All our cats have done and, those who are alive and living with us now, still do this. I researched this behavior a while back. If I remember correctly it was explained that cats (the big ones our domestics are descended from) always "clear" the water, checking that it is suitable for drinking. Remember, in the wild a water source may be covered with algae or other natural debris. If the cat can "clear" the debris away and finds fresh water, it will drink. It may not be needed now that they always have access to fresh water, but they still do ii. Aren't our brains wonderful? Theirs, and ours, are primitive and sophisticated at the same time. I love my cats!

Oh, my word!! My son's F 18 yr old long black hair, Blackie, does this!!! They had to put water in heavier bowl but you can still hear her make the bowl bounce around….. She'll just paw & paw & paw...

I wondered about that. It really ticks off the dog because that's her bowl. The cat eats, uses the litter box, then comes and puts her litter-laden paws in the dogs water!

And yes, I enjoy all animals and learning about them.

we have a 1000sq ft condo. Zoey has 2 water fountains and 2 cups she drinks out of. If the fountains aren't on, she'll
"dig" the water. she likes the movement. she does, however, cover her food when she's done. she has gotten a bit overzealous and knocked her bowl clear across the kitchen.