The reason some cats seem insistent on displaying this behavior isn't known, although the general theory is that they are reverting back to an instinctual need to bring prey to a safe place. In an outdoor setting, a cat may carry prey back to his home area to consume his meal because he feels safer there. For an indoor cat, the feeding station may hold that same safe association.
And although I've seen more cats drop toys in the water bowl than food bowl, there are some kitties who do have a preference for placing toys atop their bowl of munchies or wet food.
If you've been finding yourself wringing out the fuzzy mice toys over and over again, consider incorporating more interactive play sessions into your cat's daily schedule. The use of a fishing pole-type toy will allow you to engage your cat in a fun play session, and at the end, you can put the toy away in the closet, where it can stay nice and dry. Interactive playtime should be done every day. If you can squeeze two sessions into your schedule, your cat will love you for it.
As for those toys that kitty loves to dunk, choose ones that won't swell and soak up all the water. It's very important that your cat have enough fresh water available.
Read about some truly troubled tabbies and frustrated felines in my new book, Psycho Kitty.
