MSI Press Blog

  Bear (left) and Moo (right) at the water trough In our home of eight cats, water bowls are everywhere--at least, one in each room and on the catio. But the water trough is not just a convenience—it’s an institution. It started with Bear. A hunk whose solid part-Chartreux body fits his name. With the thirst of a marathon runner, he would drain bowl after bowl of water with such diligence that we found ourselves in the vet’s office asking, “Is he okay?” Tests returned with a shrug: healthy as can be. Well, a big cat needs lots of water, we figured, and kept filling those bowls every hour.  Eventually, we swapped out the master bedroom bowls for a large plastic container that looked like a trough. A water trough. These days, it takes over 100 ounces of fresh water a day to keep Bear and his siblings happily hydrated, most of slurped down by Bear. The cats love it. The master bedroom leads to the catio so it is a natural gathering spot for the cats, especially when the catio ...

  Bear and Moo at the water trough, in a better behaved moment Some cats drink from a bowl. Moo sometimes does but usually does not. He prefers the advanced techniques . 💧 Step 1: The Paw Ladle Why lower your face into a communal bowl when you can delicately scoop water out like a tiny Victorian gentleman testing his tea Checks depth Avoids whisker fatigue Keeps an eye on the peasants Creates splashy entertainment 💦 Step 2: The Trough Transformation We once upgraded to a "water trough" for our 6–7 big, thirsty cats -- a large rectangular container where 3-4 of the little guys could enjoy a drink together and where hefty Bear and Moo at least had more space than with a traditional water bowl. Well, after enjoyed a sip with Bear, Moo looked more intently and said, “Ah. A bath prepared in my honor.” Instead of drinking, he climbed into the trough and sat there like a serene, slightly damp Buddha. Because of course he was. And when he got it, he shook himself dry,...

  Moo and Bear sharing the sink facuet water, every morning Some households have cats. We have hydration connoisseurs. Every morning, Bear (the elder statesman) hops onto the sink and demands the sacred ritual: The Drip. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just the right artisanal flow. Moo, who imprinted on Bear like a furry little shadow, watched this once and said: “Ah. So this is how we drink now.”  And that was that. Faucet culture became a lifestyle. 💦 Why do cats love drinking from the faucet? Turns out, it’s not just drama — there are real reasons: 1. Running water = safer water (in cat logic) In nature, moving water is fresher and less likely to be contaminated. A faucet drip feels like a tiny mountain spring. 2. It tastes better Stagnant bowl water collects dust, fur, and microscopic “no thank you.” A faucet drip is crisp, cold, and oxygenated. 3. It’s enrichment Water that moves is irresistible. Bear drinks it. Moo tries to catch it. Both are...