Why Your Cat Isn’t Drinking Enough Water (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever looked at your cat’s water bowl and wondered, “Do they even know this exists?” you’re not imagining things. Cats are notoriously bad drinkers — not because they’re lazy or stubborn, but because their bodies evolved to live without much water in the first place.

Photo by Sugarman Joe on Unsplash

Why Cats Are So Bad at Drinking

Wild cats get most of their hydration from what they eat. A mouse or small bird is around 60 to 70 percent water. But modern cats living on kibble are eating food that’s usually under 10 percent moisture. That’s a huge difference.

So when your cat’s diet is dry, you’re asking their kidneys to do all the heavy lifting. Every day. For years. Over time, this quiet strain becomes one of the main reasons cats develop kidney problems as they age. It’s not bad luck — it’s dehydration.

A good estimate is that cats need about 30 to 60 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per day.A 15-pound cat weighs about 6.8 kilograms. That means they need somewhere around 200 to 400 millilitres of water daily, roughly two cups. Now think about how much water your cat actually drinks from their bowl. Probably nowhere near that.

Keeping Water Fresh and Appealing

Cats notice everything, especially smells. Stale water that’s been sitting too long? They can tell. Change their water every day, or even twice a day if it’s hot or dusty. Wash the bowl properly — no slime, no soap residue. Try filtered or boiled water too. Some cats prefer the softer taste.

More Bowls, More Chances

Cats like options. Place a few bowls around your home — near their sleeping spots, in the living room, by the window. They might not walk far to find a drink, but they’ll take a sip if it’s right there. The more you scatter, the more casual sips they’ll take without you even noticing.

Choose Bowls That Cats Actually Like

Not every bowl is cat-approved. Plastic can trap smells. Some metal bowls, especially shiny chrome, can reflect light and create glare that puts cats off, particularly if they’re near a window or bright lamp. Ceramic or glass bowls keep water clean-tasting and reduce reflections.

Also, whisker stress is real. Deep, narrow bowls press against their whiskers and make drinking uncomfortable. Go for wide, shallow bowls so their whiskers stay clear.

Every cat has preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, shapes, and locations. Sometimes the “right” bowl is simply the one in the right spot under the right light.

Flowing Water Feels Better

Many cats prefer moving water. It smells fresher and reminds them of streams in the wild. That’s why they sometimes try to drink straight from the tap. Pet fountains recreate that natural flow and can make a huge difference in how much they drink.

Keep Food and Litter Away

Cats don’t like drinking near their food or litter box. It’s an instinct that comes from their wild ancestors, who avoided contaminating their water sources. Keep the bowls in separate areas, ideally different rooms.

Hydrate Through Food

If your cat eats mostly dry food, it’s time to rethink the menu. Canned or raw food contains 70 to 80 percent water. Adding even a few spoonfuls of wet food or mixing in a splash of warm water can drastically improve hydration. You can also drizzle a little unsalted chicken broth for extra aroma and flavour.

Flavour It Up (A Little)

A drop of tuna water or a spoon of low-sodium broth can make plain water more appealing. Just make sure there’s no added salt, onion, or garlic. A tiny bit of flavour can turn indifference into interest.

Pay Attention and Adjust

Notice where and when your cat drinks. Some prefer quiet corners, some like drinking when you’re nearby. A few have their own rituals — from bathroom sinks to glasses on your nightstand. Let them lead.

If you see changes in how much they drink or eat, or if they start drinking excessively, it’s time for a vet visit. Hydration patterns tell you more than you think.

The Bottom Line

Hydration isn’t just a comfort thing — it’s a kidney thing, a longevity thing, a life thing. Fresh, clean water, the right bowls, and moisture-rich food all work together to protect your cat’s health.

A well-hydrated cat has softer fur, better energy, and a calmer mood. Most importantly, you’re helping them live longer — one sip at a time.