As desert animals, cats don’t seem to need to drink much. But, cats are prone to kidney dysfunction and urinary issues, and proper hydration can go a long way toward alleviating urinary tract problems. If your feline friend fails to drink as much as necessary, you should try to boost their water intake. Here are seven easy ways to help your cat drink the water they need to stay hydrated.

#1: Refresh water regularly

All animals instinctively migrate toward fresh water and avoid stagnant pools, if possible. That instinct is still alive and well in your domestic cat, and they will likely refuse to drink stale water that has been sitting in their bowl too long. 

Rather than add fresh water to the bowl, refresh their water completely. First, clean the bowl to remove the bacterial biofilm that develops, and rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of cleaning products and ensure the bowl has no odor or taste left behind. Then, fill the clean bowl with fresh water and monitor for debris or contamination.

#2: Swap out your cat’s water bowls

Cats can be finicky and can develop strong dislikes for certain objects. Try a variety of water bowls, such as ceramic, stainless steel, and glass, to determine your cat’s preference. Avoid plastic bowls, which tend to hold bacteria and odors. Opt for wide, shallow bowls that allow your cat to comfortably drink without having to stick their head in a deep bucket of water.

If you have the plastic side-by-side bowls, toss them! Cats do not like their food and water in the exact same space, unless they have no other choice. These small bowls can also lead to whisker fatigue, a condition in which the sensitive whiskers are overloaded with sensory input, overstimulating and stressing the cat, who may then drink less than they should.

#3: Purchase a pet drinking fountain

Many cats enjoy running water, likely because of that instinct pertaining to fresh water. Since leaving your faucet running all the time is not feasible, purchase a pet drinking fountain to provide your feline friend with a continuous flow of fresh water. 

#4: Add flavor to your cat’s water

To keep yourself hydrated, you likely add lemon, lime, or orange zest to your boring old water, or you drink juice, tea, or another flavored beverage instead. Use the same tactic to encourage your cat to drink. Flavor their water and add meaty appeal with a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or tuna juice added to their water dish. However, when you add flavoring to your cat’s water dish, remember to change out the water and clean the bowl more frequently to prevent bacterial growth and always also offer a fresh water option.

#5: Place various water vessels around your home

Have you ever spotted your cat drinking water from your tumbler, or sneaking a sip from your glass of wine? Experiment with different vessels to see if your cat will drink from new, unusual items. For example, they may enjoy lapping at the condensation on the side of your iced tea glass, or prefer your cereal bowl as their water dish.

Also, scatter plenty of drinking options around your home to ensure your cat always has easily accessible water. Provide feline-only drinking spots placed out of reach of your slobbery mastiff or your small children.

#6: Incorporate canned food into your cat’s diet

Canned food has a much higher moisture content than dry kibble, so incorporate wet food into your cat’s meals. Offer a serving morning and night along with their dry food, or switch to solely canned food. You can also moisten dry food with warm water to boost water intake.

#7: Schedule an exam with your veterinarian

If your cat seems interested in drinking, but mostly backs away from the water bowl instead of slaking their thirst, they may have an underlying health condition that makes drinking unpleasant. For example, cold water can cause oral pain if your cat has periodontal problems such as resorptive lesions, or a flare-up of a chronic respiratory illness, such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, can lead to decreased water intake because of breathing difficulties or oral ulcers. Nausea induced by a health concern such as kidney dysfunction also will make your cat less likely to drink.

A comprehensive physical exam and diagnostic testing, if needed, can identify medical conditions that may cause your cat’s thirst to plummet. In addition to treating any underlying health issues, our Heartland Veterinary Hospital veterinarian may recommend hydration support measures, such as subcutaneous fluid administration or a hydration supplement.

If your feline friend appears a bit parched—evidenced by dry, tacky gums or sunken eyes—schedule an appointment with our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team.