If you’ve ever noticed your cat’s water bowl sitting almost untouched day after day, you’re not alone. Cats are notoriously poor drinkers, and this seemingly harmless habit can actually lead to serious health problems like urinary blockages, kidney disease, and chronic dehydration.
So, what can you do if you’re worried and keep asking yourself: “How can I get my cat to drink more water?” Let’s break it down with vet-approved strategies and a few real-life stories from cat parents who’ve been there.
Why Cats Don’t Drink Enough Water
Unlike dogs, cats evolved as desert animals. Their ancestors survived on prey that provided most of their hydration, so they never developed a strong thirst drive. Indoor cats today often eat dry kibble — which contains only about 10% water — compared to wet food’s 70–80%.
This mismatch explains why so many cats simply don’t drink enough from bowls. They may not feel thirsty, but their bodies still need more water than they’re getting.
⚠️ Signs of low hydration include:
-
Peeing less frequently or straining
-
Dry gums or tacky saliva
-
Constipation
-
Lethargy
If you spot these, it’s time to step in.
Vet-Approved Tips to Get Your Cat Drinking More Water
1. Switch to a Water Fountain
Cats instinctively prefer running water. In nature, stagnant water often means bacteria or parasites, so your cat may be avoiding still water bowls for a reason.
👉 A water fountain provides continuous circulation, keeping the water fresh, cool, and oxygenated. Many vets recommend fountains like AquaPurr, Catit, or PetSafe to encourage picky drinkers.
Story: Max, a 9-year-old tabby, refused his bowl for years. His owner tried a stainless-steel fountain, and suddenly Max was drinking several times a day. Within months, his early kidney values stabilized — all because he finally hydrated properly.
2. Offer Multiple Drinking Stations
Cats can be territorial or simply lazy. If the only water source is in the kitchen, your cat may not bother walking there. Place 2–3 bowls or fountains in different rooms, especially near their favorite resting spots.
3. Add Water to Wet Food
This is one of the easiest tricks. Mix 1–2 tablespoons of fresh water (or low-sodium chicken broth) into canned food. Most cats won’t even notice, and you’ll instantly boost hydration.
4. Try Different Materials & Bowl Shapes
Some cats dislike plastic bowls due to smell or whisker fatigue. Try stainless steel, ceramic, or wide shallow dishes that don’t touch their whiskers.
5. Keep It Fresh and Cool
Cats have sensitive noses. If the water smells stale, dusty, or chlorinated, they’ll avoid it. Change bowls daily and wash them with mild soap to prevent bacterial buildup.
💡 Tip: Use filtered water or bottled spring water if your tap water has a strong chemical taste.
6. Play With Ice Cubes
Some cats love batting ice cubes in their bowl — and then drinking the cool water afterward. It turns hydration into playtime.
7. Experiment With Flavor
For stubborn cats, try adding a splash of:
-
Low-sodium chicken broth
-
Tuna water (no salt, no oil)
-
Cat-safe flavored water enhancers
Just enough to entice them without overpowering the water.
When to Worry: Vet Checkups
If your cat still refuses to drink or shows symptoms like straining to pee, blood in urine, or lethargy, contact your vet immediately. Urinary blockages can be life-threatening, especially in male cats.
Regular hydration not only prevents these emergencies but also supports kidney function and overall longevity.
Key Takeaway
Cats won’t always drink from bowls, but you can help by:
-
Offering a water fountain
-
Mixing water into food
-
Providing multiple stations
-
Keeping water fresh, clean, and appealing
💧 At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is make water irresistible. A little creativity goes a long way toward keeping your feline friend hydrated, healthy, and happy.