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A blue point Ragdoll cat and a tortoise drink side by side from one shallow white bowl on a wooden floor. 30 / 31

A Ragdoll and Old Gus Shared One Bowl Without Any Fuss

AI imageragdolltortoisewater bowl

The shallow white bowl is the day's gathering place. A blue point Ragdoll leans over the water, her blue eyes narrowed, her pink tongue just touching the surface. Next to her, a tortoise has stretched his wrinkled neck forward and dipped his beak in. Ripples spread through the water. A plant, a pair of slippers, and a pile of blankets sit in the quiet room behind them.

Fresh water is vital for both cats and tortoises, and a shallow, stable dish is perfect for each. Tortoises need a bowl they can climb in and out of easily, and they will often soak and drink at the same time. Cats prefer wide dishes that do not touch their whiskers. Change the water daily, wash the bowl often, and keep an eye on how much each animal drinks. If either one drinks much more or less than usual, tell your vet.

We can call the tortoise Gus. The two of them seem to have worked out a polite arrangement. The Ragdoll drinks, then pauses, as if waiting for him to finish. Then Gus takes another slow sip. It might be the most civilized water break in the whole house, with no pushing and no rushing, just two friends and one bowl. When the bowl is empty, someone will no doubt refill it, and the whole ritual will begin again.

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