Getting dehydrated in the summer season is something many cats go through. It's part of a cat's natural instinct to drink very little water, leaving owners concerned that their pet isn't getting enough to stay healthy.
When your cat doesn't drink enough water, it can cause:
- Urinary blockages
- Constipation
-
Lower urinary tract disease
To prevent all these issues, cat owners often try creative ways to encourage their pets to drink more. But if you’ve ever watched your cat ignore a perfectly good bowl of water, you know it’s not that simple!
If you want to protect your feline from dehydration this summer, here are 5 simple and effective tips to help your cat stay hydrated.
5 Tips to Help Your Cat Drink More Water This Summer
Looking for ways to get your cat to drink more water? Try these 5 simple and effective tips.
1. Switch Up Their Water Bowl
Sometimes the easiest fix is the bowl itself.
- Try ceramic or stainless steel instead of plastic.
- Choose a wide, sturdy design with a non-slip base.
- On hot days, add a few ice cubes for a cool treat.
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If your cat loves running water, try a pet water fountain or leave a tap dripping for a few minutes.
2. Change Their Water Daily
You know how you like fresh water? Cats are the same! Change their water every day to keep out dust and keep it tasting good. Tip: Don't forget to rinse the bowl often to clean off any sliminess.
3. Place Water Bowls in Different Spots
Make hydration easy and convenient.
- Place bowls in multiple rooms, especially near your cat’s favorite resting spots.
- The more often they see water, the more likely they are to sip.
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This “multiple station” trick helps increase daily water intake effortlessly.
4. Add a Little Flavor
If your cat ignores plain water, try making it more interesting:
- Add a splash of tuna water (from tuna canned in water, not oil)
- Or mix in a bit of low-sodium chicken broth
Note: Keep added sodium minimum because too much salt isn’t safe for cats.
5. Add Wet Food to the Menu
Wet food can do wonders for hydration.
- It contains around 75% water, making it an easy hydration boost.
- Mix wet and dry food for balance.
Keep in mind that it’s a supplement, not a substitute. Fresh water should always be available.
Why Isn't My Cat Drinking Water?
Have you ever noticed your cat avoiding the water bowl next to their food? It might seem like picky behavior, but it’s actually instinctual.
- It goes back to their wild ancestors:
In nature, cats avoid drinking near food or waste to keep their water clean. Modern cats still prefer separate spaces for eating, drinking, and litter boxes.
- The bowl itself matters:
Many cats prefer:
- Wide, shallow bowls (so their whiskers don’t touch the sides)
- Ceramic or stainless steel (plastic can give water a bad taste, especially in heat)
-
Running water, like from a faucet or pet fountain
- Watch for behavior changes:
If your cat suddenly drinks less or avoids water entirely, it could signal an underlying health issue such as dental pain or kidney trouble. Always check with your vet if you notice a sudden shift.
How Much Water Does My Cat Need?
As a general guideline:
- Cats need about 4 ounces (½ cup) of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily.
- Cats on dry food drink more (about 1 oz per ½ oz of kibble).
Tip: Measure how much water you pour in the morning and check the level at night; it’s a simple way to track hydration. Remember that some water also comes from wet food or sneaky sips from other bowls around the house.
Final Thoughts
We hope these tips help you keep your feline happy and hydrated all season long. Every cat is a little different, so what works for one might not work for another, which is why it's so important to be patient and see what your cat responds to best.
