How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

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Cats are famously bad at drinking water. Their ancestors were desert animals that got most of their moisture from the prey they ate, so many cats just don't feel very thirsty. That's fine in the wild, but a cat living on dry food may not get enough fluids.

Good hydration supports healthy kidneys and a healthy urinary tract, both common problem areas for cats. The good news: there are lots of easy ways to encourage your cat to drink more.

1. Keep water away from food

Many cats prefer their water away from their food bowl. In the wild, cats avoid water near their food, possibly because it could be contaminated. Try placing water in a different spot, or even a different room.

And of course, keep water well away from the litter box too.

2. Put out several water bowls

Instead of one bowl in the kitchen, put a few around your home. The easier water is to stumble across, the more often your cat will drink. This is especially helpful in multi-cat homes, where one cat may guard a single bowl.

3. Use wide, shallow bowls

Some cats dislike deep, narrow bowls where their whiskers touch the sides. A wide, shallow bowl, filled to the top, can make drinking more comfortable.

Ceramic, glass or stainless steel bowls are easy to keep clean. Some cats seem to dislike the taste or smell of certain plastic bowls.

4. Try a water fountain

Many cats are drawn to running water. If your cat likes drinking from the tap, a pet water fountain might be a hit. The moving water stays fresher, and the gentle sound and movement attract a lot of cats.

Fountains do need regular cleaning and filter changes, so factor that in.

5. Keep water fresh and clean

Change the water every day and wash bowls regularly. Cats can be very picky about stale water, dust or the leftover taste of soap. Rinse bowls well after washing.

6. Add wet food to their diet

This is one of the most effective ways to increase fluid intake. Wet food contains a lot of water, while dry food contains very little. Even swapping one dry meal for a wet meal each day can make a difference.

Talk to your vet before making big changes to your cat's diet, especially if they have any health conditions.

7. Add water to food

You can add a little water to wet food, or soak dry food in water for a few minutes before serving. Start with small amounts so your cat gets used to the texture.

8. Try "water treats"

• A few drops of water from a can of plain tuna in water (not oil or brine), added to their water bowl, can make it more interesting.
• Plain, unseasoned, low-sodium broth made for pets.

Avoid regular broths and stocks for humans, which can contain onion, garlic or a lot of salt, all of which are bad for cats.

9. Make it a game

Some cats love playing with ice cubes in their water bowl or pawing at a dripping tap. Whatever gets them interested in water is a win.

Signs your cat might be dehydrated

• Lethargy or low energy
• Dry or sticky gums
• Sunken eyes
• Reduced appetite
• Skin that stays "tented" when gently pinched at the scruff
• Less urine in the litter box

If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, contact your vet. Dehydration can be serious, especially in kittens and older cats.

When drinking more is a warning sign

On the flip side, if your cat suddenly starts drinking a lot more than usual, don't ignore it. Increased thirst can be a sign of conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Book a vet visit if you notice a big change.

Final thoughts

Getting a cat to drink more is mostly about making water easy, fresh and appealing. Move bowls away from food, try a fountain or wider bowls, and add some wet food to their diet, and most cats will drink more without even noticing.

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