Cats are known for being picky drinkers, and many owners notice their cat not drinking enough water. Proper hydration is essential for keeping your cat happy and healthy. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a cat to drink more water, you’re not alone. Here are some practical tips to encourage them to drink more.
Why Drinking Water Is Important for Cats
A cat’s body is made up of 60%–70% water, so water is essential for many bodily functions.1 It helps with organ function, temperature regulation, joint movement, nutrient absorption, circulation, and digestion. Without enough water, a cat’s body can’t work as it should.
Monitoring your cat's water consumption routinely is important. Dehydration (when your cat uses or loses more fluids than they take in) creates an imbalance of water and electrolytes in the body. And it can happen quickly and lead to medical problems, such as feline lower urinary tract disease, poor skin health, and more.
Additionally, cats with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, vomiting, and diarrhea, are at an increased risk of dehydration and further complications.
Water Intake: Wet Vs. Dry Food
| Diet Type | % Water Content | Cups Needed/Day (10lb Cat) | Hydration Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet/Canned | 75-80% | 1/2 cup food + 1/2 cup water | High, may drink less |
| Dry/Kibble | 6-10% | 1 cup kibble + 1 cup water | Needs more water |
| Mixed | ~45% | 3/4 cup food + 3/4 cup water | Moderate |
How Much Water Does a Cat Need
Most cats need to drink about 4 ounces of water for every 5 pounds of body weight each day. For example, a 10-pound cat should drink roughly one cup of water daily.2 However, a cat not drinking enough water may need encouragement, especially if they eat mostly dry food.
Ways To Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
If you’re worried about how to get a cat to drink more water, try these tips:
- Choose the right bowl. Try different materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid plastic bowls, which can hold bacteria. Use wide, shallow bowls so your cat’s whiskers don’t touch the sides.
- Pick the perfect location. Place water bowls in quiet spots, away from busy areas and litter boxes. Offer more than one bowl in different locations.
- Keep bowls clean. Wash your cat’s water bowls every day to remove smells and bacteria.
- Change water daily. Fresh water is more appealing to cats.
- Fill bowls to the top. Many cats like drinking from a full bowl.
- Try different water sources. Some cats prefer filtered or bottled water instead of tap water.
- Test water temperature. See if your cat likes cool water with ice cubes, room temperature, or slightly warm water.
- Add flavor. Mix in a little water from a can of tuna (in spring water, not oil) or low-sodium chicken broth (no onions or garlic). Only leave flavored water out for a short time.
- Try a fountain. Cats are drawn to moving water. Pet water fountains can encourage drinking but should be cleaned often.
- Offer wet food. Canned food is high in moisture, which can help a cat not drinking enough water get more fluids. You can also add some water or broth to dry food.
Signs of Dehydration in Cats
Recognizing the signs of dehydration is important. They include:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Dry, tacky gums and mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Elevated heart rate
- Decreased skin elasticity
You can do the "skin tent test" to help gauge your cat's hydration level. Gently lift the skin over the shoulder blades upward. If your cat is well hydrated, the skin will snap back to cover the shoulder blades. If they're dehydrated, the skin will not return to its normal position quickly.
Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. It's critical to determine the underlying cause of the dehydration and address it promptly.
Helping your cat stay hydrated is one of the best ways to support their health. Try different bowls, locations, and flavors to see what your cat prefers, and consider adding wet food to their diet. With a little patience and creativity, you can help your cat drink more water and stay happy and healthy.
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- DiBartola S, Wellman M, Kohn C. Applied physiology of body fluids. In: DiBartola S, ed. Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice, 3rd ed. (St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier); 2006:3-26.
- Hydration. (2021, July 8). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hydration. Accessed February 9, 2023.
