You’ve likely spent more time thinking about your cat’s water bowl than they have. One day it’s full, the next it’s half-empty, and it’s hard to know what’s normal. It’s a reasonable concern because how much water your cat drinks is a direct window into their health.
Proper hydration is fundamental to their well-being, supporting everything from digestion to temperature regulation. Knowing what to look for is a key part of keeping your cat healthy.
How much water does a cat actually need?
So, what’s the magic number? A general guideline is that a cat needs about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water for every five pounds of body weight per day. For an average 10-pound cat, that’s about a cup of water daily.
However, the most important factor influencing how much a cat drinks is their diet.
- Wet food: Canned wet food can contain up to 80% water. A cat on a wet food diet gets a significant amount of hydration from their meals and may be seen drinking very little from their bowl.
- Dry food: A cat eating only dry kibble will need to get most of their daily water requirement by drinking, and you should see them at the water bowl more often.
Signs of Dehydration
Because many cats are fed dry food, a common worry is that they aren’t drinking enough. A decrease in water intake or an increase in water loss (from vomiting or diarrhea, for example) can lead to dehydration.
"Look for skin tenting (skin doesn't snap back quickly), sticky gums, lethargy, or reduced urine output," says Primrose Moss, MRCVS, with Spot Pet Insurance. These can be early warnings before more serious issues appear. You can check for skin tenting by gently lifting the skin over your cat's shoulders; in a hydrated cat, it should snap back almost immediately. However, be aware that geriatric cats may have decreased skin elasticity even when they're properly hydrated.
On the flip side, a sudden increase in thirst is just as concerning. If you notice your cat is suddenly draining their water bowl, it can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition.
"Excessive water intake can point to chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism," says Dr. Moss. When you notice increased thirst, "watch for weight loss, increased urination, and appetite changes alongside the thirst."
How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More
Whether your cat is a reluctant drinker or you just want to promote healthy habits, there are several ways to make water more appealing.
"Cats can be picky," says Dr. Moss. Here are some top tips:
- Try a water fountain. Many cats prefer running water, and a pet water fountain can encourage them to drink more often.
- Experiment with bowls. Offer multiple bowls in different materials, like ceramic or stainless steel, instead of plastic.
- Strategic placement. Place bowls in quiet, low-traffic spots where your cat feels safe. Territorial conflicts in multi-pet households can "ban" one cat from the water bowl, so ensure every pet has easy access.
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Switch to wet food. Feeding wet food is one of the best ways to increase a cat’s overall water intake. You can also add a bit of water directly to their wet or dry food.
When to Call the Vet
Ultimately, you are the best monitor of your cat's daily habits. If you’re concerned that your cat may be dehydrated or is drinking too much, you should contact a veterinarian promptly.
"Any sustained change, drinking much more or much less, should trigger a call to your vet," says Dr. Moss. The key takeaway? "Hydration habits are one of the clearest signs of a cat's health. Don't ignore them."