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Let’s face it: cats are weird.
They’ll turn their nose up at the fresh water you just put out… only to go lick condensation off your shower curtain like it’s the nectar of the gods.
But here’s the thing, whether they’re being divas or not, cats are bad at drinking water.
Blame evolution. Their desert ancestors didn’t drink from bowls; they got most of their moisture from the prey they hunted.
Unfortunately, your fluffy freeloader isn’t catching any mice in your carpeted apartment, so you need to help them not become a dehydrated raisin.
Welcome to the only Cat Hydration Guide that’s going to keep things real, make you laugh, and (most importantly) help your cat stay healthy.
Let’s do this.
First: Why You Should Care About Cat Hydration
Spoiler: It’s Not Just “Nice to Have”
If your cat doesn’t drink enough water, bad stuff starts to happen. We’re talking:
- Kidney problems (like chronic kidney disease, which affects up to 30% of older cats)
- Urinary tract infections (a.k.a. pee problems galore)
- Constipation (yes, even cats get backed up)
- Overall grumpiness (dehydrated cats = moody cats)
The fix? Water.
Just like you turn into a grumpy cactus when you haven’t had enough hydration, so does your cat.
RELATED: How to Care for a Senior Cat with Kidney Disease: 15 Essential Tips
How Much Water Does a Cat Actually Need?
Short answer: about 3.5–4.5 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
So if your cat weighs 10 pounds, they need somewhere between 7 and 9 ounces of water per day.
But here’s the annoying part: you can’t just watch them drink and go, “Yeah, that seems right.” Because they’re sneaky. And picky. And weird.
Let’s break it down.
Water Needs by Weight (Table Time)
| Cat Weight | Min. Daily Water |
| 5 lbs | 3.5–4.5 oz |
| 10 lbs | 7–9 oz |
| 15 lbs | 10.5–13.5 oz |
If your cat eats wet food, they’re probably already halfway to hydrated. If they eat kibble 24/7? You’ve got work to do.
Is Your Cat Dehydrated? Here’s How to Tell
Cats are pros at hiding when something’s wrong. It’s their survival instinct.
But there are a few signs that scream, “Hey, I need water, hooman!”
Signs Your Cat Might Be a Dried-Out Crouton:
- Lethargy (more than their usual nap addiction)
- Sunken eyes
- Sticky or dry gums
- Panting (rare, but a red flag in cats)
- Less pee in the litter box (or no pee, which is terrifying)
- Skin tent test fail (pinch their scruff—if it doesn’t snap back fast, bad news)
Bonus Tip: Weigh Your Cat Regularly
A sudden drop in weight could mean they’re not drinking (or eating). Always good to have a digital scale on hand.
The Dry Food Problem (a.k.a. Kibble Is a Dehydration Trap)
Here’s a stat that’ll make you blink: Dry cat food contains only 6–10% moisture.
Meanwhile, wet food contains 70–80% moisture.
That’s not a small difference. That’s a chasm.
So if your cat’s entire diet is dry food, they’d have to drink a TON more water to stay balanced.
And if they’re a typical cat? Yeah. Not happening.
If you do nothing else from this guide, switch your cat to at least some wet food.
Or do what fancy cat parents do and add a splash of water or broth to their dry food.
Sneaky Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
Okay, so how do you convince a creature that drinks from muddy puddles but ignores their water bowl to hydrate?
You get sneaky.
1. Get a Fountain (Yes, Like the Kind Instagram Cats Use)
Cats are obsessed with running water.
They think stagnant water is gross (and, biologically, they’re not wrong). That’s why they drink from faucets and ignore bowls.
Best cat fountains right now:
They filter, circulate, and oxygenate water, making it taste better. Plus, your cat will feel like royalty.
2. Add Broth (The Non-Toxic Kind)
Want your cat to beg for water? Add a little low-sodium chicken broth (no garlic or onion) to their bowl.
Or just dump some of that tuna water (from tuna packed in water, not oil) into their dish.
3. Place Bowls Everywhere
Your cat will pretend they’re above this, but they’re lazy. If there’s a water bowl nearby, they’re more likely to take a sip.
So add bowls to:
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Near food (but not too close—some cats hate that)
4. Change the Bowl Material
Plastic bowls? Gross. They can hold onto smells and bacteria.
Use ceramic, stainless steel, or glass. Clean them daily.
You don’t like drinking from a slimy cup either, right?
5. Ice Cubes = Cat Party
Throw a couple of ice cubes in their water bowl or even flavored ones made with broth or tuna water. It’s enrichment and hydration in one.
Bonus points if you slide it across the floor and let them chase it.
Wet Food Is a Hydration Power-Up
Here’s where things get easy.
If your cat eats more wet food, they automatically consume more water.
No tricks. No fountains. No begging.
Just this:
| Food Type | Avg Moisture Content |
| Dry food | 6–10% |
| Wet food | 70–80% |
| Raw/freeze-dried (rehydrated) | 65–75% |
Switching to a wet diet or even mixing in hydrated freeze-dried raw food can completely change the hydration game.
Special Hydration Tips for Kittens, Seniors & Sick Cats
Kittens
Kittens dry out fast. They’re tiny, hyper, and not the best drinkers.
Make sure:
- They get plenty of wet food
- They have shallow water dishes (they hate deep bowls)
- You monitor their poop/pee schedule (gross but helpful)
Senior Cats
Older cats are more prone to kidney disease and often drink less.
Hydration can slow disease progression. Seriously.
Set up fountains, use hydration treats, and talk to your vet about products like HydraCare.
Sick Cats
If your cat is recovering from illness or surgery, hydration is critical.
Don’t guess here. Track their intake. And if they’re not drinking at all? Vet. Immediately.
What Kind of Water Is Best?
You don’t need to serve your cat Fiji water (although that would be peak spoiled).
But not all water is equal.
| Water Type | Pros | Cons |
| Tap water | Cheap, accessible | May contain chlorine |
| Filtered water | Removes impurities, tasty | Costs a bit more |
| Bottled water | Safe, consistent | Bad for the planet + $$$ |
Filtered is your best bet. Brita or ZeroWater filters work great and improve taste.
You want to eliminate chlorine and fluoride if your cat’s picky.
How to Track Your Cat’s Water Intake Without Losing Your Mind
Unless you want to sit and stare at your cat all day (tempting, but no), you’ll need smarter tools.
Here’s what helps:
- Measuring bowls – Fill to a line, note how much is gone at day’s end.
- Smart fountains – Try PETKIT Eversweet 3, which tracks how often your cat drinks.
- Litter tracking – Less pee = less water. If your litter box is oddly dry, time to investigate.
What to Do If Your Cat Refuses to Drink
Some cats are just extra stubborn. If you’ve tried everything and they still won’t drink, you’ve got a few final options:
- Syringe-feed water or broth (gently and only with vet guidance)
- Subcutaneous fluids – Your vet can show you how to do this at home if needed.
- Switch to all-wet food diet
- Hydration supplements like HydraCare by Purina
Whatever you do, don’t wait. Cats can go downhill fast without water.
Real Talk: When to Call the Vet
If your cat hasn’t eaten or drunk in 24 hours, it’s time.
Signs it’s serious:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Hiding or acting “off”
- No pee in the litter box
- Sticky gums
- Lethargy
Just call the vet. Trust your gut. Worst case, they’re fine. Best case, you catch something early.
Recap: The TL;DR Cat Hydration Checklist
You’ve made it this far (nice job!). Now here’s your hydration to-do list:
✔ Switch to wet food (at least 50% of diet)
✔ Use a cat water fountain
✔ Add water or broth to meals
✔ Offer multiple water sources
✔ Try ice cubes or flavored water
✔ Clean bowls daily
✔ Track intake (smart or old-school)
✔ Call the vet if things seem off
Simple, right?
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cat Juicy
Hydration isn’t optional. It’s vital.
And since your cat’s probably not going to start drinking 10 ounces of water on their own tomorrow, you’ve got to step in.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be consistent, use a few tricks, and get a decent fountain.
Oh, and maybe stop letting them drink out of your glass. That’s weird. (Unless you’re into that. No judgment.)
Your cat deserves to feel good. And hydrated cats live longer, happier, less expensive lives.
So go forth and hydrate, hooman.
