5 Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Drink Water

Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Drink Water: Cats are notorious for being poor drinkers. Their evolutionary background as desert-dwelling animals means they don’t have a strong natural thirst drive, relying heavily on the moisture content in their food.

However, modern indoor cats especially those on dry kibble diets often don’t get enough hydration, which can lead to serious health issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and bladder stones.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through five effective ways to get your cat to drink more water, help you understand the risks of dehydration, and offer product recommendations and troubleshooting tips.

Why Hydration Matters for Cats

Cats are typically not enthusiastic drinkers. Unlike dogs, they won’t lap up bowl after bowl of water. Yet, hydration plays a crucial role in:

• Supporting kidney function
• Preventing urinary crystals and stones
• Aiding digestion and nutrient absorption
• Regulating body temperature
• Improving skin and coat condition

Even mild dehydration in cats can become chronic and life-threatening if not addressed early.

Common Signs of Dehydration in Cats

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to recognize if your cat is dehydrated. Look for these symptoms:

• Lethargy or weakness
• Dry, sticky gums
• Sunken eyes
• Poor skin elasticity (test with a gentle pinch on the back of the neck)
• Loss of appetite
• Panting or elevated heart rate

If you suspect serious dehydration, always consult a vet first.

5 Effective Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water

1. Invest in a Cat Water Fountain

Why it works:
Cats prefer moving water because it mimics streams or rivers in the wild. They instinctively associate running water with freshness.

How to implement:

• Choose a quiet, low-vibration fountain to avoid spooking your cat.
• Place it away from the litter box and food bowls (cats dislike clustered resources).
• Clean the fountain weekly and replace filters as recommended.

Recommended Products:

• PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum – popular and durable
• Catit Flower Fountain – quiet and visually appealing
• Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Raindrop – great for hygiene and multiple cats

Bonus Tip: Leave the faucet dripping slightly and observe if your cat is intrigued. Many cats prefer drinking from taps!

2. Incorporate Wet Food into Their Diet

Why it works:
Wet or canned cat food contains 70–80% water, compared to just 10% in kibble. Feeding even one wet meal per day can significantly boost hydration.

How to implement:

• Gradually mix wet food with their regular kibble to ease the transition.
• Look for grain-free, high-protein formulas that match your cat’s dietary needs.
• Refrigerate leftovers properly and always serve at room temperature for palatability.

Top Picks:

• Tiki Cat After Dark – high moisture and real meat
• Wellness CORE Grain-Free Pâté – premium ingredients
• Royal Canin Hydration Support – vet-formulated for hydration

Bonus Tip: Add a tablespoon of warm water or low-sodium broth (no onions/garlic) to wet food to increase moisture further.

3. Experiment with Water Bowl Type and Placement

Why it works:
Cats are picky. The material, shape, and location of the water bowl can make or break their drinking habits.

How to implement:

• Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls—plastic can retain odors and harbor bacteria.
• Choose wide, shallow bowls to avoid whisker fatigue.
• Try multiple bowls in different areas of the home.
• Keep bowls away from loud appliances, food, and litter boxes.

Try a “cat hydration station” with:

• A wide bowl
• Fountain
• Dripping faucet (supervised only)

Bonus Tip: Some cats prefer elevated bowls for comfort, especially seniors or arthritic pets.

4. Flavor the Water (Safely)

Why it works:
Cats are driven by scent. A bland water dish might be unappealing, but a light aroma can spark curiosity.

How to implement:

• Add a few drops of tuna juice in water (from tuna packed in water, not oil).
• Use low-sodium chicken or bone broth as a flavor enhancer.
• Avoid anything with added salt, garlic, onions, or artificial flavorings.

Caution: Always provide at least one source of plain water. Flavored water is a supplement, not a replacement.

Bonus Tip: Freeze broth into ice cubes and drop one into their water bowl—it adds fun and flavor.

5. Make Hydration Fun and Enriching

Why it works:
Cats love novelty and interaction. Turn hydration into a stimulating activity, not just a necessity.

How to implement:

• Introduce interactive water toys like floating balls or ice cubes.
• Place a dripping water toy in the bathtub or shower.
• Use cat-safe plant waterers like pet grass with self-watering bases.

Bonus Tip: Build a positive association—praise or reward your cat when they explore water sources.

READ ALSO: How to Help a Cat Recover from Surgery

Monitoring Your Cat’s Water Intake

Tips for Tracking Hydration:

• Use a measured water bowl or fountain with volume markers.
• Monitor litter box output—urine clumps should be regular and moderate.
• Observe any changes in behavior, thirst, or weight.

For high-risk cats (e.g., those with kidney disease), speak to your vet about subcutaneous fluids or special hydration-support foods.

FAQs

How much water should my cat drink each day?

Cats typically need 50–60 mL of water per kg of body weight per day. For an average 4.5 kg (10 lb) cat, that’s roughly 225–270 mL (7.5–9 oz). Wet food contributes toward this total.

Is it OK to give my cat bottled or filtered water?

Yes. Many cats prefer the taste of filtered or spring water. Avoid distilled water, which lacks beneficial minerals.

My cat only drinks from the sink—is that bad?

It’s not harmful if the water is clean and safe. This behavior reflects a preference for moving water. Consider a fountain as a substitute.

What if my cat refuses to drink or eat wet food?

Gradually introduce small amounts of water to their kibble. Try different textures and flavors of wet food and offer warmed options to enhance aroma.

Can dehydration cause permanent damage?

Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney damage, urinary crystals, or blockages, especially in male cats. Early intervention is key.

Is milk a good hydration option?

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause diarrhea and isn’t a suitable hydration source.

What is whisker fatigue, and how does it affect drinking?

Whisker fatigue occurs when a cat’s sensitive whiskers brush against bowl sides repeatedly. This discomfort may discourage drinking. Wide, shallow bowls help prevent it.

Are automatic water dispensers as good as fountains?

They provide consistent access but lack movement, which may be less enticing. A filtered, recirculating fountain is often more effective for hydration.

Can I syringe water into my cat’s mouth?

Only under veterinary supervision. Force-feeding water can cause aspiration or stress. Use this method for ill or post-op cats with vet approval.

When should I call a vet about my cat’s hydration?

If your cat shows signs of dehydration, stops drinking altogether, or exhibits vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss, consult your veterinarian promptly.