Do Cats Drink Water?

Water is one of the foundations of life, and very few living things can survive for long without it, including cats. This can make it concerning if it looks like your cat isn’t drinking, but it’s important to remember that cats do drink water and should always have access to fresh, clean water at all times. 

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the drinking habits of cats, including how much water they should be drinking and signs your cat isn’t drinking enough. 

Why Don't Cat's Drink A Lot?

Chances are, your cat is drinking, but it's just not enough that you’d notice when you change their water, as they don’t tend to drink much. 

This comes partly from their diet. If your cat is fed a wet diet, they may be getting most of the moisture they need from there. This is why many owners choose a wet cat food diet over kibble. 

If you don’t see your cat drinking, don’t worry! If they’re an outdoor cat, chances are they’re drinking from a different water source while outside, or your cat may take a quick sip whenever you’re not looking. Cats can be sneaky like that. 

Cats are natural hunters and, over time, have learned not to drink from water sources that might be contaminated by waste or bacteria. This is why many cats drink from cat water fountains or taps, as running water is less likely to be contaminated. 

How Much Water Should Cat's Drink?

How much water your cat needs to survive depends on several factors, including size and diet.

A 4kg cat should drink around 200ml of water daily, equating to around 50ml per KG of body weight. 

Wet cat food has a much higher water content than dry kibble, so your cat may be getting the majority of water from their meals and only need the odd sip from a bowl now and again.

However, those on a purely dry diet will likely drink more to avoid becoming dehydrated. 

Dehydration in Cats

Cats can suffer dehydration just like we do if they aren’t getting the needed water. This can show itself through symptoms like:

• Poor appetite

• Lethargy and weakness

• Increased skin elasticity

• Dry mouth

• Eyes sunken in sockets (in extreme cases)

Underlying conditions with your cat can also cause dehydration, even if they have plenty of fresh water available, such as a dental disease which makes consuming water uncomfortable or painful, or anxiety, as cats don’t like to eat or drink if they’re stressed or afraid.

Dehydration in cats is a serious problem that can lead to several larger health concerns, including urinary tract problems. If you are at all worried about your cat’s water intake, consult your vet as soon as possible.

How to Get Cats to Drink More

If your cat is healthy but not drinking as much as you think they should, there are a few things you can try to up their water intake, such as: 

• Switching to a wet food diet

• Moving their water dish or fountain away from their food and toilet space. Cats inherently dislike drinking water too close to either of these because of potential contamination.

• Using a water fountain for cats or allowing your cat to drink from a running water source.

• Introducing hydration supplements like the Purina Pro Plan Hydra Care Supplement for Cats can increase their water intake by up to 28%.

• You should clean your cat’s water bowl daily and use a wide-brimmed bowl, as cats don’t like getting their whiskers wet. 

If you notice your cat is drinking from unusual water sources, such as water fountains or ponds in your garden, don't panic. Cats like routine, so if they choose their water source, they’ll stick with it.

So long as they aren’t showing any signs of illness, they should be okay. 

Cat Drinking More Than Usual?

When it comes to cats and drinking, you should be more concerned if your cat suddenly ups their water intake for no apparent reason. A cat drinking more water can indicate a disease or other condition that is causing them to become dehydrated much quicker, including: 

• Diabetes

• Liver failure

• Kidney infections

• Renal failure

• And more.

If you notice a sudden increase in your cat’s drinking habits, consult your vet as soon as possible. 

While it can be concerning to think your cat isn’t getting all the nutrients and water they need to stay healthy, it’s important to remember that cats are peculiar animals that seem to run by their own rules. It’s one of the reasons we love them so much as companions! So long as your cat is eating a steady diet and appears happy and healthy, not seeing them drinking shouldn’t be too much of a concern. 

Are you worried about your cat's drinking habits? Either consult with your vet or consider introducing cat supplements, such as hydration or urinary supplements, to improve water intake and support their urinary tract health.