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. Not drinking enough water can cause urinary blockages, constipation, and lower urinary tract disease.
To prevent such discomfort, cat owners try ways to make their pets drink sufficient water throughout the day. However, teaching them becomes a challenging task as cats will completely ignore a perfectly good bowl of water that's easy to get to.
If you also have a feline friend and want to protect them from dehydration this summer, we have 5 simple, effective tips for you.
Why Isn't My Cat Drinking Water?
Have you ever noticed your cat avoids the water bowl you placed right next to their food? It might look like they're just being fussy, but it’s actually all about their instincts.
This behavior goes back to their wild ancestors, who knew to keep their water source far away from their food and waste to prevent it from getting dirty. Cats today still prefer to have their eating, drinking, and litter box areas in completely separate spots.
The type of bowl can also make a big difference…
Cats often like wide, shallow bowls made of ceramic, since plastic can sometimes give the water an unpleasant taste in the heat. Many cats are also fascinated by moving water, whether it's from a dripping tap or a pet water fountain, which makes fountains a great tool to get them to drink.
Finally, keep in mind that a sudden shift in your cat's behavior, especially around their food or water, can sometimes be a sign of a medical issue. If you're ever worried about a change in their habits, a quick call to your vet is the best way to make sure everything is okay.
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 solution is as simple as the bowl itself. If you notice your cat consistently avoids its water, it might not like the bowl's size, material, or even the temperature of the water.
Many cats prefer ceramic or stainless steel bowls over plastic ones, which can sometimes give the water a strange taste. You can also find a wide variety of bowls in different shapes and sizes to see what your cat likes best. For cats who love to tip their bowls over, a wider, heavier bowl with a non-slip rubber bottom can solve the problem instantly.
On these hot days, try making the water more inviting by dropping in a couple of ice cubes. And if your cat is one of those that loves drinking from a running faucet, letting it drip for a few minutes can be a fun treat that also encourages them to drink.
#2 Change Their Water Every Day
Now that you've sorted out the bowl itself, let's talk about what's inside it.
You probably wouldn't want to drink a glass of water that’s been sitting on the floor for a few days, collecting dust. Your cat feels the same way. A simple habit of giving them a fresh, clean bowl of water every day can make all the difference and show them their drink is appealing and safe.
#3 Place Water Bowls in Different Spots
Another great strategy is to put a few bowls of fresh water in different spots around your home, not just in the kitchen. The idea is simple: the more often your cat comes across a water bowl, the more likely they are to take a quick drink.
Often, a cat will walk past a bowl and take a sip out of pure convenience or curiosity, even if they weren't feeling particularly thirsty. It's an effortless way to boost their water intake throughout the day without them even thinking about it.
#4 Add a Little Flavor
If plain water just isn't doing the trick, try making it more appealing by adding a little flavor. A small splash of water from a can of tuna, as long as it contains water, not oil, can be irresistible to a cat. A bit of low-sodium chicken broth works well, too.
The most important thing is to make sure whatever you add is very low in salt, as too much can be unhealthy for your cat.
#5 Add Wet Food to the Menu
If you've tried different bowls, added flavor, and placed water all around the house but are still worried your cat isn't getting enough, another powerful trick is to use their food to help them hydrate
You can boost your cat's hydration right at mealtime. Wet food has a very high water content, often around 75%, which makes it an easy and effective way to get more liquid into their system, especially for cats who just don't drink much from their bowl.
Just remember, this is a great supplement, but it's not a substitute. Your cat will still need access to a bowl of fresh, clean water at all times.
How Much Water Does My Cat Need?
As a general guideline, most veterinarians suggest that a healthy cat needs about 4 ounces (or half a cup) of water for every 5 pounds of body weight each day. Another expert guideline suggests that cats who eat dry food will naturally drink about an ounce of water for every half-ounce of kibble they consume.
Of course, this is just a general starting point, as the exact amount can change based on your cat's diet and health. If you're curious about their intake, you can try measuring the water in their bowl in the morning and again at night. Just remember that the bowl won't tell the whole story, since cats are also getting hydration from their wet food, a dripping faucet, or even another pet's water dish.
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.
Do you have a special trick that gets your cat to drink more water? We'd love to hear it! We read every DM and are always looking for great ideas from the community to share in future posts. @hilde.phil
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