Browse ›
A brown tabby cat with a tiny smile sitting next to a tipped-over steel water bowl and a puddle on the floor 12 / 29

The Tabby Tested the Water Bowl and the Floor Paid for It

AI imagetabby catcaught in the actwater bowl

A steel water bowl lies on its side, and a shiny puddle spreads across the floor all the way to the baseboards. The brown tabby sitting beside it is perfectly dry and perfectly pleased, front paws tucked neatly together, amber eyes calm, a faint smile on the whiskered face. A pair of slippers and a broom lean in the hallway behind, waiting for their turn, and the whole room smells faintly of wet floor.

Many cats are fascinated by water, and tipping a bowl can be a game: the splash, the ripple, and the sound are all interesting. Some cats also prefer moving water, so a pet fountain can encourage them to drink. A wider, heavier bowl is harder to knock over, and placing it away from their food may make drinking more appealing, since some cats dislike water next to their dinner. Fresh water matters for every pet's health, so refill it daily. If you ever notice your cat drinking much more or less than usual, that's a good reason to check in with your vet.

The mop will have a busy morning. The tabby seems to feel the experiment was a success, with excellent splash and impressive coverage, and has already moved on to wondering what else on the floor might be worth knocking over. Cats, after all, are scientists at heart.

More from this collection

All 29 →