Your cats should be drinking water every day! But if your cats are like mine - they'd rather be at their food bowls than drinking the water they need to stay hydrated and healthy.
Originally, cats were desert-dwelling animals. They adapted to dry, desert conditions by staying hydrated from the moisture in their prey.
Today, indoor cats still have some of their desert animal instincts. But they aren't getting water through eating wild prey. So, we as cat parents need to help!
First, let’s talk about how much water your cats should be drinking and why it's important. Then, learn tips to help your cats drink more water.
How much water should cats drink?
What does “enough” water look like? Dr. Jennifer Coates, in an article for PetMD, recommends that a 10-pound cat on a dry food diet get about 1 cup of water per day. The same cat on a wet food diet needs about 1/3 cup of water per day.
These are my favorite cat water bowls to encourage hydration.
Why Hydration Matters...
As with humans, it's important to keep cats hydrated! In an article about hydration, Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine explains that hydration is essential for temperature regulation, normal electrolyte concentrations, digestion, lubrication of joints, and delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the organs of the body.
Also, increasing water intake may help cats who are experiencing health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and fever.
On the flip side, dehydration can cause numerous health problems, including decreased circulation leading to multi-organ dysfunction, an inability to control body temperature, cardiac arrhythmias, neurologic dysfunction, kidney issues, and more.
12 Ways to Help Your Cats Drink More Water
Now you know why water is important for cats. But what’s that old saying? You can lead a cat to water, but you can’t make them drink!
We're here to help! We've compiled a complete list of ideas to help hydrate your kitties. If you follow even three or four of these suggestions, you will see the positive impact of your cats beginning to drink more water!
1. Offer Multiple Cat Water Bowls
Make it easy for your cats to remember to drink. Place water bowls in multiple rooms. And if you live in a multi-level house, place at least 1 bowl on each level.
No judgment if walking downstairs to get water sounds like a big task for your cats. We get it!
2. Change Water Daily
In the wild, cats drink from fresh, running water sources. Cats prefer fresh water, not water that has been sitting around for days.
So, give your cats fresh water daily. Don't just top it off either! Dump, rinse, and refill.
Also, if you see a bug, food, litter particle, or anything else floating in your cats' water bowl throughout the day, dump, rinse, and refill.
Your cats will thank you!
3. Clean Cat Water Bowls Often
How often should you wash your cats’ water bowl?
Wash your cats' water bowl at least weekly in the dishwasher or by hand with soap and hot water. We recommend these dishwasher safe cat bowls.
4. Serve Wet Food
Remember that your cats' ancestors got moisture from their prey? Your cats can get moisture from their food, too!
Dr. Debra Zoran, a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences shares that "feeding cats a complete and balanced canned food will be the easiest way to assure your kitty meets their daily water needs." She adds that "cats that eat only dry foods consume less water overall and are more prone to dehydration."
According to the Pet Food Institute, dry pet food typically has a 10-12% moisture content and wet pet food has a 75-78% moisture content.
If your cats have never eaten wet food, try slowly introducing it, and observe whether they like it. Your cats may prefer certain flavors (chicken/ beef/ seafood), textures (pate/ stew/ gravy), and brands over others. So, try a variety to learn what they like best.
5. Add Water to Food
Your cats prefer dry kibble…now what?
Mix wet and dry food together. Or, try adding a small amount of water to dry food to see if your cats like soft, moist kibble.
Maybe your cats are already on wet food, but need to increase their water intake? In this case, create a cat food slurry by adding a little water to wet food.
Continue to provide your cats with water bowls even if you're adding water to their food.
IMPORTANT: If your cats refuse to eat food mixed with water, stop and do not force it. You don't want your cats to begin to dislike their favorite food.
6. Try a Different Cat Bowl
The material and shape of your cats' water bowl matters. Stainless steel is the safest material for cat bowls, because of its antibacterial qualities. Unlike plastic bowls, stainless steel bowls don't hold smells and tastes from leftover food - a real turnoff for cats. And stainless steel bowls keeps water cooler longer than ceramic bowls.
Also, choose a whisker friendly cat bowl. Cats prefer wide and shallow bowls that allow their whiskers to remain above the bowl while they eat and drink. (Most dog bowls are too deep and steep for cats' sensitive whiskers.)
These are my favorite stainless steel cat bowls, since they are made in the USA and whisker friendly. In the product reviews, numerous customers comment about how their cats started drinking more water after switching to these bowls!
7. Experiment with Different Water
Your cats may be picky about the taste of their water. If tap water isn’t preferred, try filtered or bottled water.
8. Let the Water Run
Your cats may want to be on the “hunt” for their water. Try running a slow drip from an accessible faucet in your home.
Or, see if your cats like a water fountain. Some cats love them, other cats (like my Bella and Lewie) aren't interested.
9. Change Location
Location, location, location! Where should you put your cats' water bowls?
Maybe you have multiple water bowls throughout the house, but they are not in cat-friendly locations.
Cats like to drink in quiet settings, away from their food or litter box.
Read this article for more information on where to put cat food and water bowls.
10. Chill It
Do you prefer your water ice cold or at room temperature? Cats are like people with different preferences.
Drop a few ice cubes in your cats' water bowl to see if they like it icy cold! They may also be intrigued and try licking the ice.
Also, use a stainless steel cat bowl to keep water chilled longer.
11. Add Flavor
Have you ever added cucumbers or lemons to your water because you were tired of plain old water?
Tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth may be a refreshing treat for your cats - either alone or mixed with food. Be careful though, because salt and certain ingredients (garlic and onions, for example) can be harmful to cats. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian first.
12. Elevate Your Cats' Water Bowl
Some cats find drinking from a raised bowl more comfortable. This cat bowl stand raises water 3 inches above the ground.
Drinking from an elevated bowl is especially comfortable for cats that are older, larger, or have medical conditions - but any cat can benefit.
Making the Transition
Every cat is special! A tip that works for one cat may not work for another, so be patient.
Most importantly, offer options!
Cats aren't fans of sudden changes. So, offer the change as an alternative and not as a replacement.
For example, if you want to try a new bowl or new location, leave the current water bowl as is, and offer the new option as well. Show your cats the alternative and observe what your cat prefers over the next day or two.
Once I put Bella's and Lewie's favorite cat water bowls on each floor of my house and separate from their food bowls, they both drank more water. Goal achieved!
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