[The Cajun]

We have one who will never drink out of the water dish directly, she will wet her paw and lick it.
She has been that way since a kitten.
Heard that was not too uncommon with some cats.

[Slings and Arrows]

Cat’s eyes have difficulty seeing objects that are motionless. She might be doing that because she can’t see the surface and is afraid she’ll accidentally dunk herself.

[Twotone]

My cats are also particular about drinking water. One wants it out of the tap, another wants the sink filled, a third takes it out of a cup on the bathroom counter. There is a benefit to standing there for five minutes brushing my teeth, waiting for them all to do their thing. My dentist is most impressed with my lack of placque.

[JoeProBono]

http://www.safehavenhumanesociety.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/cat_lapping_water.jpg

[MachIV]

I have an old male tabby that does the same thing. He’s nearly 14 years old. He also makes a dig/covering motion with his front paws on either side of his food dish after I put dry food in it. I guess he thinks he’s out in the woods covering it up to come back later. Call of the Wild I guess.

[MotorCityBuck]

Use steel, or glass bowls only. Plastic retains oders over time. My cat did the same. If your already not using plastic. Your cat is crazy. ;)