Abdullah bin Abi Qatadah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates from his father that Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) used to tilt the vessel for the cat; it would drink, and then he would perform ablution with it. Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about this, and he said: What I have done, I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) doing.
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الطهارة / 1163