Keeping your fickle feline hydrated is often a challenge. Cats have a reputation as low-water drinkers, primarily because of their evolution. As desert dwellers, their ancestors got most of their moisture from prey, and many domestic cats still today do not have a strong natural drive to drink water. Yet, your feline friend must be properly hydrated to maintain good health, because hydration supports kidney function and helps prevent urinary tract issues. Our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team shares five tips to encourage your cat to drink more water and stay happily hydrated.

#1: Incorporate wet cat food

One of the easiest ways to increase your cat’s water intake is by feeding them wet or canned cat food, which unlike dry food, contains enough water to keep your cat hydrated as needed. A cat who has never eaten wet food may be picky about the texture, and you may have to try a few different kinds, such as paté, shredded food, or minced meat with gravy, to find their preference. 

#2: Invest in a cat water fountain 

Cats are instinctively attracted to running water, which they perceive as fresh and safe, so consider a cat water fountain to encourage more drinking. The continuously moving water not only attracts cats, but also keeps the water fresher longer. A wide variety of cat fountains, from simple to elaborate, are available, but they all work essentially the same: 

  • You fill the fountain with water.
  • A motorized pump continuously circulates water through a filter.
  • A stream or bubble system pushes the water into the bowl.
  • Your cat drinks the “fresh” running water. 

#3: Place your cat’s water bowl strategically

Bowl placement is an often-overlooked factor that can impact your cat’s water intake. Place your cat’s water bowl strategically and encourage more frequent drinking with these tips:

  • Separate food and water bowls — You may be tempted to put your cat’s bowls all in one place, but cats instinctively prefer that their water source be placed away from their food. This trait is likely linked to their wild ancestors, who kept their kill away from their water source to prevent water contamination. 
  • Quiet locations — Cats prefer to drink in peace, and they feel more safe, comfortable, and willing to drink if their water bowl is in a quiet, low-traffic area. Never place their water bowl in noisy areas, such as by washing machines or dishwashers.
  • Multiple water stations — Ideally, you should provide at least one water bowl per household cat, plus one extra bowl, to encourage more drinking. This also helps prevent territorial disputes over water resources.
  • Away from litter boxes — The same way cats don’t like to eat near their water source, they don’t like to drink near their litter box. Keep their water source away from their “bathroom” to help increase their water intake.

#4: Keep your cat’s water clean and fresh

Cats are tidy creatures and appreciate clean, fresh drinking bowls and water and will be less likely to use a water bowl that does not meet their cleanliness standards. Wash your cat’s bowls daily, or at least a few times a week, with warm, soapy water to remove limescale and bacteria, and refresh their water at least daily.

#5: Add flavor to your cat’s water

Like people, cats appreciate a bit of flavor, so adding some liquid from a can of unsalted tuna, clam juice, or chicken broth to your cat’s regular water may encourage them to drink more. Remember—the goal is not to replace their regular water, but to make drinking more enticing.

Signs your cat is dehydrated

The average adult cat should consume about four ounces of water for every five pounds of lean body weight. Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration, which can have a serious impact on your cat’s overall health. Signs that your cat may be dehydrated include: 

  • Lethargy or decreased activity
  • Dry or sticky gums
  • Sunken eyes
  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Reduced appetite
  • Constipation
  • Thick saliva
  • Dry nose 

If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated, contact our team at Creature Comforts Veterinary Service as soon as possible. Dehydration can be not only dangerous by itself, but also may signal an underlying medical condition, and an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential for your cat.