Paw washing

Hi all, new to the site here.

I have a pair of cats, mother and son. They're currently fighting off a bladder infection, and that fact has allowed me to observe something rather strange.

I've always had a lot of trouble keeping the water dishes clean (which is probably what spawned the bladder infection in the first place). I could change the things hourly and there would still be dirt in them.

Well now since I have to pill the cats and keep tabs on their... er... output separately, they have been given their own "rooms" with separate boxes, water, and food.

Yesterday I gave Punkin new sand in his box and a new bowl of water. Punking sat down in his sandbox, but didn't actually use it or scratch in it (it's a habit they both have. I guess they like sand in their toes). I turned around to add a supplement to his food bowl. I finish what I'm doing and turn back--and Punkin's sitting with one paw over his now filthy water.

I *think* what's happening is that he's washing his paws in the bowl after he gets out of the box. Right now he's in rather close quarters, but I did put a cover over the box and aim the entrance away from the water, so I don't think he's throwing sand. Paw-washing would also explain how when the two cats were not separated and had the run of a large room that the litter managed to migrate from box to interior of bowl, too.

Has anyone observed their cats washing their paws in bowls or puddles? Would putting an additional bowl or pan of water next to the box give him something to wash in that wasn't doubling as a drink? I feel silly providing finger bowls for a cat, but if it keeps dirt out of the water bowls and doesn't put Honey and Punkin off their liquids, it'll be worth it

Well Charlie loves to play in the water when we fill up our gallon of drinking water (filtered). And he's put his paws in Keno's water bowl at times before drinking.

Either its for play or they want to see where the water is in the bowl But if they are using it wash their feet off, I think I'd move their drinking water well away from the litter pan. Maybe put a mat or towel in front of the litter box for them to use.

Firstly, welcome to TCS! We would love to see photos of your cats if possible

Never come across paw washing like that - however cats do often disturb the surface of the water with their paw to see where it is before they drink - they can't always see the water surface that well. I would (if possible while they are confined!) move the water (and food) bowl as far away from the litter tray as possible - it isn't natural for a cat to want to drink or eat near where he does his business and you may find that the water bowls stay cleaner as a result.

I hope that they are both feeling better soon

Interesting about them not seeing the surface well; I never knew that. Punkin's a big water-kitty, though, loves to play in it, so maybe I need to get him a wading pool

Unfortunately with them confined I can't do much for now, but I'll certainly move things even farther apart when they're loose again.

I'll have to try and dig up some photos at home; best I can do right now is a sketch: http://uzuri.deviantart.com/art/Cats-sketch-38556193

If they don't like their litter, try another kind.

They've got no problem with their litter, or at least they haven't in the past (the bladder infection has made them go outside the box sometimes, just due to the whole pain association thing)

Just thought you folks might like a follow up of the paw washing thing, because what I've seen now is quit interesting

The cats have now been in a nice clear room with easily-cleaned floors for 6 months (except for when I'm home; then they get the run of the house). Litter box and water are probably 20 ft apart and the the hole for the covered box faces the wall with enough space for them to get in and out.

Initially, I was still having trouble with dirty water dishes. I finally said, "OK, Punkin, if that's what you want," and gave him a disposable plastic bowl with water in it next to the box but out of the line of fire from thrown sand.

Punkin washes in the bowl close to the box. The water dishes stay clean.

I can sure tell when I've forgotten to add water to the wash basin, too, because then the water dishes are filthy.

So I have a weird, paw-washing cat But at least I also found a solution.

Originally Posted by Uzuri

Punkin washes in the bowl close to the box. The water dishes stay clean.

I can sure tell when I've forgotten to add water to the wash basin, too, because then the water dishes are filthy.

So I have a weird, paw-washing cat

But at least I also found a solution.

Click to expand...

he's also quite smart & a bit dainty!