Hi, I have learned (20+ cats) that some cats will not drink from the bowl if the water is not moving, using their paw to create ripples. I have read the reason for this behavior is because they cannot see the level of the water when it is still and they don't like getting their face wet. In the kennel area I now use really small fountain pumps in very large water bowls (to create ripples), and in our living room/office/bedroom I have 3 low-to-the-floor fountains, which the cats love -- they no longer make a water mess.
RESPONSE:
What a great idea! We forgot about fountains. And we even have a few pet fountains around the house for our cats that prefer moving water. Thanks for the suggestion!
Donna House Full Cats Mom
Jul 01, 2009 Rating
Boys like Toys! (Petmate Crazy Circle Interactive Cat Toy) by: Natalie
Hi Donna, I ordered two Petmate Crazy Circle Interactive Cat Toys for our four-cat household (specifically, to keep the boys, who I now think are ADHD (!) amused). What a great toy. They can play solo, or we can spin the ball on the inside and play with them. So, I wanted to recommend this toy.
While the boys are no longer flipping their heavy ceramic dishes, they occasionally scoop the water out so it lands on the floor (one day, it dripped into the basement, and we thought our sump pump had given up the ghost! Nope, it was just the water dripping from the landing into the basement).
So, we've mostly solved this problem, but now, Voltaire has learned to turn the light switch on and off in my office--but that's another topic for another time. :)
Thanks again for all you do. Natalie
Jun 17, 2009 Rating
Water bowl flipping problem SOLVED by: Natalie
Hi Donna, I thank you again for your response as well as the lady who wrote about using the jelly roll pan.
I did get a large ceramic dog bowl (it reads "WOOF" on the bottom) and that seems to have solved the problem--for now. Both boys enjoy standing in the bowl (!) but so far, haven't flipped it. They do have multiple water/feeding stations throughout the house, but have only flipped a couple of bowls.
Thanks for mentioning those catnip bananas! I'd forgotten that I'd purchased two last summer when our girls with kittens and, as usual, the toys went missing. I moved the armoire and found the bananas, toy mice and other assorted playthings, so we?re good to go for while, until they lose them again.
I want to look closer at your store's offerings too. You have some interesting cat-stuff.
With much appreciation for your help in keeping us humans moderately sane while our cats continue being several steps ahead of us! Natalie
RESPONSE
Your boys sound like so much fun! "Drive you crazy" fun sometimes but at least they keep you on your toes! Thanks for the compliment!
Donna House Full Cats Mom
Jun 13, 2009 Rating
water bowl flipping by: Peggy
My cat Emma recently started flipping her water bowl. I keep two water bowls in a tray (actually a jelly roll pan which is shallow)and so when she flips it, the water does not go onto the floor. I think some cats prefer to drink out of a shallow dish. One of my other cats will also drink from the tray once Emma flips the bowl. I have thought about using the tray only and not using bowls in this one area. I also have multiple water stations around the house. You may want to try this.
