Cat not drinking enough water? How to get it to drink more

Have you ever seen your cat drink? Many cat owners haven't, or only rarely. That's not strange: cats are poor drinkers, and there's a natural explanation for it.

Here's why cats drink so little, how to tell if your cat isn't getting enough fluids, and what you can do to make it drink more.

Why do cats drink so little?

The cat's ancestors lived in dry environments and got most of their fluids from the prey they ate. A mouse is mostly water. That's why cats have a weak sense of thirst, and they often drink only when they already need fluids.

That works fine as long as the food contains a lot of water. A cat that eats mostly dry food, on the other hand, gets much less fluid from its food and has to drink more to make up for it. That's where it often falls short.

How to tell if your cat drinks too little

It's hard to measure exactly, but a few signs are worth watching: few or small urine clumps in the litter box, hard and dry stools, tiredness and dry gums. You can also gently lift the skin on the back of the neck. If it doesn't fall back right away, it can be a sign of dehydration.

Seven ways to get your cat to drink more

1. Feed wet food, fully or partly

The most effective trick. Wet food contains a lot of water, so your cat gets fluids without having to drink. Even a few meals a week make a difference. You can also mix a little lukewarm water into the wet food.

2. Have several water stations

One bowl in the kitchen is rarely enough. Put water in several places around your home, preferably where your cat already spends time. Many cats would rather drink somewhere quiet than in the middle of household traffic.

3. Change the water every day

Cats have a keen sense of smell and often refuse water that has been standing a long time or has dust or hair on the surface. Fresh water every day, and a bowl that's washed regularly, make a big difference.

4. Think about the bowl's shape

Many cats dislike their whiskers touching the rim. A wide, shallow bowl, filled to the brim, often works better than a deep, narrow one.

5. Try running water

Many cats drink more when the water is moving. A water fountain keeps the water circulating through a filter, so it stays fresh and catches your cat's attention.

Moving water isn't the only way to keep it fresh. The Nordicfall Feeder has a 1-liter (34 oz) water container that refills the bowl as the level drops, and a built-in filter that catches hair and debris. Since the water sits next to the food, it works best as one of several water stations: some cats would rather drink a little way from their food.

6. Keep the water away from the litter box

Cats don't want to drink close to where they go to the bathroom. Keep the water bowls well away from the litter box.

7. Make the water interesting

Some cats are tempted by an ice cube in the bowl, or by drinking from a glass. It sounds silly, but if it gets your cat to drink, it's worth a try.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet if your cat suddenly drinks much less or much more than usual, goes to the litter box often without passing anything, has blood in its urine, vomits or seems lethargic. If a male cat strains to pee and nothing comes out, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, because it can be a urinary blockage, which is an emergency.

In short

Cats are made to get their fluids from food, not from a bowl. Feed wet food if you can, put out water in several places, try moving water, and make sure it's always fresh. Then most cats drink more without you having to think about it.