10 Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water

Cat drinking water from a fountain to stay hydrated

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so many do not drink enough water on their own. Cornell Feline Health Center notes a cat needs about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily, roughly 1 cup for a 10-pound cat. Running fountains, wet food, multiple water stations, and shallow, wide bowls all encourage more drinking. Combining a few of these methods is the most reliable way to keep a cat well hydrated.

Why does hydration matter for cats?

Water is not just a thirst quencher for cats. It lubricates joints, supports digestion, helps regulate body temperature, and keeps blood circulating properly. Almost every bodily function in a cat, as in a person, relies on adequate water.

Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors that got most of their moisture from prey, which left them with a naturally low thirst drive. That trait can work against them today, since it means many cats will not seek out water on their own even when they need it.

Cat sniffing a water bowl while considering whether to drink

Without enough water, waste products build up in a cat's system instead of being flushed out, which can lead to kidney disease, bladder stones, and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Keeping a cat hydrated supports a shinier coat, steady energy, a healthy appetite, and overall comfort.

How much water does a cat need each day?

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats need to consume about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of lean body weight per day, meaning an average 10-pound cat should drink roughly one cup daily. That figure includes water from both the bowl and food.

Water makes up an estimated 60 to 70 percent of a cat's total body weight, according to Purina, which is part of why even mild, ongoing dehydration can affect so many body systems at once.

Diet plays a large role in how much a cat needs to drink directly. The Cornell Feline Health Center also notes that wet food can contain up to 80% water, while dry kibble typically contains only 6 to 10% moisture, so cats on an all-dry diet usually need to drink noticeably more from the bowl to make up the difference.

What are the best ways to encourage a cat to drink more water?

Here are ten practical ways to help a cat drink more water:

Offer fresh, clean water daily. Refill the water bowl at least once a day and wash it regularly to prevent bacteria buildup that can put cats off drinking.
Try a cat drinking fountain. Cats are naturally drawn to moving water. A fountain such as the Cordless Rechargeable Pet Water Fountain with Motion Sensor starts running as a cat approaches, which makes drinking more enticing without wasting power. For households that also want built-in filtration, the Petoneer Fresco Mini Plus Intelligent Pet Water Fountain uses a four-stage filter to keep water tasting fresh.
Try flavored ice cubes. Ice cubes made from plain, low-sodium broth can turn hydration into a game, providing extra water as they melt.
Mix water into dry food. Stirring a small amount of water into kibble boosts water intake and can make the food more appealing.
Add canned or wet food. Wet food's higher moisture content makes it one of the most effective ways to increase a cat's daily water intake.
Set up multiple water stations. Placing bowls in several rooms means a cat encounters water more often during the day.
Choose shallow, wide bowls. Cats often dislike their whiskers brushing the sides of a narrow bowl. A wide, shallow design like the MS Two-Way Slanted Ceramic Pet Bowls also keeps their neck in a more natural position while drinking.
Encourage water play. Some cats enjoy pawing at a faucet stream, and turning playtime into hydration time works well for playful cats.
Adjust water temperature. Some cats prefer their water slightly cool. Experimenting with temperature can reveal a cat's preference.
Schedule regular vet check-ups. Routine visits help catch hydration-related issues, such as kidney disease, before they become serious.

Cat drinking from a wide, shallow ceramic bowl

Putting a few of these strategies to work together, rather than relying on just one, is usually what makes the biggest difference in a cat's daily water intake.

Is a consistent hydration routine worth the effort?

Yes. A cat that drinks enough water is better protected against kidney disease, bladder stones, and FLUTD, and tends to have a shinier coat, steadier energy, and a healthier appetite. Small, consistent habits, like a clean bowl, a second water station, or a running fountain, add up to meaningfully better hydration over time.

FAQ

How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Common signs of dehydration in cats include lethargy, poor appetite, dry or tacky gums, and sunken eyes. A quick at-home check is the skin-tent test: gently lift the skin between the shoulder blades, and it should snap back immediately. If it stays tented, or several signs appear together, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Can chronic dehydration lead to kidney disease in cats?
Chronic dehydration does not directly cause kidney disease, but it worsens the condition in cats that already have it, by concentrating the waste products the kidneys must filter. Cornell Feline Health Center lists chronic kidney disease among the top causes of increased water loss, making steady hydration especially important for aging cats.

Does filtered water encourage cats to drink more?
Many cats prefer filtered, circulating water because it tastes fresher and carries less odor than standing tap water. Fountains with multi-stage filters, including activated carbon and ion-exchange resin, also reduce mineral buildup that affects taste, which is part of why running fountains often out-perform still bowls at encouraging thirsty cats.

Is it safe to give a cat flavored ice cubes made from broth?
Plain, low-sodium broth ice cubes are generally safe as an occasional treat, but always check the label first, since many broths contain onion or garlic, which are toxic to cats. Choosing a broth made specifically for pets, or making a simple one from just meat and water, avoids hidden seasonings.

Do senior cats need more water than younger cats?
Senior cats often need extra hydration support because age-related conditions like kidney disease and diabetes increase water loss, while arthritis or dental pain can make some cats reluctant to walk to a bowl. Placing multiple, easily accessible water sources near where an older cat rests can help offset this risk.

How common is feline urinary tract disease linked to low water intake?
Feline lower urinary tract disease affects an estimated 1 to 3% of cats seen at veterinary clinics annually, according to peer-reviewed prevalence studies, with dehydration and low water intake identified as contributing risk factors. Cats fed mainly dry food are generally considered more susceptible than those on a wet or hydration-supported diet.

Key takeaways

Cats have a naturally low thirst drive, so proactive encouragement is often necessary.
Cornell Feline Health Center estimates cats need about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily.
Wet food can contain up to 80% water, while dry food contains only 6 to 10%.
Running fountains, multiple water stations, and shallow, wide bowls all help cats drink more.
Consistent hydration habits support urinary and kidney health, especially in senior cats.