How to Get a Cat to Drink More Water

Have you ever noticed that your cat barely goes near the water bowl? You're not alone. Cats are known for drinking far less than we'd expect - and it isn't just fussiness, but a legacy of their desert-dwelling ancestors.

The problem is that too little hydration strains the kidneys and urinary tract over time, and those are especially vulnerable in cats. The good news: with a few small changes you can significantly increase how much your cat drinks.

Short answer: Encourage a cat to drink more by offering wet food, setting out several bowls of fresh water away from the food and litter box, trying a fountain with running water, and using bowls made of glass, ceramic, or metal. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the rough daily need is about four ounces for every five pounds of body weight, with many factors that shift it.

Why do cats drink so little water?

Domestic cats descend from desert ancestors who got most of their fluid from the prey they hunted rather than from drinking, explains VCA. Today's cat eating dry food has lost that natural moisture source - and her drive to drink is still weak.

That's why many cats chronically take in less fluid than they need. Over the long term this can burden the kidneys, so helping with hydration is one of the most useful things you can do for your cat's health.

Why is hydration so important for cats?

Good hydration is essential for kidney and urinary health. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, in cats with chronic kidney disease, dehydration can speed up kidney damage and worsen symptoms.

Chronic kidney disease is a common problem in older cats - Cornell notes that up to 80% of cats over age 15 develop it. Maintaining good hydration throughout life is one way to ease the load on the kidneys. So this seemingly small detail - how much your cat drinks - actually matters a great deal.

How do you encourage a cat to drink more water?

Here are proven tips recommended by VCA:

• Switch partly to wet food. Canned food has a much higher moisture content than dry, so cats who eat it don't need to drink as much from the bowl. This is one of the most effective ways to increase fluid intake.
• Set out several water bowls in quiet spots around the house, away from the food bowl and the litter box.
• Try a cat fountain. Many cats love running water and drink more from a fountain than from a still bowl.
• Choose the right bowl. Cats generally prefer glass, ceramic, or metal over plastic. Offer a few different bowls and see which your cat chooses.
• Change the water often and wash the bowl daily so the water stays fresh and bacteria-free.
• Add a little scent. VCA notes that a teaspoon of low-sodium, unseasoned chicken broth can draw a cat to the water.
• Add an ice cube in the heat - some cats find it interesting and refreshing.

Experiment: some cats prefer cold tap water, others room temperature. It's worth discovering what your particular cat prefers.

How do you know if a cat is dehydrated?

It's important to tell a cat that drinks too little from one that suddenly drinks too much - both can be a signal. Signs worth attention, according to PDSA, include:

• Lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss
• Pale gums
• A sudden rise in thirst - the bowl empties faster than usual, the cat drinks from unusual places (taps, the toilet)
• More frequent litter tray visits or larger volumes of urine

If a cat suddenly starts drinking much more than usual, it can be a sign of a urinary infection, kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. In that case be sure to see your vet - and never withhold water from a cat.

Is wet food better for hydration?

For cats that drink too little, wet food is a great ally. It contains far more water than dry food, so the cat takes in part of her daily fluid through the meal without even realizing it.

That doesn't mean dry food is bad - many cats do very well on a combination. If you're considering a diet change, consult your vet about what best suits your cat's age and health, especially if she already has kidney issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a cat need per day? According to VCA, the rough need is about four ounces for every five pounds of body weight - for a roughly 10 lb cat, about 8 ounces a day. The amount depends on temperature, weight, activity, and food type, and some is taken in through food.

Does a fountain really help? For many cats, yes. Cats often love running water and drink more from a fountain than from a still bowl. It's worth trying if your cat drinks too little.

Why does my cat drink from the tap instead of the bowl? Many cats are drawn to running water, and they may avoid the bowl if it's near food or the litter box, or if it's plastic. Try a fountain and move the bowl to a quieter spot.

When should a sudden rise in thirst worry me? If a cat suddenly drinks much more than usual, it can signal kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or a urinary infection. See your vet and don't restrict water.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet, medication, or treatment.