Hello all and I have a question about my cat

[Praete]

Hello all, I am a cat lover, and I have had cats basically all my life. I have never though had a cat quite like the one I am going to describe to you.

I have a 7 month old cat/kitten. I am sure you all are aware that they love to play and be the center of attention at this age. The problem I am having is the water bowl. The last couple of weeks, I have come home from work and she has emptied the water bowl all over the floor with nothing left for her to drink. I saw her one day as the bowl was filled with water putting her paw in the water and scooping it out, throwing it in the air as if she was trying to play with it. I bought one of those self watering bowls from the vet and still, she does the same thing.

I have tried to discipline her with telling her no, but how do you tell her no to not go to her water dish? It is not like she does not have any toys to play with, but any suggestions you may have will be welcomed. When I say discipline, it is not with force, just a gentle no, I could never hurt my pets for something like this. There is no need to spank or inflict pain on a pet for punishment, they feel guilty enough as it is when they do wrong.

[Traci]

Get her a no-spill dog water dish, like this or this. Ideally, stainless is best, it prevents feline acne and bacteria buildup on the dish. The second dish is plastic, probably not what you'd want to give her, but you get the idea of the type of bowl. Get two, and place them in different areas of the house, so that if she sloshes water out of one, at least she'll have another one and not be without water.

[Praete]

Yea, I see what you are saying, but the problem is not her tipping them over, she sloshes the water out of the bowls and/or auto-waterer with her paws...lol

Will the spill-less bowls prevent her from doing that?

I have not tried the idea of multiple water bowls, what a mess I could be in for!

Thanks for the help!

[Traci]

If you get the big dog size, it might deter her (or it might not ) I have one who has done this since kittenhood (and he's 9 now), but with the no-spill dish, at least he doesn't get ALL the water out of it. (I have tile floors, so easy to clean up)

As you know, most kittens DO play in their water dishes, it's both fun and interesting, especially when they're bored. Also, some kittens do it because they have a depth perception problem and "test" it with their paws before drinking. But, the important thing is that she has water available to her at all times, so at least place them on tile or linoleum surfaces....if you don't have linoleum, you can go to a home improvement store and just buy a 12x12 piece or two to put under the water dish.

You could also try a raised water dish (the dish sits in a metal stand, for dogs), but she might tip it over, or if it's too tall, she may not be able to drink out of it.

Hang in there, she'll eventually grow out of it, but do make sure she has an adequate water source. And, when you're home, don't scold her for playing with her water dish (because she then might associate that and then avoid the area or the dish)...just try to divert her attention to playtime, toys, etc.

[Cleo]

I have the same problems with my cat(s) here. I considered getting the auto-waterer but just think the trickling flow will entice them more. I came across rectangle Rubbermaid cake keepers, two pieces top and bottom. I used the top piece because it was deeper as a tray to catch any spillage. It works for the most part with major spills but there are still droplets on the floor.

No sooner than I solved that situation somewhat, my Simon decided to show his king of the jungle strength and literally pulls the whole tray, with two full ceramic bowls, inches away from the wall. This usually makes the biggest mess and most of the times I can catch him and stop it. The clanging dishes and swooshing water alerts me as to what is going on. I may try and get a piece of that rubber netting that comes in a roll used for holding things in place. Not sure if the resistance would just make him pull harder and result in a bigger mess.



the culprit, looking soooo guilty!

[Traci]

That's a cool idea, Cleo

[mamabear]

I have nothing to add due to the fact that I am cracking up thinking of all the cats doing this with their water dishes.

We had a Newfoundland dog and he had a HUGE bowl. We had two cats prior to getting him. But once we had him and his HUGE bowl, my female cat, Tiger would like slosh around in the bowl and one day she wound up in it. Now this bowl was the biggest you can get and Tiger was only about 7lbs. She was NOT thrilled and never did it again after that but man i had hysterical laughter over that for days.

Sawwy I am of no help in this matter but thank you for the memory and the laugh. I needed it!!!

Hope you figure out what to do or she stops at some point.

Hugs
MamaB

[Tambrey]

Cleo...that is EXACTLY what I have done with our water dishes!!!!.....I had a cake pan that the guys used knives on and cut the non-stick lining and it got yucky so I tossed it, but kept the top and use that to hold their water dishes....so even when Gump and Majik play in the water, it is no longer all over the floor!!!

[Praete]

Thanks for all the advice, I put a towel underneath the spill proof water bowl and she has not made a mess.

i did figure out that she was doing it out of boredom and loneliness I guess. I do work a lot, so my time with her is limited. I did spend a lot of time with her Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon before I went to work and she did not leave my side. I just think she has been feeling lonely maybe.

She also does a strange thing as well when she eats. When she is done eating she scratches the ground kind of like picturing what you would see a cat do in the litter box. I found this strange, I do not care that she does it, just curious as to why she would do this. I do not feed her where she uses the bathroom, lol.

[Traci]

It's instinct, as burying their food/prey from predators.