How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

By Tarik Aziz · November 10, 2026

If you rarely see your cat at the water bowl, you’re not alone. Cats are notoriously poor drinkers, and that matters, because good hydration helps protect their bladder and kidneys. Here is why cats drink so little, how much is enough and the practical tricks that actually work.

Why cats don’t drink much

Domestic cats descend from desert-dwelling wildcats that got most of their water from prey. A mouse is about 70% water. As a result, cats have a weak thirst drive and are adapted to producing very concentrated urine. That works fine on a moisture-rich diet, but a cat eating only dry food (about 10% water) needs to drink a lot more to make up the difference, and many don’t.

How much water does a cat need?

A typical cat needs about 40–60 mL per kg of body weight per day from all sources. For a 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat that is roughly 180–270 mL, or about 6–9 fl oz, including the water in food. Our cat water intake calculator works out the exact amount and subtracts what your cat already gets from wet food.

10 ways to get your cat to drink more

1. Feed wet food. The single most effective change. Canned food is 75–80% water. Even one meal a day of wet food makes a big difference.
2. Add water to meals. Stir one to three tablespoons of warm water into wet food, or soak kibble for a few minutes. Increase gradually.
3. Try a water fountain. Many cats prefer moving water, and the sound attracts them. Clean the fountain and replace the filter regularly.
4. Use wide, shallow bowls. Some cats dislike their whiskers brushing the sides of a deep bowl.
5. Choose glass, ceramic or stainless steel. Plastic can hold odours that put cats off.
6. Move water away from food. In the wild, cats avoid water near their prey. Place bowls a few metres from the food bowl.
7. Keep water away from the litter box, too. Nobody likes to drink next to the toilet.
8. Put bowls in several places, including quiet spots and each floor of your home.
9. Refresh water at least daily. Cats can be put off by stale or dusty water; some prefer it slightly cool.
10. Offer flavoured water treats. A splash of water from tuna packed in spring water (not brine or oil) or a little unsalted, onion-free chicken broth can tempt reluctant drinkers. Use sparingly.

Signs of dehydration in cats

• Sticky or dry gums
• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy or reduced appetite
• Skin that stays "tented" when gently lifted between the shoulder blades
• Constipation or small, hard stools

Dehydration with vomiting, diarrhea or refusal to eat needs prompt veterinary care.

When drinking more is a problem

The opposite can also be a warning sign. If your cat suddenly starts drinking much more than usual (emptying bowls faster, drinking from taps, producing bigger litter clumps), book a vet visit. In middle-aged and older cats, increased thirst is commonly caused by chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism, all of which are much easier to manage when caught early.

Emergency: a cat (especially a male) that keeps visiting the litter box and strains but passes little or no urine may have a urinary blockage. This can be fatal within a day or two. See a vet immediately.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet, please call your vet.