Browse ›
A gray Persian cat with flattened ears sits on a wet wooden floor beside an overturned water bowl and large puddles. 14 / 26

A Gray Persian Sits Very Still in the Middle of a Flooded Floor

AI imagepersian catwater bowlspill

The water bowl has rolled onto its side, and a shiny sheet of puddles covers the floorboards around Smokey the gray Persian. He sits right in the middle of it all with his ears pulled back and his round amber eyes aimed at the ceiling, wearing the saddest sheepish expression. A pair of slippers rests nearby, a basket of plush toys sits against the wall and a knitted blanket hangs off the couch. The puddles catch the warm light and show off how far the flood has spread.

Many cats enjoy playing with water. They paw at a bowl to watch ripples, tip it to hear the splash, or dunk a paw because they prefer to drink from moving water. Persians have a long, thick double coat, so a spill like this can soak right through, and regular brushing helps prevent mats. A heavy ceramic bowl or a wide, stable dish is harder to tip, and a pet fountain can satisfy a cat that likes running water. Fresh water should always be available, and it is worth wiping up spills quickly so nobody slips. Cats that suddenly begin drinking much more than usual should be checked, so talk to your vet if you notice a big change. As for Smokey, a towel and a gentle brush will set him right.

He will sulk for a while, then fluff up and carry on. A Persian never lets a little water ruin his dignity for long.

More from this collection

All 26 →
A red Maine Coon cat lies on a tiled kitchen floor, looking aside, with white cake frosting on both front paws.Somebody Ate the Cake Frosting, and a Red Maine Coon Has the ProofA silver tabby Scottish Fold cat sits on a wooden porch table next to a frayed, chewed-up baseball cap.The Favorite Baseball Cap Has Seen Better Days, Says a Scottish Fold
A cream Devon Rex cat with butter on its whiskers and wide eyes stands next to an empty butter dish on a counter.A Devon Rex With a Buttery Chin Freezes in the Middle of the KitchenA spotted brown Bengal cat sits among crushed pink tulips and scattered petals on a living room floor.The Bouquet Was on the Table, and a Bengal Was Soon in the TulipsA silver tabby cat clings to window blinds, tangled in the cords, one paw raised against the slats, in a sunny room.A Silver Tabby Climbed the Blinds and Got a Little TangledA fluffy white Norwegian Forest Cat sits in a stainless steel kitchen sink among dirty plates, forks and a sponge.A Fluffy White Cat Climbed Into the Sink Right on Top of the Dishes