Ask The Experts: Cat Can’t Master Water Bowl

Your Pet Question:

My cat has great difficulty drinking water out of the water bowl. She hits the side of the bowl and moves it around with her front paws and nudges it with her head until the water ends up all over the floor– and then she won’t drink it! I’ve used various sizes, shapes, and different colours of bowls, and I fill it right to the top– I even add ice cubes… but it seems that she refuses to drink it that way. It’s very frustrating. Do you have suggestions?

Marta McCarey, Odessa

The Expert Says:

Surprisingly, water bowl issues are very common in cats. But don’t despair; inexpensive water fountains designed especially for cats like yours are widely available. They were originally developed for cats that would not drink out of a bowl and insisted that a tap be turned on for them. These fountains are sold at most pet stores and usually eliminate any cat water consumption problems. Some cats just prefer running water for some reason.

Rick Healey is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and co-owner of the Paris Veterinary Clinic in Paris, Ontario.