Many mannerisms form the images of our energetic, sloppy dogs and our refined, meticulous cats — even the way each takes a drink.

We humans have muscles in our cheeks that create suction for drinking. But dogs and cats have had to devise other ways to quench their thirst.

Cats barely touch the liquid’s surface with the tip of their J-shaped tongues, drawing up a thin column of water as they quickly retract their tongues. Then they shut their mouths to trap the water before repeating the process.

In contrast, dogs slam their tongues under the liquid’s surface, allowing for more water to stick and be drawn up. This method allows pooches a much quicker, but messier, way to wet their whistles.

While different, both methods allow our furry companions to drink up!