How to Get a Cat to Drink More Water: 12 Easy Tips

To get a cat to drink more water, keep water fresh and clean, use a wide shallow bowl, place several water stations away from food and the litter box, add moisture with wet food, and try a cat water fountain if your cat likes moving water. Make one change at a time and watch what your cat prefers.

Cats are naturally light drinkers. Their desert-dwelling ancestors got most of their moisture from prey, so many house cats simply do not feel thirsty often, especially on dry food. The good news is that small changes to the water setup can make a big difference.

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink a Day?

A common guideline is about 3.5–4.5 ounces (100–130 ml) of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day, roughly 50 ml per kg. That total includes moisture from food, so cats on wet food often drink very little from a bowl and that can be completely normal.

Cat weight	Approx. total water per day
5 lb (2.3 kg)	3.5–4.5 oz (about 115 ml)
10 lb (4.5 kg)	7–9 oz (about 230 ml)
15 lb (6.8 kg)	10.5–13.5 oz (about 340 ml)

Treat these numbers as a rough guide. Diet, activity, temperature and health all change how much a cat needs, so pay most attention to what is normal for your cat.

12 Easy Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

1. Refresh the water every day

Empty, rinse and refill the bowl at least once a day instead of topping it up. Many cats ignore water that is stale, dusty or warm.

2. Wash the bowl often

Cats are sensitive to smells and the slimy film that builds up on bowls. Wash bowls every day or two with mild soap and rinse well.

3. Use a wide, shallow bowl

Many cats dislike their whiskers brushing the sides of a deep, narrow bowl. A wide, shallow dish lets them drink comfortably and see around them.

4. Try a different bowl material

Stainless steel, ceramic or glass bowls are easy to clean and hold fewer odors than some plastics. Some cats also develop chin acne with scratched plastic bowls.

5. Fill the bowl to the brim

Some cats prefer to drink without lowering their head deep into a bowl. Keeping it full can encourage more drinking.

6. Move water away from food

In the wild, cats avoid water near their food, which could be contaminated. Try placing water a few metres away from the food bowl.

7. Keep water far from the litter box

No cat wants to drink next to the toilet. Place water in a clean, separate area.

8. Add more water stations

Put bowls in several quiet rooms your cat already uses, such as near a favourite sleeping spot or window. This is especially helpful in larger homes and multi-cat households, where one cat may guard a bowl.

9. Feed more wet food

Wet food is about 70–80% water, while dry kibble is only around 10%. Adding wet meals is one of the most effective ways to raise your cat's total water intake. You can also add a spoonful of water to wet food. Change diets gradually and check with your vet if your cat has a medical condition.

10. Try moving water

Many cats are drawn to running water, which is why some drink from taps. A cat water fountain keeps water moving, cooler and fresher. Not every cat will use one, so see our guide on whether cat water fountains work before buying.

11. Make water more tempting

A few ice cubes, or a teaspoon of water from plain tuna packed in spring water (no salt or oil), can spark interest. Offer flavoured water in a separate bowl so plain water is always available. Never use broth that contains onion or garlic, which are toxic to cats.

12. Make sure water is available when you're away

Before you leave for work or travel, check that every station is full. A larger-capacity bowl or fountain helps if your cat is alone for long periods.

Signs Your Cat May Be Dehydrated

• Dry or sticky gums
• Lethargy or hiding more than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken eyes
• Less urine in the litter box, or constipation
• Skin that is slow to return when gently lifted at the shoulders

Dehydration in cats can become serious quickly. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian.

Should You Ever Force a Cat to Drink?

No. Do not squirt water into your cat's mouth unless your veterinarian has shown you how and asked you to. Forcing water can cause choking and stress. If your cat will not drink, the safest step is a vet visit, where fluids can be given properly if needed.

When to Call a Veterinarian

Contact your vet if your cat suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, stops eating, vomits repeatedly, urinates more or less, strains in the litter box, or seems unusually tired. A cat that suddenly drinks a lot can have conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism; learn more in why is my cat drinking so much water. Male cats straining to urinate need emergency care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my cat to drink more water?

Keep water fresh, use a wide shallow bowl, place water away from food and the litter box, add extra water stations, feed more wet food and try a water fountain if your cat likes moving water.

Why won't my cat drink water from a bowl?

Common reasons include a dirty or stale bowl, a bowl that is too narrow, water placed too close to food or the litter box, or simply a preference for running water. Cats on wet food also drink less from bowls.

Do cats drink more from a fountain?

Many cats do because they prefer moving water, but not all. A fountain is worth testing alongside a regular bowl.

Is it normal for a cat not to drink much water?

Yes, if the cat eats mostly wet food and is otherwise healthy. A sudden drop in drinking, or no drinking at all, should be checked by a vet.

Can I give my cat flavoured water?

Small amounts of water from plain, unsalted tuna or a cat-safe broth can help, as long as plain water is always available too. Avoid anything with onion, garlic or added salt.

How often should I clean my cat's water bowl?

Rinse and refill daily, and wash with mild soap every day or two. Clean fountains according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually weekly.

Bottom line: Most cats will drink more when water is fresh, easy to reach, away from food and litter, and offered in a bowl or fountain they like. Add wet food for an easy boost, and talk to your vet about any sudden change in drinking habits.

More cat guides from the Furralo Journal: why cats knead, why cats slow blink and orange cat names.

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How Much Water Does a Cat Need?

Water needs vary with body size, diet, temperature, activity, and health. Cats eating wet food may get a significant amount of moisture from their food, while cats eating mostly dry food generally need to drink more from their water source.

Best Water Bowl Setup for Cats

• Keep water fresh and replace it regularly.
• Use several water stations if your cat has access to multiple rooms.
• Try a wide, shallow bowl if your cat dislikes having its whiskers touch the sides.
• Place water away from the litter box and, for some cats, away from food.
• Consider a cat water fountain if your cat prefers moving water.

Signs Your Cat May Be Dehydrated

Changes in drinking, appetite, energy, urination, or overall behavior can signal a problem. If your cat suddenly drinks much more or much less than usual, seems weak, vomits repeatedly, or you are concerned about dehydration, contact a veterinarian.

Cat Hydration FAQs

Why won't my cat drink water?

Cats can be selective about water freshness, bowl shape, location, and taste. Wet food can also change how much they drink from a bowl.

Do cats prefer a water fountain?

Some cats enjoy moving water, while others prefer a quiet bowl. A fountain is worth trying if your cat ignores a regular bowl.

Can wet food help a cat stay hydrated?

Yes. Wet food contains substantially more moisture than dry food and can contribute to a cat's daily water intake. Ask your veterinarian about diet changes if your cat has a medical condition.