As pet parents, it’s important to ensure our cats are happy, healthy, and hydrated. But cats can be surprisingly secretive about their drinking habits. Here’s what you need to know about your cat’s water intake, how to tell if they’re drinking enough, and what you can do to encourage them to stay hydrated.
Cats are naturally low-thirst animals - remember that their ancestors lived in desert environments who hunted for their meals. They primarily get their water from their food rather than actively drinking water. Cats who eat wet food typically drink less water because their canned food can contain up to 70–80% water. Cats who eat kibble, which typically contains 10% water, will need to drink more water to meet their hydration needs.
Proper hydration is essential for a cat’s overall health. It helps keep all their systems operating well, particularly digestion and kidney function. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including urinary tract issues and heart and kidney disease.
How Much Water Do Cats Need?
On average, a cat should drink about a half a cup of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
Factors That Influence Your Cat’s Water Intake
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Diet
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Activity level
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Age
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Health
Signs Your Cat Is Hydrated
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Regular urination (2–4 times a day)
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Moist, pink gums
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Good energy level
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Healthy appetite
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Normal skin elasticity
Signs of Dehydration
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Lethargy
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Dry, sticky, or pale gums
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Sunken eyes
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Poor appetite
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Weak muscles
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Reduced urination
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Elevated heart rate
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Poor skin elasticity
A quick and easy way to check your cat’s skin elasticity is by “tenting” their skin. Gently pinch the skin between their shoulder blades and pull it up. Then let it go. A healthy, hydrated cat’s skin will quickly drop back into place. A dehydrated cat’s skin will sink back down much more slowly.
If you notice any signs of dehydration in your cat, contact your vet right away. A veterinarian can administer subcutaneous or IV fluids to get them feeling better quickly. They can also diagnose any underlying medical issues that could be contributing to your cat’s dehydration.
Reasons Cats Might Not Drink Enough Water
Bowl location: If it’s too close to their litter box or food, some cats may avoid drinking from their water bowl. Try putting their water bowl in a central location away from their food and litter box that allows them a wide view of their environment so they feel safe. Having multiple opportunities to drink water increases the likelihood that your cat will drink regularly.
Bowl cleanliness: Their bowls should be cleaned daily. Even though it’s just water, germs, and food residue can congregate. And nobody likes a dirty bowl.
Bowl type: Cats can be picky about their bowls. Cats’ whiskers are very sensitive and they generally don’t like them to touch the sides of their bowls. It’s best to choose shallow, wide bowls so your cat doesn’t have to stick their head in very far. Some prefer wide, shallow bowls to avoid touching their sensitive whiskers. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best. If your cat likes to knock over the water bowl, a heavy ceramic bowl is likely your best bet. Stainless steel bowls are best for keeping clean and sterile. Plastic bowls are not recommended for pets and can even irritate cats’ faces and cause chin acne.
Medical issues: Dental problems can make drinking painful or difficult.
Territorial issues: Some pets don’t like to share their resources. Having multiple water bowls around the house can help. They’ll have options to find the perfect bowl that gives them the position or the privacy they’re looking for without having to share.
Water freshness: Cats love fresh, clean water. Many cats are drawn to flowing water and may be enticed to drink more from pet water fountains rather than still water sitting in a bowl. Water fountains constantly circulate water, keeping it fresh and enticing.
Water quality: Pollutants in the water can make it unappealing to your cat and they might drink more happily if their water is filtered.
How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water
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Primarily feed wet food for their meals
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Provide multiple water sources
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Try a cat fountain
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Change their water daily
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Experiment with bowl types
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Add broth to their water
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Offer mousse treats
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Add water to their wet food
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Try ice cubes as a treat
Knowing the signs of dehydration and how to boost your cat’s water intake will keep them happy, healthy, and hydrated for years to come.
Love, Nala
