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Saffy

How do I stop my kitten from going near the fish bowl?

I have two pet fish and Saffy won't stop drinking fish water and hanging around their bowl. I put a ceramic plate over their bowl and take Saffy out when I feed them, but believe it or not, Saffy moves the ceramic plate off their bowl and drinks the water. Saffy might be trying to drink the water so it's easier to get to the fish... I love my fish and I don't want anything to happen to them, and I love my kitty and I don't want the water to harm her. Do you have any suggestions as to how to stop her from drinking fish water?

P.S. I give her lots of clean water.


Asked by Saffy on Mar 25th 2011 Tagged fish, water, kittens in Other Behavior & Training
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Guest

This unforunately is an age old problem between predator and prey type roomies that really in my opinion shouldn't be punished. There are even comical posters dedicated to it. You're not going to stop a curious kitty from getting to the object of it's curiosity and once there, the object of it's desire especially if it's programmed from an evolution standpoint. So it's time to get creative. Make sure to anchor the fishbowl against a wall and maybe build a small box around it. You could paint it, make it nice! Add a hinge for easy access. It could be a little project. If you're not into that, there are fishbowls designed to keep feline companions out at reasonable prices online. Your kitty will be much happier with less scolding and more fish watching. Purrs


Member 1017380 answered on 3/25/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Guest

The former poster gives good advice. My mother-in-law's cat did the same thing until one day she had no fish left. I used to think it was so gross that the cat would even drink that dirty water. If you want to save your fish, then the suggestions that the former poster offers would be worth a shot! Best of luck.


Member 185886 answered on 3/26/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Izadore (Izzie)

Miss Edith is absolutely right on all counts. Cats are predators. There's even a "Fishing Cat" in the wild. If Saffy is the sort who likes to chase moving things, the next time you go to the pet store, try to find one of those motorized mice. I also had great success with a plastic circle that had a ping pong ball in the center. It fascinated Izzie for at least 5 minutes ;-) (For him that's a record)There are many little aquariums available at the same pet store in sizes from 1 gallon up to 50 or 60. They have a hood with a light and usually a filter. There is an opening at the back, but I doubt if Saffy would trouble herself with it. If Saffy likes the moving water, you can invest in a Drinkwell cat fountain. Depending on size, these are about $30-$40. I have one (A Drinkwell 360) for my dogs and Izzie just LOVES it. The water comes down out of a circular spout on the top. I can almost guarantee you that if you invest in one of these for her, she'll never bother your fish again!


Izadore (Izzie) answered on 3/26/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Merlin - An Angel Forever

Is it an open fish bowl? Those aren't safe around cats for obvious reasons. And the water is nasty with fish poop and other harmful stuff.

You should get a bigger tank with a lid. A 2 or 3 gallon tank doesn't cost too much and many have lids. You can probably find a used but still usuable tank on EBay or FreeCycle.org You still need to keep the tank is a safe place away from the cats, though.

If your cat like water, maybe she'd like a water fountain :)


Merlin - An Angel Forever answered on 3/30/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Kilala

I'm wondering the same thing about my kitten with my 2 fish bowls that have my Betta fish in them. For now I stoped her from drinking from the bowl by getting some Lace Doilies from the dollar store and weave ribbon around the edge of the doilie and tied it around the rim of the fish bowl for a cover. Then I can feed them right through the lace without having to take the cover off. She cant get in to drink the water either. I placed a small bowl of water in front of the fish bowls that she drinks from every now and then.


Kilala answered on 3/31/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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