Keeping your cat hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for their health. But cats, by nature, aren’t always the best at drinking water. Many cats tend to get most of their water from their food, especially if they’re on a wet food diet. Still, some cats just don’t drink enough, and this can lead to problems like kidney issues or urinary tract infections.
If you’re wondering how to get your cat to drink more water, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll look at easy, practical ways to encourage your cat to drink water and stay healthy.
Why Drinking Water Is So Important for Cats
Cats in the wild often get their hydration from the food they eat—mainly from prey like mice or birds, which are made up of about 70% water. But house cats that eat dry kibble aren’t getting nearly that much moisture from their meals. That’s why drinking water is so important for them.
Cats that don’t drink enough water can face health problems such as:
- Kidney disease: Chronic dehydration can stress the kidneys over time.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Not drinking enough can lead to urinary crystals and infections.
- Dehydration: Cats need a steady amount of water to keep their bodies running well.
So, it’s clear that helping your cat stay hydrated is key to their overall health.
Signs Your Cat May Not Be Drinking Enough Water
Before diving into the tips on how to get cats to drink more water, it’s helpful to know some signs that your cat may not be drinking enough. Keep an eye out for:
- Lethargy: Cats who are dehydrated may seem less energetic.
- Dry gums: Gently lift your cat’s lip to check their gums. If they are sticky or dry, your cat may be dehydrated.
- Sunken eyes: This can be another sign of dehydration in cats.
- Reduced skin elasticity: Gently pull up the skin between your cat’s shoulders. It should snap back into place quickly. If it doesn’t, this could be a sign of dehydration.
If you see any of these signs and are worried about your cat’s hydration, consult your vet for advice.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
Now that you know how important it is for your cat to stay hydrated, let’s look at some ways you can encourage your cat to drink more water.
1. Keep the Water Fresh and Clean
One of the easiest ways to get your cat to drink more water is to make sure their water is fresh and clean. Cats are very sensitive to smells, and they may not want to drink water that has been sitting out all day. Try changing your cat’s water at least once a day to keep it fresh. Some cats even prefer cold water, so adding an ice cube or two can make the water more appealing.
Also, make sure to wash their water bowl regularly. A clean bowl is important because bacteria can build up, which might make your cat less interested in drinking.
2. Add More Water Bowls Around the House
Cats can be picky, and some may not like where their water bowl is placed. Try putting a few extra bowls in different areas around the house. This makes it easier for your cat to find water, especially if they are older or have trouble getting around. Having multiple water stations can also help if you have more than one cat, so they don’t feel like they have to compete for resources.
3. Use a Water Fountain
If you’ve ever noticed your cat drinking from the sink or the shower, it’s because many cats are drawn to moving water. A water fountain can be a great solution if you’re wondering how to get your cat to drink more water. Cats often prefer drinking from a fountain because the water is constantly moving, which can mimic the way water flows in the wild.
Plus, water fountains keep the water fresh and cool, which is more appealing for cats. You can find a variety of cat water fountains online or at pet stores. Many of them are designed to be quiet, so they won’t disturb your home’s environment.
4. Try Wet Food
One of the easiest ways to help your cat stay hydrated is by feeding them wet food. Wet food contains much more water than dry food, which can help your cat get more moisture in their diet. Even adding a little bit of water to the wet food can increase their water intake without them even realizing it.
If your cat is used to eating dry food, try mixing in a little wet food or gradually transitioning them to a wet food diet. Not only will they enjoy the taste, but it will help keep them hydrated.
5. Experiment with Different Water Bowls
Sometimes the problem isn’t the water—it’s the bowl. Cats can be very particular about their bowls. They might not like the material, the size, or even the location of the bowl. Try experimenting with different types of water bowls to see which one your cat prefers.
- Stainless steel or ceramic bowls: These are generally better than plastic bowls because they don’t retain odors.
- Wide, shallow bowls: Some cats don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl, so using a wide, shallow bowl might encourage them to drink more.
Pay attention to your cat’s preferences, and make adjustments as needed.
6. Keep the Water Cool
Much like people, cats often prefer cool water. Keeping your cat’s water cool, especially in the summer months, can make it more appealing to them. You can try adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cold and interesting. Some cats may even enjoy playing with the ice cubes, which can also help stimulate their interest in drinking water.
7. Flavor the Water
If you’re still struggling with how to get your cat to drink water, try adding a little flavor. Some cats may enjoy a little bit of flavor in their water, which can encourage them to drink more. You can add a small amount of tuna juice (from a can of tuna in water), low-sodium chicken broth, or clam juice. Be sure that whatever you add doesn’t contain onions, garlic, or salt, as these can be harmful to cats.
Start with just a small amount of flavor and see how your cat responds. You don’t want to overwhelm them, but a little bit of flavor can go a long way.
8. Monitor Their Water Intake
Once you’ve made some changes, it’s important to keep an eye on how much water your cat is drinking. Cats generally need about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight each day. For example, a 10-pound cat should drink about 7 to 9 ounces of water per day. This includes the water they get from food.
If you notice that your cat is still not drinking enough water, it might be a good idea to talk to your vet. There could be an underlying health issue causing your cat to avoid drinking water.
Fun Ways to Encourage Drinking
Sometimes, getting creative can make all the difference. If your cat enjoys playing, you can try adding floating toys or ice cubes to their water bowl to make drinking more fun. Cats are curious creatures, and turning water time into playtime can encourage them to drink more.
Some cats also enjoy lapping up water from a dripping faucet or sink. While it may not be practical to leave your faucet running all the time, letting it drip for a little while could be a fun way to hydrate your cat.
FAQ’s
1. How can I get my cat to drink more water?
Provide fresh water daily, use a water fountain, and try feeding wet food. You can also add multiple water bowls around the house to make it more accessible.
2. Why is my cat not drinking water?
Cats can be picky about water freshness, bowl type, or location. Ensure clean, fresh water is available, or try using a water fountain or flavored water for encouragement.
3. Is wet food enough to keep my cat hydrated?
Wet food has a high moisture content and can help with hydration, but it’s still important to provide fresh drinking water alongside wet food for complete hydration.
4. Can I flavor my cat’s water?
Yes, you can add a small amount of tuna juice or chicken broth (without salt or additives) to flavor the water. Ensure it’s safe and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like onion or garlic.
5. How much water should a cat drink daily?
Cats generally need about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily, including moisture from their food. Monitor their intake to avoid dehydration.
Conclusion
Helping your cat drink more water doesn’t have to be difficult. By trying out different strategies—like offering wet food, using a water fountain, or adding extra bowls—you can make sure your cat stays healthy and hydrated.
Every cat is unique, so it may take a little trial and error to find what works best. Whether it’s keeping the water fresh, using a different bowl, or flavoring the water, there’s always something new to try.
For more tips on caring for your cat, including hydration advice, be sure to visit cattoptips. Your feline friend will thank you for the extra care and attention!
