Summer Tips: Encourage Cats to Drink More Water!

How Can We Get Our Feline Companion to Love Drinking Water?

1. Cats Prefer Running Water

Cats are naturally drawn to the sound and movement of running water. Whenever you turn on the tap at home, you'll likely see your feline friend rushing over to investigate. However, leaving the tap running constantly is not only wasteful but also impractical. To address this, consider investing in a circulating water fountain. These devices provide a continuous flow of water without the waste, and they often come with a filter to ensure the water is clean. This can encourage your cat to drink more than usual.

2. Offer a Large Bowl of Water

In addition to flowing water, cats often enjoy splashing around in a big bowl. If you notice your cat is attracted to this, set out a large bowl of water for them. It can be a fun way for them to cool off or simply enjoy the sensation of water, and it can encourage them to drink more.

3. Let Your Cat Drink from Cups

Cats sometimes show a preference for drinking water from human cups. Even if they can't fit their entire head inside, they'll often try to reach in. If this is the case with your cat, consider using a cup for their water. If necessary, you can even purchase a special cup designed for cats.

4. Introduce Wet Food

For cats that are particularly averse to drinking water, you can add water to their favorite canned food. This way, they can consume water along with their meals.

5. Place Water Bowls in Multiple Locations

Disperse water bowls throughout your home so that your cat can find water no matter where they go. This might entice them to drink more frequently, depending on their mood.

6. Chicken and Fish Broths

Many cats enjoy chicken and fish, and as a result, they may also like the broths from these ingredients. Offering these broths can be a tasty way to increase their water intake.

7. Use a Syringe as a Last Resort

If the above methods don't work, you may need to use a syringe to administer water. Cats generally require between 4060ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 4kg cat, this would be 160240ml of water daily.

8. Avoid Mineral Water and Purified Water; Opt for Cool Boiled Water

Tap water can cause diarrhea and parasites, while purified and mineral water can lead to kidney stones in cats. It's best to provide your cat with cool boiled water.

Tip: Click Why Cats Don't Like to Drink Water to learn more about the reasons behind your cat's aversion to water.