Not to assist in this as 1) I doubt it was the cat, and 2) I have two cats of my own, but both Daves' and Blairs' use oil soluable oleoresin. Mixing them with water won't work real well 'cause, as everyone knows, oil & water don't mix- at least not without a surfactant. Viscous Viper from cajohns.com however, uses water soluable oleoresin and would be much better for this purpose. Disclaimer: I know because I make it. -Jim C Mild to Wild