Just for the sake of it, the next time you take your kitty to the Vet, have the Vet check Sydney's tongue. The cat may have an issue with using it as it should be used. My reason for saying this is that I had a kitty that had issues with water first, then food, and it turned out to be a problem with her tongue. NOT that your situation is the same.

I had a different cat than above...and that cat (RB) dipped most of his food in the water. I would find my bread, crackers, his dry food, etc. whatever he would find, in the water dish. He would also use his paw to DIP into my glasses and cups and then lick the liquid from his pay. He would even drink coffee that way. He also liked to lick the chemicals off photographs.....He lived to be 18.

I think they all try to cover their food. I am not sure if it is that they don't like it as much as saving it for later. I sometimes put a paper towel next to their dishes so they can use that to cover the left food. They are SO SILLY! But smart!