How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water: A Complete Guide

Ensuring your cat drinks enough water is one of the most important responsibilities of a caring pet owner. By nature, cats tend to drink less water than they actually need, especially if they eat dry food. A lack of hydration can lead to kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and other serious health problems.

In this guide, we will cover:
✔ How much water a cat needs daily
✔ How to recognize dehydration in cats
✔ Effective methods to increase water intake
✔ The best ways to maintain proper hydration

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Per Day?

On average, a cat weighing 4-5 kg (8-10 lbs) should consume about 1 cup (240 ml) of water per day. However, this amount depends on their diet:

• Cats that eat dry food get only 10% moisture from their meals and need to drink more.
• Cats that eat wet food may drink less since canned food contains up to 80% water, providing hydration through their diet.

If your cat doesn’t drink enough water, it can lead to chronic dehydration, which is especially dangerous for senior cats and those with kidney problems.

Signs of Dehydration in Cats

Dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure. Here are the main symptoms every cat owner should know:

❗ Lethargy, apathy – your cat sleeps more than usual and is less active.
❗ Dry mucous membranes – if the gums feel sticky and dry, this is a warning sign.
❗ Sunken eyes – an indicator of significant fluid loss.
❗ Loss of skin elasticity – gently pinch the skin on the back of the cat’s neck; if it does not quickly return to its original position, your cat may be dehydrated.

If you notice these symptoms, immediately give your cat access to water and consult a veterinarian.

How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water?

Some cats simply don’t like drinking from a bowl. That’s why pet owners need to find creative ways to keep their cat hydrated.

1️⃣ Use a Water Fountain

Many cats prefer running water because, in nature, stagnant water may be contaminated. A water fountain:
✔ Keeps water fresh and filtered
✔ Attracts cats with moving water
✔ Helps prevent dehydration

2️⃣ Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House

Some cats forget to drink water or don’t like going far to find it. Place 2-3 bowls in different locations, especially near their favorite resting spots.

Important: ❌ Never put the water bowl near the litter box! In the wild, cats avoid drinking near waste areas to prevent contamination.

3️⃣ Choose the Right Water Bowl

Cats are very sensitive to the shape and material of their bowls. They may refuse to drink if the bowl is:
❌ Plastic – absorbs odors and bacteria
❌ Deep and narrow – causes whisker stress

✔ Best choice – a wide, shallow bowl made of stainless steel or ceramic.

4️⃣ Add Flavor to the Water

If your cat refuses plain water, try adding a little flavor:

🥣 Low-sodium chicken broth
🐟 Water from canned tuna
🧊 Ice cubes made from fish broth

These small tricks can make water more appealing for your cat.

5️⃣ Mix Water with Food

If your cat only eats dry food, try adding a bit of water or switching to wet food.

✔ Canned food contains up to 80% moisture, which helps naturally hydrate your cat.
✔ You can also mix a small amount of water with dry kibble to increase moisture intake.

6️⃣ Make Drinking Water Fun

Some cats enjoy playing with water. Use this to encourage hydration:

🐾 Drop a little water onto their paw – they may lick it off instinctively.
🐾 Add ice cubes to their water bowl – many cats love watching and touching them.

How to Track Your Cat’s Water Intake?

To ensure your cat is drinking enough, consider using smart water bowls that monitor water consumption.

Also, make sure to change the water daily and observe how much they drink.

Final Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

1️⃣ Use a water fountain – cats prefer moving water.
2️⃣ Place multiple bowls – increases the chances of drinking.
3️⃣ Choose the right bowl – wide, made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
4️⃣ Add flavors – a bit of broth or tuna juice can help.
5️⃣ Mix water with food – especially if your cat eats dry food.
6️⃣ Make drinking fun – play with water to encourage interest.

If you're concerned about your cat’s hydration, consider installing a water fountain and adjusting their diet.

🐾 Take care of your pet’s health—make sure they stay hydrated!