Picture this: One evening, you finished your nightly dinner and sat very comfortably in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Suddenly you thought that cookies wouldn’t be so bad with hot chocolate, and you went to get them. But when you came back, you saw that the smallest member of your house had taken possession of your hot chocolate.
If you’re wondering why your little cat is obsessed with your drink, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! It’s not an uncommon scenario for cat owners. Many of us have experienced this quirky behavior and wondered what’s behind it.
So, sit back, put down your hot chocolate, and let’s find out why our cat is so obsessed with our drink, and maybe we’ll discover some fascinating reasons and something more!!
Reasons behind your cat’s obsession with your drinks
Have you ever noticed your cat sneaking a sip of your coffee, tea, or soda? Does your feline friend seem to have a fascination with your drinks, even if they have fresh water available? If so, then there are definitely some reasons behind their ridiculous behavior.
- Firstly, cats are born curious animals. It’s like we are having a little Sherlock Holmes in our house. They like to investigate if there is something new or unfamiliar in their surroundings, just like your drinks! And if it tastes good, it becomes their property.
- The second reason is the cat’s reflexive behavior. They are instinctively attracted to moving things, whether it is toys or your fresh drinking water. This attraction leads them to become obsessed with your drink, especially if the drink is fizzy, or contains ice cubes that move around.
- And finally, cats have a highly developed sense of smell. They may be attracted to the aroma of your drink, especially if your drink contains milk, cream, sugar or other sweeteners that are appealing to them. Just like when you have hot chocolate and marshmallow, and it becomes your cat’s favorite drink.
To understand your cat’s obsession with your drinks, it’s crucial to acknowledge their behavior. Cats are natural hunters, and their curiosity makes them inquisitive creatures that love to explore anything new or unusual.
Additionally, if your cats see you drinking, it may look like an activity to them, and they want to join in on the action to get attention or to feel closer to their human companions. Besides, it can happen simply because she’s obsessed with you.
Is it okay for cats to get obsessed with our drink?
Cats are always curious about their hooman friend’s activity such as, what we are doing, eating, or even drinking. In the previous section, we get an idea why our little mouser is obsessed with our drink. It may seem cute and endearing, but wait! Is it okay for cats to get obsessed with our drink?
Well, the answer is quite dependable. If your drink is plain water, then yes, it’s okay for your cat’s obsession. But if it contains different ingredients like caffeine or alcohol, then that’s a big NO for their addiction with your drink.
We love our cats, and we want them to be happy and healthy. But sometimes, they may show interest in our drinks, especially if they are sweet or aromatic. While it may seem harmless to let them have a sip or two, it’s not a good idea for cats to drink human beverages. Why?
- Human drinks contain some ingredients that are quite harmful to cats. For example, caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks or soda. Alcohol in beer, wine or liquor. Sometimes, milk and dairy products can also cause problems in cats.
- Another reason is human drinks can also interfere with the cat’s hydration and nutrition. They need fresh water to stay hydrated. So if cats get addicted to your drink or other liquids, they may not drink enough water and become dehydrated. Aside from that, our drinks do not provide the nutrients that cats require for their diet.
To keep our furry friends safe and healthy, it’s important to keep them away from certain drinks, or even foods.[A must-watch video 16 dangerous foods for cats]. You should never offer your cats any beverages that are meant for human consumption. Instead, you should provide them with fresh, clean water at all times, and give them cat-specific drinks if necessary.
What are the potential risks associated with cats drinking human beverages?
So, now we know that it’s not always good for cats to get obsessed with our drinks, especially if it contains certain ingredients that are not meant for cat consumption. However, not all beverages are safe for cats, there are several potential risks associated with allowing them to do so.
- Caffeine toxicity: Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the heart, nervous system and kidneys of cats. It can cause some serious issues such as restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. As cats are more sensitive than humans, consuming small amounts of caffeine can be deadly to them.
- Alcohol poisoning: Alcohol is a depressant that can slow down the brain and body functions of cats. It can cause symptoms like drowsiness, weakness, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, or even coma. Cats have a very low tolerance for alcohol, and they are not capable of metabolizing it efficiently. So, a few sips of alcohol can be fatal to your little friend.
- Sugar overload: Sugar is a source of calories that can contribute to obesity and diabetes in cats. Not only that, it can also cause some dental problems like tooth decay, and gum disease. Additionally, cats are obligate carnivores, and do not require sugar in their diet, consuming sugary drinks can disrupt their natural diet.
These risks can be especially dangerous for kittens, elderly cats or cats with underlying health issues, as they may have weaker immune systems, lower body weight or impaired organ function, and are more prone to health complications.
Ways to deter your cat obsession with your drinks
So, what can you do to prevent your adorable cat from drinking your drink? Here are some pro and effective suggestion for you-
- Use a cup with a lid and a straw to prevent your cat from dipping its paw or tongue into your drink.
- Keep your drinks away from your cat. Put your drinks in closed cabinets or fridges when you are not drinking them.
- Provide your cat with fresh water in a clean bowl and change it regularly. You can also use a fountain or a dripping tap to make your cat drink more water.
- Distract your cat with a toy or a treat when you are drinking something. This may divert its attention and reduce its interest in your drink.
- Spray your cat with water or use a loud noise to startle it if it tries to approach your drink. This may teach your cat to avoid your drink in the future.
By following these steps, you can easily deter your cat’s obsession with your drinks. If you suspect that your tabby has consumed your beverage, and is experiencing symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian.
Remember, your drinks are for you, and not for your cat. Keeping them away from your drinks can keep them safe and sound.
Conclusion
Cats are playful and curious creatures that can easily get obsessed with anything that is related to their hooman companion.
Just like drinks, TV, or even you. We’ve discussed all the reasons, whether it’s okay for them to get obsessed with your drink, what the risks are associated with human beverages for cats, and how to prevent them from drinking.
We hope our article has answered some of your questions that you are seeking for. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends, and if you have any further questions, feel free to share them with us below.
FAQs
Q: Why does my cat stick her paw in my drinks?
A: Your cat may stick her paws in your drink for several reasons, such as, to avoid whisker stress, to check the depth of water, or to create ripples in the water.
Q: Can I drink something my cat licked?
A: Well, in most cases, drinking something your cat licked shouldn’t cause any concern. However, some infections that can be spread from your cat to you through shared sources, for example, protozoal infections.