You fill the water bowl—and your cat asks for the faucet.
You buy toys—and your cat spends the afternoon pawing at the window.
If you have ever watched your feline friend and wondered, “What are you doing?” you are in good company. Some of the things that make cats so entertaining also leave us guessing.
Their instincts, individual preferences, and surroundings offer clues. Here are five curious cat habits, what might explain them, and simple ways to support your cat’s natural behavior.
1. Why Does My Cat Drink From the Faucet?
Your cat has fresh water in a bowl. Yet the moment you turn on the tap, a furry little customer appears beside the sink.
Some cats prefer moving water, which can make a running faucet especially appealing. Others may have preferences about where their water is offered.
Before assuming your cat dislikes the bowl itself, consider its location. A quiet drinking spot away from food and the litter box may be more inviting.
What you can try
Keep clean, fresh water available throughout the day. Offer a second bowl in another quiet location and notice which one your cat chooses.
If your cat enjoys flowing water, a pet fountain may be worth trying. Choose one that is easy to clean, and keep regular water bowls available too.
Looking for another everyday watering option? Explore our gravity pet food and water dispenser.
2. Why Does My Cat Paw at the Window?
Something moves outside, and suddenly your cat has both paws on the glass.
A bird, insect, fluttering leaf, or reflection could be holding their attention. Pawing may be an attempt to reach or investigate what they see—but the movement alone does not tell us exactly what they want.
Watch the whole scene. Does your cat look relaxed and interested, or tense and upset? Do they settle down afterward, or keep returning in frustration?
What you can try
Provide a stable viewing spot beside a securely closed window.
If an outside animal seems to upset your cat, temporarily cover that part of the window or offer a quieter place to rest. Window watching should be an enjoyable activity.
3. Why Does My Cat Pounce on Moving Things?
A toy slides across the floor. Your cat crouches, wiggles, waits—and launches.
That familiar sequence gives you a glimpse of natural hunting behavior. Even cats with full food bowls can enjoy stalking and chasing. Play gives them opportunities to use those instincts.
Sometimes the way a toy moves matters more than how fancy it looks.
What you can try
Move a wand toy in short bursts, pausing so your cat can stalk it. Let them catch it regularly, and experiment with movements along the floor or through the air.
Use toys instead of hands and feet. Put wand toys, strings, and ribbons away after supervised play.
Curious about more everyday feline mysteries?
Read: Why Does My Cat Do That? 10 Strange Cat Behaviors Finally Explained
4. Why Does My Cat Scratch After a Nap?
Wake up. Stretch. Scratch. Begin the next important cat assignment.
Scratching helps cats stretch their bodies, maintain their claws, and leave scent and visible marks. It is a normal behavior, so providing a suitable place to do it is part of making a home comfortable for a cat.
A scratcher that wobbles, feels too short, or has the wrong texture may not be very appealing.
What you can try
Place a sturdy scratching surface near a favorite sleeping spot. Notice whether your cat prefers scratching upright or along the floor, then offer an option that matches.
Reward interest in the scratcher with praise, play, or a treat. Avoid forcing your cat’s paws against it.
Does your cat follow a stretch with a little blanket kneading?
5. Why Does My Cat Squeeze Into Boxes and Small Spaces?
An empty box arrives, and your cat immediately claims it.
Enclosed spaces can offer a sheltered place to rest, hide, or watch the room. Individual preferences vary: one cat chooses a cardboard box, while another prefers a covered bed or tunnel.
The best option gives your cat room to settle comfortably and leave whenever they want.
What you can try
Offer a clean cardboard box with tape, staples, and loose packing materials removed. Place it somewhere quiet and let your cat investigate at their own pace.
A cat tunnel or covered bed can provide another place to explore or retreat.
Have a cat who loves a cozy hideaway? Take a look at our cat tunnel
Your Cat’s Little Habits Tell a Story
You may never know every thought behind your cat’s window patrol or insistence on faucet service. But watching what catches their attention—and offering safe choices—can help you understand their preferences.
Start with one small change: another water bowl, a better scratching spot, or a few minutes of interactive play. Then let your cat show you what they enjoy.
If a familiar habit changes suddenly, becomes persistent, or comes with changes in appetite, thirst, litter box use, or comfort, contact your veterinarian.
Which habit sounds most like your cat: faucet fan, window watcher, expert pouncer, or box inspector? Tell us in the comments!
More Cat Behavior Stories to Explore
Looking for something for your favorite feline? Shop our Rivers Corner’s cat collection— for everyday essentials and cozy finds.