How To Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

We all know the importance of water in humans and of course in our dogs and cats. While dogs typically gulp down their water with enthusiasm, cats often exhibit a more finicky approach to hydration.  It is very important to make sure that your cat drinks enough water is crucial for their overall health, particularly for maintaining proper kidney function.

Below are several different ways strategies to encourage your cat to drink more water:

Make Sure Your Cat Eats Wet Food

Wet food is a favorite among most cats and serves as an easy method to boost their water intake. If your cat is particularly picky and avoids wet food, consider adding water or broth to their dry food. For cats that exclusively consume dry food, it's even more critical to encourage regular water drinking to prevent dehydration.

Place Water Bowls Throughout Your Home

To make water easily accessible, place multiple water stations around your house. Strategically positioning a few drinking glasses in various locations might entice your cat to drink more frequently.

Experiment with Different Types and Sizes of Water Bowls

Cats can be extremely particular about their drinking vessels. Experiment with bowls of different materials such as glass, metal, and ceramic, as well as varying depths. Some cats avoid dishes where their whiskers touch the sides, so finding the right bowl can make a significant difference.

Add some Different Flavors to Your Water

Adding a small amount of tuna juice (from tuna in water, not oil) or chicken broth (unsalted) to their water can make it more appealing. You might just have to do this once as your kitties will go back to the water without the additions thinking that the tuna juice is in there.

Add Ice Cubes to Your Cat’s Water or Food

Ice cubes can serve as both a moisture source and a fun treat. They absorb the flavor of the food, encouraging your cat to lick the cubes and thus increase their water intake. Adding ice cubes to your cat's water bowl can also make the water more appealing, as some cats enjoy icy cold water, just like humans. You might even leave a plastic glass with ice next to your cat's food bowl to see if it piques their interest.

Refill Water Bowls Regularly

Cats prefer fresh water, so be sure to change the water in their bowls at least once a day. Regularly wash the bowls with soap and water to keep them clean and free from bacteria.

Utilize Running Water from the Faucet

If your cat is drawn to running water, take advantage of this to boost their hydration. Try running the faucet for a few minutes several times a day. Incorporate this into your morning and evening routines when feeding your cat. This can be an effective, albeit water-intensive, method to encourage drinking.

Introduce a Fun Interactive Water Fountain

Many cats are fascinated by drinking from fountains. Although it might take some time for your cat to get used to it, once they do, they’ll likely love it. Water fountains are a fantastic option as the moving water remains fresh and interesting to the cat. Additionally, fountains can be particularly helpful if you forget to change your cat’s bowl every day.

 Pay Attention to Your Cat’s Preferences

Observe where and how your cat likes to drink water, and tailor your approach accordingly. Building on their preferences will ensure they are getting enough water to stay healthy and hydrated. You might even want to try a combination of these methods to encourage your cats to drink more water.