Kitty Splashing/Paddling Water Out

One of my cats, Ko-Ko, now nearly 8 years old(his brother is almost 5) just started putting his paws in his water bowl and splashing out pawfuls at time all over the rug it sits on. I've tried changing the water bowl, removing the rug, cleaning the rug, etc., to no avail. I don't know why he is suddenly doing this or what to do. Any suggestions out there??? I'd really be grateful for any help you can offer!
Thanks!!!

I know this is going to sound odd....but it is possible that your cat is having vision problems. He may be doing this because he cannot see the surface of the water which makes it difficult to drink without getting a snout full of water. He may be paddling to cause enough movement in the water for him to see where to put his face. As cats get older, they can develop a variety of physical problems, including failing vision. Although I doubt this is what is going on, it wouldn't hurt to ask the vet to check things out the next time you go in. In the meantime, you can get a ping-pong ball or some other small floating thing to put in the water (perhaps even a small sprinkle of cinnamon). This might help him see the water surface.

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. He seems to just want to play in it, as he finds everything else easily. I'll still ask the vet to check his vision, though. Thanks again!

I was just going to say that, maybe your cat just discovered it is fun.

My cat Isabel drank wonderfully from her bowl with the bottle on it for a long time until one day she bumped into it and bubbles came up. NOW, I have to place it in the tub because she rams her head into it to watch the bubbles and the water runs all over. She does this until there is only enough water to fill just the bowl and THEN she drinks.

Thanks! Actually I wondered if that's part of it. I know that a few times I've put an ice cube in his water bowl and he does the same basic behavior he's doing now. I even tried warmer water for a few hours, but maybe you're on to the problem! I'd sure be happier if it's because he's having fun than having a problem and unable to let me know what it is!