Bengals, however, have a completely different style... they paw at the water, splash it around, and then take turns drinking. Each cat has their own unique ritual, and that’s part of their charm.

2. Freshness Matters

Even if you’re diligent about topping up bowls, cats often believe the water in your glass is fresher. They watch you drink from it, so in their mind, it must be the “premium option.” Some even prefer higher or narrower drinking sources, which makes your glass particularly appealing.

3. Playful Drinking Styles

Some cats lap calmly, others turn hydration into a mini game. Mine are a perfect example of both ends... Blue quietly sips like a gentleman, while the Bengals treat drinking time like splash-time. Every cat has their quirks, and drinking style is just one way their personalities shine through.

4. A Matter of Comfort

Sometimes it’s not the water itself, but the bowl. Cats may dislike bowls that are too deep, too narrow, or made of materials that hold odours. Wide, raised ceramic bowls solve this by reducing whisker stress, staying odour-free, and keeping water at a more natural drinking height.

5. Should You Be Concerned?

In most cases, no. Cats drinking from your glass is a quirky behaviour, not a health issue. The only concern is hygiene... sharing water isn’t ideal for either of you. The key is making sure they also have appealing water options of their own.

How to Encourage Better Hydration

Change water a couple of times a day (especially if your cats paw at it).

Place bowls in quiet, separate spots away from food and litter trays.

Use raised ceramic bowls... easier to clean, odour-free, and more inviting.

Your cat may never give up sneaking from your glass... mine certainly haven’t... but by offering clean, well-placed, and cat-friendly bowls, you’ll make sure they stay hydrated and healthy.

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Wrap-Up

Cats drinking from glasses isn’t them being “naughty”... it’s them being cats. Blue, Bella, and my Bengals have all shown me in their own ways how different cats approach water. By understanding their quirks and giving them the right bowl setup, you can keep them happy, hydrated, and thriving... while maybe getting to enjoy your own glass in peace!