Cat puts feet in water bowl

[woofendog]

Our senior cat (15 years) has started putting his feet in the water bowl. We understand that he has a depth perception problem and is creating ripples on the surface of the water to enable him to drink easier. He then steps into the litter box. The result is paw prints and kittly litter all over the place including litter stuck between his toes. I have considered purchasing a bubbling water bowl/ fountain or adding food coloring to the water. Anybody have any success in dealing with this problem. Thanks.

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by woofendog

Our senior cat (15 years) has started putting his feet in the water bowl. We understand that he has a depth perception problem and is creating ripples on the surface of the water to enable him to drink easier. He then steps into the litter box.

How close is the litter box to his water bowl? What about moving them farther apart, and putting a towel around the litter box to help dry his feet off before he gets in?

Originally Posted by woofendog

I have considered purchasing a bubbling water bowl/ fountain or adding food coloring to the water. Anybody have any success in dealing with this problem. Thanks.

A water fountain is a good idea, although not all cats like them (the key is to introduce them slowly - get kitty used to drinking out of it before turning it on). It also makes it harder to gauge how much water a cat is drinking, which I think is an important clue to their health (especially older cats).

I wouldn't use food colouring. The fewer chemicals a cat ingests, the better.

Another option is to get a different style of bowl. So for instance, if you currently use a stainless steel or transparent glass one, try a dark coloured ceramic bowl instead. Or maybe one with stripes or ridges in the interior that you fill to the same line every time. Larger surface area might also help.

[BastienBully]

Originally Posted by sugarcatmom

How close is the litter box to his water bowl? What about moving them farther apart, and putting a towel around the litter box to help dry his feet off before he gets in?



A water fountain is a good idea, although not all cats like them (the key is to introduce them slowly - get kitty used to drinking out of it before turning it on). It also makes it harder to gauge how much water a cat is drinking, which I think is an important clue to their health (especially older cats).

I wouldn't use food colouring. The fewer chemicals a cat ingests, the better.

Another option is to get a different style of bowl. So for instance, if you currently use a stainless steel or transparent glass one, try a dark coloured ceramic bowl instead. Or maybe one with stripes or ridges in the interior that you fill to the same line every time. Larger surface area might also help.

What she said ^^^^

[Longblades]

Our Ginger has always done that. She upped her "paddling" recently when she had an ingrown claw and the Vet thought she was trying to cool it. So I suggest you carefully check that foot for sign of injury.

A taller water bowl might help. It will be hard for her to keep one front foot on the floor and paddle with the other. Of course she might very well then stand up on the edge of the bowl. And if the tall bowl does work then you have to keep it filled up to the top or she'll gag herself when she drinks.

[woofendog]

Thanks for the reply. This 15 year old male cat has only started doing this recently. I figure it is a depth perception problem and he is causing the water to ripple so he can locate the surface. This way he keeps his nose out of the water. He is declawed and there is no foot injury. I keep washing his foot to get the kitty litter out. The water water is changed frequently to prevent him and the other cats from injesting the kittly litter.
What I am looking for is a water fountain where he would see the water clearly and not have to find the water surface with his feet. Presently the more water in the bowl then the more he splashes out onto the floor. Thanks.

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by woofendog

What I am looking for is a water fountain where he would see the water clearly and not have to find the water surface with his feet.

There are many different styles of water fountains available these days: http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...ter%20fountain

One thing to note is that they require regular cleaning and filter replacement. Can sometimes be a bit of a hassle. Oh, and the movement of the water may actually encourage some cats to play in it (and drop toys in it!) so it may or may not solve your problem.

[woofendog]

Thanks for the other suggestions. Water bowl is two rooms away from the litter box. During the day, we dry and clean his feet. Bowl placed on serving tray with small carpets spread out to absorb the water. Need to find a water fountain that cascades water down an incline and into a covered resevoir. This way there will be a smaller amount of water getting on his foot and hopefully none at all if he sees the water clearly. Will have a look in the local pet store. His heart is strong so we have another five years or so to solve this problem. Picture of Dude from Christmas 2004. Thanks.