Get Your Cat To Drink More Water: 7 Proven Ways

Why Encouraging Your Cat to Drink Is Important

Water is essential for all living creatures, and cats are no exception. Despite their desert-dwelling ancestors, domestic cats need proper hydration to maintain optimal health. Every cat has different preferences when it comes to drinking, which can make encouraging water consumption challenging. However, with patience and understanding of your cat’s preferences, you can successfully increase their water intake.

There are several medical conditions and situations where encouraging your cat to drink more water becomes particularly important:

• Kidney disease – Cats with kidney problems are more vulnerable to dehydration, which can further damage their kidneys and accelerate disease progression
• Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – Increased water consumption helps cats produce larger volumes of more dilute urine, which can help prevent painful relapses
• Urinary stones (uroliths) – Higher water intake can help prevent the formation of additional stones and aid in flushing existing crystals
• Diabetes mellitus – Diabetic cats must avoid dehydration, as it can complicate their condition
• Medication management – Cats taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain other medications need proper hydration to avoid potential side effects

Understanding Your Cat’s Drinking Preferences

Before implementing strategies to increase your cat’s water intake, it’s helpful to understand how cats naturally prefer to drink. In the wild, cats typically avoid stagnant water sources that might harbor bacteria and pathogens. Instead, they seek out moving water, which is instinctively perceived as fresher and safer.

Domestic cats retain these instincts, which explains why many cats are fascinated by dripping faucets or show interest in running water. Additionally, cats have highly sensitive whiskers that provide sensory information about their environment. When drinking, they prefer situations where their whiskers don’t touch the sides of containers, which can cause ‘whisker fatigue’ or discomfort.

Choosing the Right Water Bowl

The type of bowl you provide can significantly impact your cat’s willingness to drink. Consider these factors when selecting water bowls for your feline friend:

Material Matters

Cats are often sensitive to both the taste and smell of their water. Different bowl materials can affect these sensory experiences:

• Glass and ceramic bowls are generally preferred by cats as they don’t retain odors or alter the taste of water
• Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, making it a good alternative
• Plastic bowls should typically be avoided as they can harbor bacteria in microscopic scratches and may impart an unpleasant taste to the water

Size and Shape Considerations

The dimensions of your cat’s water bowl can significantly influence their drinking behavior:

• Most cats prefer wide, shallow bowls that allow them to keep their whiskers from touching the sides
• Shallow dishes also enable cats to maintain visual awareness of their surroundings while drinking, which helps them feel secure
• Consider bowls with a smaller lip height, making them more accessible and comfortable for your cat

Strategic Placement of Water Bowls

Where you place your cat’s water bowls can be just as important as what type of bowl you use. Cats are naturally cautious creatures that prefer to feel safe and secure while drinking.

Location Recommendations

• Position water bowls in quiet, low-traffic areas where your cat won’t be startled while drinking
• Place bowls in locations that allow your cat to see their surroundings, preferably with their back to a wall
• Keep water bowls away from litter boxes – cats instinctively avoid drinking near their waste to prevent contamination
• Distribute multiple water stations throughout your home, especially in multi-level houses
• Avoid placing water bowls next to food bowls, as some cats prefer to drink in locations separate from where they eat

Maintaining Fresh, Clean Water

Cats are particularly sensitive to water freshness and cleanliness. Stale or contaminated water will discourage drinking, even in thirsty cats.

Daily Maintenance

Establish a regular routine to ensure your cat always has access to fresh water:

• Completely change the water in all bowls at least once daily
• Wash bowls with mild, unscented soap and rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue
• Consider using filtered water if your tap water has a strong mineral content or chlorine smell
• Offer water at room temperature, as cats generally prefer this over very cold water

Water Fountains: A Natural Attraction

Many cats are instinctively drawn to running water. Pet water fountains capitalize on this natural preference by providing continuously circulating water that appeals to feline instincts.

Benefits of Water Fountains

• Moving water is perceived as fresher and more appealing to many cats
• Fountains incorporate filtration systems that remove impurities and improve taste
• The sound of running water can attract cats and remind them to drink
• Many designs allow cats to drink without whisker interference

Choosing a Cat Fountain

When selecting a water fountain for your cat, consider these features:

• Material – ceramic or stainless steel fountains are generally preferred over plastic models
• Noise level – quieter models are less likely to frighten sensitive cats
• Ease of cleaning – fountains require regular maintenance to prevent biofilm buildup
• Filter replacement – check the cost and availability of replacement filters
• Water capacity – larger reservoirs require less frequent refilling

Dietary Approaches to Increase Hydration

Your cat’s diet plays a crucial role in their overall hydration status. Making strategic dietary choices can significantly increase their total water intake.

Wet Food Benefits

Wet cat food contains approximately 70-80% water, compared to only 10% in dry kibble. Incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet offers several advantages:

• Provides substantial hydration through food consumption
• Often more palatable for cats, encouraging better overall intake
• Closer to a cat’s natural prey diet in terms of moisture content
• Particularly beneficial for cats with urinary or kidney conditions

Transitioning to Wet Food

If your cat currently eats only dry food, make the transition gradually to prevent digestive upset:

• Start by mixing a small amount of wet food with their regular dry food
• Gradually increase the proportion of wet food over 7-10 days
• Monitor for any signs of digestive distress during the transition
• Consider offering wet food as one meal per day if a complete transition isn’t feasible

Creative Hydration Solutions

Sometimes standard approaches aren’t enough to entice a reluctant drinker. These creative solutions can help encourage even the most water-averse cats.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding appealing flavors to your cat’s water can increase interest:

• Add a few drops of tuna juice (from tuna packed in water, not oil) to your cat’s water bowl
• Use low-sodium chicken or fish broth (ensuring it contains no onions, garlic, or excessive salt)
• Consider commercial cat water enhancers specifically designed for feline hydration
• Ice cubes made from diluted broths can provide both enrichment and hydration

Innovative Drinking Opportunities

Some cats may respond better to unconventional drinking situations:

• Allow supervised access to running faucets for short periods
• Provide access to suitable houseplants with collection saucers that gather water
• Consider drip systems or slow-release water dispensers as alternatives to standard bowls
• Some cats enjoy drinking from cups or glasses – consider leaving a designated “cat cup” in accessible locations

Monitoring Your Cat’s Water Intake

Understanding whether your efforts are successful requires monitoring your cat’s water consumption and overall hydration status.

Signs of Good Hydration

• Elastic skin that quickly returns to position when gently pinched
• Moist, pink gums
• Bright, clear eyes without sunken appearance
• Regular urination with appropriate volume
• Consistent energy levels

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Sudden changes in drinking habits (either increased or decreased)
• Signs of dehydration including lethargy, sunken eyes, or dry gums
• Reduced urination or signs of urinary discomfort
• Vomiting or diarrhea that could lead to dehydration
• Excessive thirst that doesn’t resolve with improved access to water

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much water should my cat drink daily?

A: Cats typically need about 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. However, this includes water obtained through food. Cats eating wet food will drink less from their water bowl than those on dry food diets.

Q: My cat only drinks from running faucets. Is this normal?

A: This is quite common and relates to cats’ natural preference for moving water, which instinctively seems fresher and safer. Consider providing a pet fountain to satisfy this preference while conserving water.

Q: Can I add ice cubes to my cat’s water to encourage drinking?

A: Some cats are intrigued by ice cubes and may drink more as a result. However, most cats prefer room temperature water, as very cold water can reduce the perception of flavor. Try both to see what your cat prefers.

Q: My cat tips over water bowls. How can I prevent this?

A: Consider using heavier ceramic bowls with wider bases or specialized non-tip bowls. Some cats tip bowls due to whisker sensitivity, so providing a wider, shallower dish might also help.

Q: Is bottled water better for cats than tap water?

A: In most cases, tap water is perfectly fine for cats. However, if your local water has a strong chlorine smell or high mineral content, filtered or bottled water might be more appealing to your cat.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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