Cats are famously bad at drinking water. In the wild, they got most of their moisture from prey, so their thirst drive is weak. In an apartment eating dry food, that can quietly lead to health problems.
Getting your cat to drink more matters more than most owners realize. Good hydration supports the kidneys and urinary tract, two of the most common trouble spots in indoor cats.
Here’s how to get your cat to drink more water.
Key idea: Cats drink more when water is fresh, separated from food, and offered in ways that appeal to their instincts.
Quick summary (for busy people)
- Cats have a naturally low thirst drive
- Fresh, clean water in multiple spots helps a lot
- Many cats prefer running water from a fountain
- Wet food adds moisture without extra effort
Why hydration matters for indoor cats
Cats evolved to get water from their food. A mouse is about 70% water, so a wild cat barely needs to drink. Your apartment cat on dry kibble gets almost none that way.
Low water intake puts strain on the kidneys and urinary tract. Dehydration is linked to urinary crystals, bladder issues, and kidney trouble, especially as cats age. Encouraging water is real preventive care.
The good news is that small changes to how you offer water usually make a big difference.
How to get your cat drinking more
1) Keep water away from food and litter
- Why it works: Cats instinctively avoid water near food or their litter box, a holdover from staying away from contaminated sources.
- How to do it: Place water bowls in separate, quiet spots, not right next to the food dish or the litter tray.
- Common mistake: Setting the water bowl beside the food, which many cats simply won’t use much.
2) Try a pet water fountain
- Why it works: Many cats prefer moving water, which seems fresher and is easier for them to see.
- How to do it: Use a cat water fountain and keep it clean. Running water often draws cats that ignore a still bowl.
- Common mistake: Buying a fountain but rarely cleaning it, so it gets slimy and the cat avoids it.
3) Add moisture through food
- Why it works: Wet food and a splash of water in meals boost total water intake without relying on drinking.
- How to do it: Mix in some wet food, or add a little water or low-sodium broth to your cat’s meals.
- Common mistake: Feeding only dry food and assuming the cat will drink enough to make up for it.
Quick answers
What’s the best way to get a cat to drink more water?
Keep fresh water away from food and litter, offer a clean water fountain, and add moisture through wet food. Cats drink more when water feels fresh and appealing.
How much water does a cat need?
It varies by size and diet, but cats on dry food need to drink noticeably more than those on wet food. If you’re unsure, ask your vet what’s right for your cat.
What happens if a cat doesn’t drink enough?
Chronic low intake can contribute to urinary crystals, bladder problems, and kidney strain over time. Good hydration is one of the simplest ways to protect your cat’s health.
Practical checklist
- Place water away from food and litter
- Offer water in more than one spot
- Try a clean pet water fountain
- Refresh the water daily
- Add wet food or water to meals
Common mistakes
- Keeping the water bowl right next to the food.
- Letting a fountain get dirty so the cat avoids it.
- Feeding only dry food and hoping the cat drinks enough.
Pro tip
Use a wide, shallow bowl instead of a deep one. Many cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides, a discomfort called whisker fatigue, and will drink more from a bowl that lets their whiskers stay free.
Conclusion
Cats won’t drink just because water is there. Make it fresh, separate it from food and litter, try a fountain, and add moisture through food, and your cat’s intake will climb.
Start by moving the water bowl away from the food today. It’s the easiest change with the biggest payoff for your cat’s health.
Related posts
- How to Set Up a Comfortable Space for Your Cat in a Small Apartment
- What to Feed Your Cat at Every Life Stage
- How to Check Your Cat’s Health at Home Between Vet Visits
FAQ
Is tap water okay for cats?
In most areas, yes. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, letting it sit a while or using filtered water can make it more appealing to a picky cat.
How do I know if my cat is dehydrated?
Signs include lethargy, sunken eyes, and skin that stays tented when gently lifted. If you suspect dehydration, contact your vet, as it can signal a bigger issue.
Should I switch entirely to wet food?
Wet food helps with hydration, but the right balance depends on your cat. Talk to your vet about a diet that fits your cat’s age, weight, and health.
Jamie Cole is a content creator focused on practical pet care for apartment living. At NestPath, Jamie shares straightforward guides on cat and dog care, pet behavior, and making small spaces work for both owners and their animals. The goal is clear, judgment-free advice for everyday pet owners who just want to do right by their pets.