My cat keeps spilling his water bowl. Is it due to whisker fatigue?

The close up vision of cats is much weaker than their long distance vision and so, when they are right at their water dish, they can’t see the water level. In order to check where the water starts – or if there is even any water in the dish – they will move it to cause the water to ripple and splash. Once they are satisfied they know where the water is, then they will commence their drinking. That is my best guess. If you are not happy with this change in behavior you could always get her a drinking fountain to drink from. Most cats prefer to drink from running water so this may help. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/cat/cat-feeding-supplies/cat-waterers-fountains-and-accessories/catit-flower-cat-water-fountain )

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bad Missy! Some kittens love to play with water! I would put the bowl in something to prevent it from tipping over. You can get adhesive to hold the bowel down as well. They do make non-spill bowls. None of this will stop her from dipping her paws in to it, so you a large water proof mat for your floor. She will grow out of this. I would add some interactive toys and get a laser pointer to play with her. Sometimes boredom comes in to play with these kind of behaviors. Good luck!

I am sorry to hear about Tacoma! This sounds very frustrating but likely is just playful behavior that she enjoys. I would consider getting a drinking fountain (there are a variety of options out there, here is one example: VIP-_-92700027187667238&kwid=p27187667238&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwprbPBRCHARIsAF_7gDZb6i7jNAiD_JnordFjYzNc9esC_Zf8j5_rWnASopxsGeJuDUBT2IsaAnWfEALw_wcB) as they are difficult to tip over and many cats find them enjoyable. I would also consider some toys or a climbing tower for enrichment to try to provide Tacoma with something else to play with! You can try to find something that dispenses food or treats if that is more enticing, such as this one:

There are several reasons cats like to "knock over water dishes" or play in their water bowls, including (1) it's fun - they enjoy splashing the water and making it move, seeing the reflective surface, (2) they prefer to drink from a moving water source (because moving water is more aerated and generally tastes better/fresher), (3) the bowl isn't to their liking - too big, too small, too deep, etc., so they splash water out and drink from the floor, (4) you give them fresh water whenever they knock the dish over so they have learned that this a successful method of getting your attention. Some things you can do include: (1) purchase a water fountain for cats (water moves continuosly); (2) get a heavy cermic bowl or a bowl with a wider base than top, (3) put a placement or plastic tray under the bowl, (4) offer more shiny, sparkly toys, like Mylar balls, to catch your cat's attention, (5) changed the water at least twice per day so your cat doesn't need to ask you for clean water.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry your Tabby is having issues with his water dish! A lot of cats do prefer running water to drink from and not standing water. You may try purchasing a pet fountain from your local supply store (a small one will work) and give that a try. He may like the running water more. If you are giving him the same food every day, don't stop! Changing up the food frequently will turn him into a very picky eater. Stick with one food and continue to offer it- cats will not stave themselves if they are hungry enough. He will learn to eat what is in front of him. However, if you notice your tabby has gone more than 3 days without eating, I would be suspicious there is something else more concerning going on with him that may need to be evaluated by a veterinarian. I hope this has helped and I wish you and your Tabby the very best!

This is one of those things we may never be able to answer. I suggest you just get a different type of bowl and see if he likes that. I would recommend a low, flat, shallow bowl (kind of like a tray). Some cats develop an aversion to their whiskers touching the sides of a deeper "normal" bowl.

Usually a behavior change like this is related to stress. Any changes or stressors in the house lately? Guests for the holidays? You traveled and left her while you were out of town? You just moved? New pets? Stray cats hanging out around outside the house? Regardless, I would try to use a product to decrease stress and do some environmental enrichment for her. This is the best product to decrease stress and calm cats - Feliway. https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/comfort-zone-diffuser-with-feliway-for-cats Here is an article on environmental enrichment for cats: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/what-is-environmental-enrichment-and-why-does-your-cat-need-it/ Hope this helps. Best wishes.