How to Get a Cat to Drink More Water

Cats descend from desert animals, and it shows. They have a low thirst drive and often drink far less than their bodies quietly want. You can't force a cat to drink, but you can make drinking the easy, obvious choice.

Where the water lives matters

Cats are sensitive about place. A bowl shoved against a wall, next to the litter box, or beside a noisy appliance will simply be ignored. Put water in a quiet spot, away from food and litter, and ideally offer more than one location. A cat that has to choose is a cat that drinks less.

Bowl or fountain

• Wide, shallow bowls are better than deep ones — cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides.
• Fountains work for many cats because moving water reads as fresh and safe, but they need regular cleaning or the motor becomes a reason to stop drinking.

Try both. The right answer is whichever one your cat actually uses.

Food is hydration too

Wet food is mostly water, and a cat on wet food can get a large share of its daily moisture from meals alone. If your cat eats mostly dry food, consider adding a small amount of wet food or a little water to meals — gradually, so it doesn't refuse the change.

The bottom line

More water spots, a wide bowl or a clean fountain, and wet food where you can. Watch the litter box and your cat's energy as the real measures. If a cat's drinking suddenly spikes or drops, or you're ever worried, ask your veterinarian.

General guidance, not veterinary advice.