How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water: 7 Tips That Work

Many cat owners notice the water bowl hardly ever empties. That's no accident: the ancestors of house cats lived in desert areas and got most of their fluids from prey, so their sense of thirst is relatively weak. A cat that eats mostly dry food needs to drink more – and doesn't always do it. Here's how to help.

How much water does a cat need a day?

The usual rule of thumb is roughly 40–60 ml per kg of body weight per day, including the water in food. A 4 kg cat needs about 200 ml a day – one cup. A cat on wet food gets a large part of that from its meals.

7 tips to get your cat drinking more

1. Flowing water – many cats prefer moving water, which seems fresher to them. A cat water fountain with a filter keeps water clean and invites your cat back.
2. Keep water away from food – in nature cats don't drink next to their prey. Put the water bowl somewhere separate, and far from the litter box.
3. Several water stations – a bowl on every floor or in a few rooms raises the chance your cat drinks on the way.
4. A wide, shallow bowl – many cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides. A raised cat bowl is easier on the neck too.
5. Fresh water every day – change the water and wash the bowl daily. Cats notice the taste and smell of stale water.
6. Add wet food – mixing in wet food, or a little water on dry food, increases fluid intake.
7. Play before meals – a cat that has moved and played tends to drink more.

What about dogs?

Dogs usually drink more readily, but in hot weather and on long walks they dehydrate fast. Take a dog travel water bottle or a collapsible silicone bowl on every walk, and stop for water every 20–30 minutes on hot days.

When to see a vet?

If your cat isn't drinking at all, seems weak, or the opposite – suddenly drinks much more than before – see a vet. A sharp change in drinking can signal a medical problem.

FAQ

Does a water fountain really help?

For many cats, yes – the flowing water attracts them, and the filter keeps the water cleaner through the day.

How long can a cat go without drinking?

Don't wait to find out. A cat that hasn't drunk for a whole day needs a check-up.

All feeding and drinking products: food & water.