Want to prevent kidney problems in cats? Here's how to get your cat to drink water.
Most cats don't like to drink water. Some cats are even diagnosed with kidney disease or urinary tract infections before their owners realize the severity of the situation, leading them to try every method to encourage their cats to drink more.
The main problem is that cats don't like to drink water. Insufficient hydration weakens kidney function and leads to diseases like urinary stones.
There's a reason cats don't like to drink water. Cats originally came from the desert, where water sources were scarce. They primarily obtained moisture from the blood of their prey and didn't need to drink large amounts of water. However, domesticated cats mostly eat dry kibble, which contains less than 10% water. If they don't consume enough water, cats can experience chronic dehydration.
So, cat owners, do you know how much water your cat needs? And how can you encourage your feline overlord to drink more water?
Daily Water Intake for Cats
The amount of water a cat needs depends on its body weight. Generally, larger cats require more water.
For indoor cats, it is recommended to consume 40ml of water per kilogram of body weight. The average weight of male cats is about 4-5kg, and female cats is about 3-4kg. This means male cats need to consume about 200ml of water per day, while female cats need about 160ml of water per day.
The amount of water a cat needs also depends on its age and health condition. For example, cats with kidney disease need more water, increasing their intake to about 50-60ml per kilogram. Nursing kittens need even more water, consuming 70-80ml per kilogram of body weight.
[2026 Cat Hydration Guide] Does your cat not like to drink water? 7 methods to get your cat to drink water - video introduction
This time, we have compiled 7 methods to ensure your cat gets enough hydration. Owners in need are welcome to read the article in detail to bring more convenience to their furry friends' daily lives.
7 Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink Water
1. Switch to Wet Food ("Canned Food")
Feeding wet food is highly recommended and is an excellent way to ensure your cat consumes a good amount of water while eating. For example, most canned cat foods contain 70-80% water, meaning an 80g can of cat food contains approximately 64ml of water. In contrast, dry kibble, which contains about 10% water, would only provide 8ml of water for an 80g serving.
If possible, preparing fresh homemade meals is also a great option. Fresh foods have a high water content and don't contain preservatives. However, it's crucial to ensure a varied diet and supplement with appropriate nutrients to prevent nutritional imbalances.
Some cats are accustomed to dry kibble from a young age and may resist wet food or fresh meals. It's important to transition gradually and slowly, rather than making a sudden, complete change!
2. Add Water to Food
Adding water to canned food is the most widely accepted method for cats. Additionally, you can try adding treats to water, soaking kibble in water, or preparing unsalted chicken or fish broth.
However, this approach is more effective for cats that are not picky eaters. If your cat refuses to eat food soaked in water, then this method might not work for you.
You can also make ice cubes from the water used to boil meat and add one to the water bowl daily, replacing the water frequently to keep it fresh. The amount of water added and its effectiveness depend on whether your cat accepts it.
3. Fresh and Clean Water
Cats are pickier than dogs; they absolutely won't touch unclean water. To keep your cats happy, cat owners must remember to change their water at least once a day (2-3 times is even better), and thoroughly clean the water bowl before refilling it. Only then will they drink.
If your cat is particularly picky, you can try rainwater, filtered water, tap water, or boiled water.
4. Running Water
Anyone who owns a cat knows that cats are always very interested in running water. Indeed, some cats prefer to drink running water.
For these cats, slowly dripping water from a faucet into a bowl, or using a cat fountain, can increase their desire to drink. You can give it a try.
Hypothesis regarding running water devices:
- Cats perceive running water as fresher and safer.
- Running water is more likely to attract a cat's attention.
- Cats can better discern the water level in non-static water.
5. Create Novelty with Different Water Containers
One of a cat's naughty habits is to jump onto the table and secretly drink from other people's water cups, which is both annoying and amusing.
Since that's the case, you can also try using different containers or cups for water, or adding ice cubes to the water in summer, to create a sense of novelty and attract your cat to drink!
Use ceramic or glass containers:
Plastic containers can easily retain odors and bacteria; stainless steel containers can create reflections that cats dislike.
High water level, wide bowl opening: Cats don't like their whiskers touching the container when eating or drinking. It's recommended to always fill the water to the brim and choose a container with a wide opening.
6. Place Water Bowls in Different Locations
Place bowls of water in various locations throughout the house, especially at corners along your cat's daily routes, so they can drink wherever they go, increasing convenience for hydration.
Make sure the water bowl is not placed too close to the litter box, nor in areas with frequent human traffic or loud noises.
Do not place water bowls against walls
Even modern house cats retain their innate vigilance. Placing food and water bowls close to a wall prevents the cat from surveying its surroundings while using them, leading them to avoid such spots.
7. Separate Food and Water Placement
Cats tend to eat and drink in different locations. This behavior stems from their wild instincts, where leftover food could contaminate nearby water sources.
Make sure the water bowl is not placed too close to the litter box, nor in areas with frequent human traffic or loud noises.
Summary
After all, just like humans, cats will gradually develop many chronic conditions as they age, and they also have a high tolerance for pain. Therefore, we must proactively help our cats get enough water.
Drinking more water leads to better health, allowing our cats to happily stay with us, and in turn, giving us one more day of precious time with them. Changing a cat's drinking habits is not an overnight task; it requires perseverance and patience to keep cats further away from urinary diseases!
