If your cat barely touches their water bowl, you're not alone. Many cats simply don't drink much on their own. Their ancestors lived in dry environments and got much of their water from their food, and many house cats still have a fairly low drive to drink.
The good news is that a few small changes can make water far more appealing. Here are 8 easy ways to encourage your cat to drink more, which is especially handy during hot Australian summers.
1. Keep water away from food and the litter box
Many cats prefer not to drink right next to where they eat, and definitely not near their litter box. Place water bowls in a separate, quiet spot where your cat feels safe.
2. Offer more than one water station
Put bowls in two or three places around the house, such as the lounge room, a bedroom and the laundry. The easier water is to find, the more often your cat is likely to take a sip as they pass by. In multi-cat homes, extra bowls also stop one cat from guarding the water.
3. Choose a wide, shallow bowl
Some cats dislike their whiskers brushing the sides of a deep, narrow bowl. A wide, shallow bowl filled close to the top lets them drink comfortably. Ceramic, stainless steel or glass bowls are easy to keep clean and don't hold onto smells the way some plastics can.
4. Keep it fresh and clean
Cats can be fussy about stale water. Empty, rinse and refill bowls every day, and wash them properly a few times a week. If you notice dust, hair or a film on the water, your cat probably has too.
5. Try a cat water fountain
Many cats are drawn to moving water. You might already have a cat that drinks from a dripping tap or the shower. A cat water fountain keeps water flowing and filtered, which many cats find more inviting than a still bowl. Introduce it slowly: put it next to their usual bowl for a week or two before taking the old bowl away, and clean the fountain and replace the filter as the instructions recommend.
6. Add more moisture through food
Wet food contains far more water than dry food, so adding some wet meals to your cat's diet is one of the easiest ways to increase how much water they get each day. You can also stir a little extra water into wet food. If you're thinking of changing your cat's diet, check with your vet first, especially if they have any health conditions.
7. Keep water cool in summer
On hot days, water left in the sun warms up fast. Keep bowls and fountains in shady, cool spots, refill them more often, and drop in an ice cube or two on very hot days. Some cats enjoy batting at the floating ice, which is a bonus.
8. Watch what your cat likes
Every cat has preferences. Some prefer a particular room, some like their water bowl slightly raised, and some only drink from moving water. Try a couple of options and notice which ones your cat uses most.
When to call your vet
Changes in drinking can sometimes be a sign that something isn't right. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Your cat is suddenly drinking much more or much less than usual
- Changes in how often or how much they wee
- Lethargy, hiding or loss of appetite
- Vomiting or weight loss
- Dry or sticky gums
If your cat, especially a male cat, is straining in the litter box and producing little or no urine, treat it as an emergency and see a vet straight away.
Small changes, happier cats
With clean water in the right places and a setup your cat enjoys, most cats can be encouraged to drink a little more each day. Browse our Cat Feeding Gear for water fountains and easy-clean bowls.
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