Reasons Why Cats Don't Drink Enough Water Explained

The health of a cat's urine is directly related to their water intake, which is why urinary system issues are rare in wellhydrated felines. Similarly, digestive health can also benefit from an increased water consumption.

But why do cats often seem to dislike drinking water?

Cats, as desertdwelling creatures, would have found water sources, which were also gathering spots for various prey animals, so they rarely ventured to such large water sources. Over time, they developed a habit of obtaining moisture from their food.

Why, then, do cats in a safe home still shun drinking water?

Factors such as the placement of the water bowl and the quality of the water can influence their drinking habits.

For instance, placing the water bowl in an undesirable location or leaving water in it for too long, allowing dust and fur to accumulate, can deter cats from drinking.

Also, offering cats tap water, which often has a strong chlorine odor, can be a turnoff for them.

So, how can you encourage your cat to drink more water?

1. Feeding Canned Food: Canned food is high in moisture, so in addition to dry kibble, offering your cat some canned food can be a simple way to increase their water intake. To enhance hydration further, you can add water or broth to the canned food.

2. Adding Ice Cubes: Some cats enjoy cold water as much as humans do. Licking at ice cubes can be a delightful treat for them, and as the ice melts, it adds moisture to their food, increasing their chances of drinking.

3. Feeding More Often: A "fewer meals, more often" approach can stimulate thirst. Many veterinarians suggest that cats on this feeding schedule tend to drink more water, as the process of chewing and digesting food can make them feel thirsty.

4. Providing Multiple Water Bowls: Having several water bowls around the home can make it easier for cats to access water. Some cats may prefer the water from their owner's cup, so strategically placing your own cup in various corners can encourage them to drink more.

Additionally, it's best to serve cats cool, boiled water, and if possible, purified water.

5. Being Mindful of Water Bowl Placement: Cats may not like the location of their water bowls. Be attentive to whether the bowl is near a garbage can or a bathroom, which can be offputting.

6. Regular Cleaning and Refilling: Many cats are fastidious, so if you notice your cat isn't drinking, check if the water bowl has any stains. Cats generally prefer fresh water, so it's important to regularly change the water to avoid serving them stale, overnight water.

7. Adding Flavoring: You can try adding a bit of tuna juice or chicken broth to your cat's water to entice them to drink more. Once they get into the habit of drinking more water, you can gradually reduce the amount of flavoring.

8. Using an Automatic Water Fountain: Recent years have seen the introduction of cat fountains, which many cat owners have found to be a gamechanger. Cats are naturally curious about moving water, and these fountains help keep the water fresh, even if you forget to change it daily.

While urinary system issues are common in cats, establishing a habit of increased water intake can significantly reduce the incidence of these problems compared to cats that drink less.