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A cream Exotic Shorthair cat and a tortoise drink from the same round ceramic bowl on a wooden floor. 2 / 33

Two Unlikely Friends Shared One Water Bowl Without a Fuss

AI imageexotic shorthairtortoisewater bowl

A speckled ceramic bowl sits on the wooden floor, and two heads lean in to drink. On the left, a cream Exotic Shorthair with a flat face and a perpetual frown looks down at the water, his golden eyes half lidded. On the right, Moss the tortoise stretches his long, wrinkled neck forward and dips his beak into the bowl. A potted plant, a woven rug and a pile of laundry give the room a cozy, lived-in feel.

Fresh water is important for all pets, and tortoises are no exception. Many tortoises drink from shallow dishes, and some also benefit from regular soaks, but the right routine depends on the species, so ask your vet. The dish should be shallow enough that the tortoise can climb in and out safely. Cats prefer a clean bowl too, and many like a wide dish that does not squash their whiskers, which is particularly helpful for flat-faced breeds like the Exotic Shorthair. Wash both bowls daily and refill them often to keep everyone healthy and hydrated.

The two of them drink side by side in complete peace. The cat has the patience of a monk, and the tortoise has all the time in the world. Neither is in a rush, and the bowl is big enough for both. When the bowl is empty, they will probably sit and look at each other for a while, which is how most good friends spend a quiet afternoon.

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