Animal Doctor

Cat Enjoys Morning Walk -- Through His Water Bowl

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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Dear Dr. Fox:

I have a cat that likes to play in water. I'm not talking about an occasional splash with a paw, but two inches of water to wade through on the kitchen floor every morning. I have tried different bowls and splashing and squirting water on him, to no avail.

I have other pets who use the same bowl. Sometimes I catch him and slosh him around in water. But he's right back at it the next morning. Can you help?

C.H.G.

Suffolk, Va.

Try setting a large, no-spill, stainless steel or ceramic (never plastic) water bowl in a large (24 by 18 inches) piece of synthetic sponge padding, at least three inches thick. This will deter your cat, because part of the cat's water game is to see the puddle on the floor.

If the animals are fearful of the sponge, cut a portal or indentation in it so that they have easy access to one corner of the bowl.

Dear Dr. Fox:

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