Why Does My Cat Drink So Little Water? How to Encourage Better Hydration
Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your cat healthy.
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If you have a cat, you have probably noticed that they can be surprisingly uninterested in their water bowl.
Unlike dogs, who often seem happy to drink whenever they get the chance, some cats can go through much of the day without showing much interest in water. Naturally, this can make any cat owner wonder if their pet is drinking enough, especially when it comes to kidney and urinary health.
Water plays an important role in keeping a cat's body working properly. Good hydration can help keep urine less concentrated and is one of the simple things you can pay attention to as part of your cat's everyday care.
Why Do Cats Tend to Drink So Little Water?
Domestic cats descended from wild cats that lived in relatively dry environments. Over time, they developed an interesting way of meeting their hydration needs: they can get part of the water they need directly from their food.
In the wild, cats naturally eat prey that contains a significant amount of moisture. Because of this, many cats do not have the same instinct to drink large amounts of water from a bowl that we might expect from other animals.
The situation can be a little different for today's house cats.
Many cats eat mostly dry food, which contains very little moisture compared with wet food. When that happens, getting enough water from drinking becomes even more important.
Why Is Hydration Important for Cats?
Water is involved in many of the body's essential functions, including digestion, circulation, and the removal of waste through urine.
When a cat does not take in enough fluids, its urine can become more concentrated. Depending on the individual cat and other factors, this can be associated with urinary tract problems.
Cats can experience issues such as urinary crystals, bladder stones, and inflammation of the bladder, including cystitis. However, it is important to remember that these conditions do not have just one cause.
Diet, genetics, stress, body weight, age, and other factors can all play a role in a cat's urinary health.
Getting enough fluids supports your cat's normal body functions.
How Can You Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water?
Fortunately, there are several simple things you can try if your cat seems to have little interest in drinking.
Every cat is different, so you may have to experiment a little. What works for one cat may be completely ignored by another.
Offer More Than One Water Bowl
Instead of keeping a single water bowl in one corner of the house, try placing several bowls in different areas.
Some cats drink more simply because they come across water during their normal routine. Having water available in multiple locations can make it easier for your cat to drink throughout the day.
Choose the Right Location for the Water Bowl
Where you put the water can matter more than you might expect.
Try to keep water away from the litter box. Whenever possible, it can also be helpful to keep food and water separate, since some cats prefer not to drink right next to where they eat.
A quiet, comfortable location where your cat can approach the bowl without feeling disturbed is usually a good place to start.
Try Different Types of Water Bowls
Some cats simply dislike certain bowls.
Glass, ceramic, and stainless-steel bowls are all options worth trying. The shape and depth can also make a difference.
Some cats seem uncomfortable when their whiskers constantly touch the sides of a narrow bowl. If that sounds familiar, try a wider, shallower dish and see whether your cat prefers it.
Keep the Water Fresh and Clean
Fresh water matters.
Change your cat's water regularly and keep the bowl clean. Some cats may refuse water that has been sitting around for too long or has picked up an unusual smell.
If you would not want to drink from it yourself, your cat probably isn't going to be impressed either. 😹
Consider a Cat Water Fountain
Some cats are fascinated by running water. If yours is always trying to drink from the faucet, a pet water fountain might be worth trying.
The movement of the water can make it more interesting and may encourage some cats to drink more.
Some cats show more interest in moving or running water.
Can Wet Food Help Keep a Cat Hydrated?
Yes. Wet foods such as canned food, pouches, and cat pâté contain significantly more moisture than dry kibble.
Because of that, wet food can contribute to your cat's overall daily fluid intake. For cats that are not particularly interested in drinking from a bowl, adding an appropriate wet food to their diet can be one way to increase their water intake.
However, every cat has different nutritional needs. Age, weight, health conditions, and other factors should be considered when choosing a diet, so it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your cat.
Can Drinking Too Little Water Cause Urinary Problems?
Low water intake can contribute to more concentrated urine, which may be one factor associated with certain urinary problems.
However, it would be misleading to say that drinking too little water alone causes every case of urinary crystals or bladder stones.
Urinary problems in cats can have several different causes, which is why changes in your cat's urinary habits should be taken seriously and discussed with a veterinarian when necessary.
It is also important to distinguish urinary tract problems from kidney disease. Although both involve the body's system for handling and eliminating urine, they are not the same condition and require an appropriate diagnosis.
Watch for Signs of Urinary Problems
Changes in the way your cat urinates should never simply be ignored.
Some signs that deserve attention include:
- Repeated attempts to urinate;
- Passing only small amounts of urine;
- Showing signs of pain or vocalizing while urinating;
- Blood in the urine;
- Urinating outside the litter box;
- Excessive licking of the genital area;
- Going into the litter box repeatedly but being unable to urinate.
If your cat is trying to urinate but cannot, seek veterinary care immediately. A urinary blockage can become a medical emergency, particularly in male cats.
Keeping an eye on changes in your cat's habits can help you notice potential problems earlier.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
Not every cat is suddenly going to start drinking large amounts of water just because you put down a new bowl.
The important thing is to pay attention to your cat's normal habits and find ways to make drinking water more appealing.
Offering fresh water in different places, trying different bowls, using a water fountain, and including appropriate wet food in your cat's diet are all options worth considering.
Keeping your cat hydrated is just one part of supporting their overall health and well-being. And if you notice changes in the way your cat urinates, or any other unusual behavior, getting advice from a veterinarian is always the safest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat drink so little water?
Cats naturally developed ways of getting part of their water intake from food, so some cats may not have a strong instinct to drink large amounts from a bowl. Cats eating mostly dry food may need to rely more heavily on drinking water to meet their fluid needs.
How can I get my cat to drink more water?
Try offering multiple water bowls, keeping the water fresh, experimenting with different bowl shapes and materials, using a pet water fountain, and discussing appropriate wet food options with your veterinarian.
Do cats prefer running water?
Some cats do. A number of cats seem particularly interested in moving water, which is why a pet water fountain may encourage them to drink more. However, preferences vary from cat to cat.
Does wet food help cats stay hydrated?
Yes. Wet cat food contains considerably more moisture than dry kibble and can contribute to a cat's daily fluid intake.
Should I worry if my cat suddenly drinks much more water?
A noticeable change in drinking habits is worth paying attention to. If your cat suddenly starts drinking much more or much less than usual, discuss the change with your veterinarian, especially if other symptoms are present.
What should I do if my cat cannot urinate?
Seek veterinary care immediately. A cat that repeatedly tries to urinate but cannot produce urine may have a urinary blockage, which can become a serious emergency, particularly in male cats.