I know that I could never have a fish tank/ bowl in my house with my cats, especially my kitty we call 'the waterboy'. He empties his water dish a couple times a day, and likes to stand inside it when I bring fresh water......not to mention he puts toys, paper, food in his dish also.
I don't know though, maybe if you did screen it off somehow it would work.
You ARE lucky that your cat did not electricute itself!