Best Ways To Encourage Your Cat To Drink More Water

Cats are naturally poor water drinkers. Their low thirst drive, inherited from desert-dwelling ancestors, makes them prone to dehydration—especially in warmer months. Hydration impacts more than just comfort. It affects kidney health, digestion, and temperature regulation.

Many owners don’t notice signs of dehydration until it becomes serious. That’s why it’s important to build habits that support fluid intake, particularly during summer. Below are straightforward, vet-approved tips for keeping your cat hydrated in hot weather and every day.

Why Cats Don’t Drink Enough Water

Felines instinctively prefer moisture from food, not bowls. In the wild, prey provided both nutrition and hydration. Domesticated cats fed on dry kibble receive very little moisture, and most don’t compensate enough by drinking from a bowl.

Some refuse to drink because they dislike the smell or taste of stagnant water. Others avoid water if it’s placed near food or litter trays. Some simply don’t like the feel of plastic bowls or the sound of splashing. These behaviours are common and usually easy to work around once you identify the cause.

Signs Your Cat May Be Dehydrated

Early signs of dehydration can be easy to miss. Many cats show no immediate discomfort, but their bodies start to show strain. Watch for the symptoms listed below.

Sign	Description
Lethargy	Less active, avoids play, sleeps more than usual.
Sunken eyes	Eyes look dull, hollow, or slightly recessed in the sockets.
Sticky or dry gums	Gums feel tacky or dry when touched, not smooth and moist.
Loss of appetite	Skips meals or sniffs food but walks away.
Less frequent urination	Fewer litter clumps, stronger odour, or visible strain.
Constipation or dry stools	Hard, dry stools or no output after frequent attempts.
Poor skin elasticity	Skin at the scruff stays tented after gently lifting and releasing it.
Panting	Breathing with open mouth during rest or mild activity.
Dull coat or dandruff	Fur loses shine, feels coarse, or shows flakes around the spine.
Hiding or behavioural shift	Withdraws, hides, or seems irritable without obvious reason.

If you notice two or more of these at once, it may be time to adjust water intake or consult a vet.

Vet-Approved Tips for Keeping Your Cat Hydrated in Hot Weather

Summer puts extra stress on hydration. Cats may nap longer in the heat and avoid food, further lowering water intake. During these periods, hydration tactics need to adapt.

• Place water bowls in shaded, cooler parts of your home.
• Add ice cubes to bowls when temperatures rise.
• Switch to canned food or mix water into each meal.
• Set up multiple bowls or use different materials to test preferences.
• Encourage water play or curiosity with safe drinking fountains.

Veterinarians often recommend cat fountains because moving water is more attractive. It mimics streams, keeps the water cool, and removes stagnation.

Incorporate Wet Food Into Their Diet

Dry food diets create an uphill battle for hydration. Kibble typically contains less than 10% moisture, compared to 70–80% in wet food. For cats that don’t like drinking from bowls, food becomes the main way to support hydration.

Start by offering one small portion of canned food each day. Over time, mix in a tablespoon of filtered water per serving. Most cats will adapt without fuss. This method works well during hot months, giving cats moisture without requiring them to drink more directly.

Make Water Appealing

The smell of plastic, the taste of stagnant water, or an inconvenient bowl location can all deter a cat from drinking. These issues are easy to fix with some observation and adjustment.

Switch to stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Wash them daily and keep the water fresh. If your cat is picky, consider flavouring the water with a splash of tuna or unsalted chicken broth—just enough to tempt them without overwhelming the water. Some owners find success using shallow or elevated bowls, especially for older cats or flat-faced breeds.

Cats like choice. If there’s only one bowl and they dislike it, they might ignore it altogether. Multiple options encourage natural curiosity and help boost intake.

Use a Cat Water Fountain

A cat water fountain isn’t just a novelty—it solves several problems at once. The constant movement keeps water fresh, discourages bacterial build-up, and appeals to a cat’s preference for flowing sources.

Many cats instinctively trust moving water more than stagnant bowls. They can hear it, see it ripple, and smell that it’s clean. For multi-cat households, a fountain can also reduce resource guarding or crowding. Some models come with replaceable filters, low-noise motors, and even night lights for added convenience.

Cat Water Fountain Australia offers a range of models, including ceramic, stainless steel, and BPA-free options. These are easy to clean and designed specifically for feline needs.

Hydration Tips for Multi-Cat Households

In homes with multiple cats, hydration challenges multiply. Some cats may dominate a shared water bowl, discouraging others from drinking. Others might prefer different bowl types or locations.

The simplest solution is to offer several water sources throughout the home. Choose different heights, materials, and placements. Keep bowls away from litter trays and feeding areas. Spread them across rooms where each cat feels safe and undisturbed. If using a fountain, opt for one with enough capacity to suit multiple pets.

Observe each cat. You might find that one drinks more often from a certain bowl, while another prefers a quieter location. Matching water stations to behaviour helps increase intake without stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some well-meaning habits can actually discourage cats from drinking. Avoid these missteps:

• Using plastic bowls: These often absorb odours or get scratched, making them less hygienic.
• Placing bowls next to food or litter: Many cats dislike drinking near feeding or toileting areas.
• Leaving water unchanged for days: Cats prefer fresh water. Change it daily.
• Assuming one bowl is enough: One option doesn’t suit every cat, especially in busy homes.
• Ignoring signs of dehydration: Subtle changes in appetite or energy may be linked to hydration.

Making small corrections in routine can lead to better health outcomes and fewer vet visits.

When To Talk To Your Vet

If your cat consistently avoids drinking or shows signs of dehydration, it’s time to speak with your vet. Chronic low hydration can point to larger health issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections.

Veterinarians may recommend diagnostic tests, prescription diets, or hydration supplements. They can also advise on suitable fluid intake levels based on weight, age, and health conditions. For cats with underlying issues, even small increases in hydration can prevent complications.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention saves time, money, and discomfort.

Final Thoughts: How Can You Help Your Cat Stay Hydrated?

Cats may be low-maintenance in many ways, but hydration isn’t one of them. From bowl placement to diet adjustments and fountain use, small changes can lead to better water intake.

During summer months, the risk of dehydration increases. Focus on vet-approved tips for keeping your cat hydrated in hot weather, and support your pet with fresh, clean, accessible water at all times. A water fountain can help form healthy drinking habits and reduce your effort in keeping bowls topped up.

Browse our full range of cat water fountains, filters, and replacement parts—designed for Australian households and feline preferences.