How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water

It's important to keep your cat hydrated!

Encouraging cats to drink more water is important for their overall health, especially to prevent issues like urinary tract problems, kidney disease, and dehydration. Cats are often not naturally inclined to drink enough water, but there are some easy tricks you can try to help them stay hydrated.

Here’s a list of ways to encourage your cat to drink more water:

1. Provide Multiple Water Stations

• Cats tend to be picky about their water sources. Having multiple bowls in different areas of the house gives them more options.

• Consider placing bowls in quiet, low-traffic areas (cats tend to like peace and privacy when drinking).
  

2. Use a Cat Water Fountain

• Cats often prefer moving water over stagnant water. A water fountain keeps the water fresh and constantly flowing, which appeals to their instincts.

• Many cats are attracted to the sound and movement of the water, so they’re more likely to drink from a fountain than a bowl.
  

3. Add Wet Food to Their Diet

• Wet cat food (canned food) has a high water content (up to 80%), which can significantly help with hydration.

• Could tip canned tuna (in spring water) into a tubberware box and top up with more water and serve that with their food (great to boost up their omega levels!)

• Try mixing wet food with dry food if they’re picky, or serve it alongside dry food for added moisture.
  

4. Use a Shallow Bowl

• Some cats don’t like drinking from deep bowls because their whiskers touch the sides. A shallow bowl may feel more comfortable for them to drink from.

• Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are better than plastic, which can sometimes affect taste.
  

5. Add Ice Cubes or Chilled Water

• Try putting ice cubes in your cat’s water bowl. Cats often find cold water more appealing, and the floating cubes can even encourage curiosity.

• Alternatively, some cats enjoy drinking from chilled or cool water, so you can refresh their bowl with cold water throughout the day.
  

6. Flavor the Water

• You can make water more enticing by adding a little flavor.

  • Add a tiny bit of tuna juice or chicken broth (ensure it's unsalted and free of onions/garlic) to the water.

  • You can also buy pet-safe water flavor enhancers from pet stores.
    

7. Try a Pet Water Dispenser or Bottle

• Some cats prefer drinking from a bottle, similar to how rabbits or small animals drink from a water bottle.

• Pet water dispensers, where the cat has to press a lever, can also make drinking a little more interactive and fun.
  

8. Experiment with Different Bowl Types

• Some cats have preferences when it comes to the material of their water bowl. If you’re using plastic, try ceramic or stainless steel bowls, as some cats may prefer the taste or texture.

• Experiment with bowls that have wide edges to reduce whisker sensitivity (some cats don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl).
  

9. Offer Water During Playtime

• Interactive play can stimulate your cat’s thirst. After a play session, offer them fresh water, as they may be more likely to drink after being active.
  

Keep Water Fresh and Clean

• Cats are picky about water quality. Make sure you’re cleaning their water bowl daily to remove any buildup or contaminants.

• If the water tastes or smells off to them, they won’t want to drink it!
  

Signs of Dehydration in Cats:

If you're worried your cat isn’t drinking enough, watch for signs of dehydration, such as:

• Dry gums or mouth

• Lethargy or lack of energy

• Loss of appetite

• Decreased urine output

• Skin tenting (when you pull up a bit of skin and it doesn’t snap back quickly)
  

By using a few of these strategies, you can increase your cat’s water intake and help keep them healthy and hydrated! If you try some of these and your cat still isn’t drinking enough, it might be worth talking to your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.