8 tips to encourage your cat to drink more water

As with humans, water is a crucial part of a cat’s diet so it’s important that they have access to a fresh, clean supply at all times.

Although cats are able to survive on less water than dogs – their desert-dwelling ancestry means they can adapt well to dry conditions – they are still prone to dehydration and this can lead to common health issues such as constipation, lower urinary tract disease and urinary blockages.

Mature moggies (aged 11 or older) in particular will need to drink plenty of water each day as their kidneys will need a bit of extra help to function properly.

It’s important to remember that milk, cream or any other liquid is no substitute for water in a cat’s diet. In fact, cats are lactose intolerant and have difficulty digesting dairy products, so drinking milk could make them unwell.

If you’re worried that your cat is not drinking enough water, here are a few tips and tricks you can try...

1. Refill their water bowl daily

The thought of drinking from a glass of water that’s been sitting around on the floor for a few days probably doesn’t sound very appetising. Your cat is likely to feel the same, so they will appreciate a fresh, clean bowl each day.

2. Place bowls throughout the house

Cats prefer drinking in different locations. Give them plenty of options to choose from so that a bowl of water is never too far away.

3. Try a different water bowl

Cats may also have a preference for a certain type of bowl. Plastic and metal bowls can taint the water, so try using a ceramic or glass bowl instead. Cats usually prefer wide, shallow bowls as it allows them to keep an eye on their surroundings while they’re drinking and keeps their whiskers from touching the sides of the bowl. Allow the cat to be able to sit behind the bowl of water so they can see all around them.

4. Try a water fountain

Many cats are attracted by the movement and freshness of flowing water, which is why you may have witnessed them try to drink directly from the tap! There are many pet water fountains you can buy online or from your nearest pet store.

5. Keep water and litter trays separate

Just as you would not want to drink right next to your toilet, cats aren’t keen on drinking near their litter tray. This is carried over from their African wildcat ancestors, who would toilet away from their water source to avoid contamination. Keep the two in separate rooms if possible.

6. Separate the food bowl too

Cats also don’t like to drink near to where they eat. This is also carried over from their African wildcat ancestors, as the gut contents of their prey could contaminate the water source. Place their food and water bowls in separate locations.

7. Switch to canned food

Canned food contains about 70-80% water so will help your cat get a good proportion of their daily water requirement just from eating. If they’re eating mainly dry cat biscuits, they will need to drink a lot more water. If you do switch your cat’s food, make sure you do it gradually as this will reduce the chance of loose stools.

8. Add some flavour

Adding a few drops of tuna juice (from tuna packed in water, not oil) or chicken broth will make the water more enticing for your feline friend. Just make sure the flavouring doesn’t include too much salt, as this is unhealthy for your cat.

Why do cats stop drinking water?

Many people put their cat’s water bowl next to their food bowl, but cats like to eat, drink and toilet in different places. It links back to domestic cats’ evolution (they are closely related to African wildcats) as they don’t want to contaminate their water with waste from their prey.

Cats also like wide, ceramic or plastic bowls (although plastic bowls can taint the taste of water in the heat) – and often prefer running water.

If you are concerned about any change to your cat's behaviour, including changes to their normal eating and drinking habits, it can be a sign of a medical problem so please consult your vet.

How to monitor how much your cat drinks

Sure Petcare’s Felaqua® Connect is a water bowl that monitors your cat’s water intake, giving you peace of mind. The bowl also refills with clean, fresh water automatically as your cat drinks.

Thanks to our friends at Sure Petcare, you can receive a discount on their products, including the Felaqua Connect, and support Cats Protection at the same time.

Learn more about Sure Petcare’s product range and how to receive your discount.

For more guidance on cat drinking habits, visit our help and advice on cats and drinking.