I’m humbled. Thank you. Well- others have stated pretty well the general of it. A leading theory of feline behaviorists is that cats evolved to be picky about water. Cats are primarily hunters and secondarily opportunity scavengers. So if the food is too close to their water- in nature they would try not to drink from a water source contaminated by a dead or decaying animal in general. The water can also take on a smell and taste f their food- which may be linked to the above, or just like many humans don’t want water that was infused with the main dish- Cats may not like that either.
There Are many reasons. Cat may not drink- cats can be quite finicky and are generally NOT keen on change. Cats “patrol” their “territory” and memorize it. When you change something in a room- you may notice your car seem anxious or confused- or pace about the room. This is believed to be why. Something has changed- and to a cat- that can mean danger.
So cats may dislike if the water level in the bowl isn’t filled up to a relatively consistent level. Sometimes cats will “slap” the water with their paws- trying to determine the water level. Of course- their paws may be dirty and then they won’t want to drink from the bowl until they get new water!
Theory is that cats- like many animals- won’t eat or drink unless they feel safe. This is believed to be why many cats won’t eat unless you watch them do so. You make them feel safe. If the cat is uneasy- such as even a tiny change to its environment like it’s bowl, bowl position, or water level- it may not drink or be reluctant.
Speaking of bowls- a cat may have a preferred type of bowl. In general cats seem to prefer wide shallow bowls. The leading theory is that it doesn’t touch their whiskers. Cat whiskers are very sensitive- but one way to think of it would be if you only had a glass which when used to drink, no matter what you did, smooshed your nose.
Some cats seem to prefer running water. Which makes sense when we look at our first example- cats in nature seeking clean water. In general- running water is safer to drink than stagnant water as it is likely being refreshed, and bacteria, parasites, and bugs have less chance to thrive there or leave eggs. Of course- much like many people like bubbly drinks- it could just be some cats prefer the sensation.
All told- it is true of most cats, that if you give them a bowl of eater near their food, and a bowl of water away from their food- they will prefer the latter. The biggest reasons a cat would likely prefer to drink from “your” glass would probably be:
1. It is away from their food and doesn’t taste like food.
2. The water and glass are likely cleaner. A human will usually wash their water glasses once a day or once per use- which is often more frequently than a cat or pet has their dish washed. The water is also likely fresher in the “average” home that just leaves a bowl out all day and doesn’t use some sort of “car fountain” or change water frequently.
3. The glass is probably near you- and the cat may just like to be near you. You may make it feel safe- or it may just like your presence.
4. Long shot- if you drank from the glass... the car might like the way your mouth makes water taste. Sounds kinda gross... but... some animals like the way our bodily fluids smell or taste.
If you hydrate them too much you’re gonna get pee everywhere
2. The water and glass are likely cleaner. A human will usually wash their water glasses once a day or once per use- which is often more frequently than a cat or pet has their dish washed. The water is also likely fresher in the “average” home that just leaves a bowl out all day and doesn’t use some sort of “car fountain” or change water frequently.
3. The glass is probably near you- and the cat may just like to be near you. You may make it feel safe- or it may just like your presence.
4. Long shot- if you drank from the glass... the car might like the way your mouth makes water taste. Sounds kinda gross... but... some animals like the way our bodily fluids smell or taste.