Every day essential rehydration tips for cats
You can lead a cat to water but you can't make it drink right? I think most people might even struggle with the first bit, leading them to the bowl and we all know you can't force a cat to do anything! Don't worry I'm happy to share what science and decades of experience as an award-winning cat friendly veterinarian and author has taught me about keeping cats well hydrated, happy and healthy.
Whether it's encouraging your cat to voluntarily drink more water, offering cat food with a high moisture content or getting sneaky with fluids in various tasty forms, you too can learn how to keep your cat's body well hydrated.
How can I get my cat to drink more water?
People with cats often ask me how they can get a cat to drink more water. The simple answer to this is by making the water that you offer more accessible and appealing to a cat's natural instincts and personal preferences. And by utilising some of my tips and tricks to get cats taking in more fluids.
Why is it so important to encourage all cats to take in more water?
Water is an essential nutrient of life. It keeps the body's cells and tissues in an optimal state of hydration, to function at their best and stay healthy. Dehydration (lacking adequate levels of internal bodily moisture) can make cats feel sluggish and hamper their recovery from illness. So it's really important to find ways to help your cat keep their bodily water balance in check on a daily basis and to support them with extra moisture if they are unwell. [You can read more about dehydration in cats here].
Can't cats live on very little water having descended from desert dwellers?
Cats have an ability to concentrate their urine beyond what we as humans can, something that we think is likely to be connected with their desert dwelling ancestors - the African wildcat. Even though cats seem to have evolved special attributes to live in an environment where water may be more scarce, this is an emergency survival strategy, and they still need plenty of moisture to stay hydrated and healthy.
Ordinarily, the tissues of the prey they eat in the wild would give them enough of nature's vital nutrient, water, to survive. They'd also access fresh, running water as and when they could. The key point though, is that wildcats have a greater element of control over their own needs and wants. They can choose where they live and if their essential survival needs aren't being met, then they can up sticks and relocate to somewhere else that offers better resources. Pet cats however, depend entirely on us to give them what they need - especially the indoor ones or those without a catflap, that only access the outdoors when their human decides. That's why it's so important to be sure your cat has plenty of choice by offering them a range of appealing and easy ways to get their fluid intake up and stay hydrated.
Can my cat get enough moisture from eating cat food?
Many pet cats are fed diets of human convenience (dry food), that as the name suggests contain very low levels of water. Kibble, nuggets, biscuits or whatever you like to call them, are potentially very dehydrating for cats, especially if that's the only type of food your cat is offered. If adequate levels of water are not present within the meals you offer, then you must supplement this in other ways. Even cats fed wholly on moisture-rich wet cat food meals (usually comprised of around 80% water), can fail to take in enough water to meet their needs. Every cat can benefit from the improving their fluid intake, but some cats may have higher requirements for water than others and will be in dire need your help
Which cats in particular need the most help staying well hydrated?
All cats can benefit from my expert tips on getting cats to take in more water, but some have diseases or live in home environments where it can be even more important to offer plenty of cat friendly watering holes and select moist cat food diets that best suit their need for more fluids.
Cats with kidney disease
These cats are a greater risk of dehydration as their failing kidney function means they are unable to retain their water intake – much of it being lost in the more frequent and large urinations that we typically see in these cats. So even though cats are seen to drink more with this condition, much of this moisture is lost and doesn't rehydrate them in the way that it would in a cat with normal kidneys.
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is a condition that causes persistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This sugar ends up overflowing into the urine too. High urinary glucose levels result in more dilute urine as precious water from your cat's blood stream and tissues is drawn out of the body with the glucose. Much like kidney disease, anything you can do to keep cats with diabetes well hydrated, ensures their body is in an optimal state to cope with this illness.
Cats with lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or feline idiopathic cystitis or (FIC)
Producing larger volumes of more dilute urine helps to reduce bladder irritation and encourages regular urination which helps to flush the bladder out. Studies have proven that increasing water intake helps prevent relapses of this condition.
Older cats
Old age changes in your cat's metabolism and brain health can mean cats spend more time sleeping. Stiffness or pain associated with arthritis can mean that they are more reluctant to get up and seek water regularly enough to meet their daily needs.
Cats on medications
A common side effect of certain medications is to increase your cat's natural thirst beyond normal levels. Cats on corticosteroid medications like "pred" (Prednisolone, Prednisone) almost always need plenty of access to water. They also tend to have higher hunger drives and produce more urine so care with feeding and litterbox access is also needed.
Stressed cats and those in busy or multi-cat households
If there are any physical or mental barriers that deter your cat from getting to the water bowl, then this may inhibit a cats natural drinking behaviour. It can make them think twice about whether they can safely access the water bowl or reduce the time they spend at it once there. It's really important to ponder what our cats are thinking about our homes and how we might be inadvertently stressing them by influencing their decisions and ability to carry out basic life sustaining activities . Common obstacles to drinking water that cause anxiety or pain include:
Conflict with other cats (in the house or a line of sight with neighbourhood cats)
Whether it's encouraging your cat to voluntarily drink more water, offering cat food with a high moisture content or getting sneaky with fluids in various tasty forms, you too can learn how to keep your cat's body well hydrated.
How can I get my cat to drink more water?
People with cats often ask me how they can get a cat to drink more water. The simple answer to this is by making the water that you offer more accessible and appealing to a cat's natural instincts and personal preferences. And by utilising some of my tips and tricks to get cats taking in more fluids.
Why is it so important to encourage all cats to take in more water?
Water is an essential nutrient of life. It keeps the body's cells and tissues in an optimal state of hydration, to function at their best and stay healthy. Dehydration (lacking adequate levels of internal bodily moisture) can make cats feel sluggish and hamper their recovery from illness. So it's really important to find ways to help your cat keep their bodily water balance in check on a daily basis and to support them with extra moisture if they are unwell. [You can read more about dehydration in cats here].
Can't cats live on very little water having descended from desert dwellers?
Cats have an ability to concentrate their urine beyond what we as humans can, something that we think is likely to be connected with their desert dwelling ancestors - the African wildcat. Even though cats seem to have evolved special attributes to live in an environment where water may be more scarce, this is an emergency survival strategy, and they still need plenty of moisture to stay hydrated and healthy.
Ordinarily, the tissues of the prey they eat in the wild would give them enough of nature's vital nutrient, water, to survive. They'd also access fresh, running water as and when they could. The key point though, is that wildcats have a greater element of control over their own needs and wants. They can choose where they live and if their essential survival needs aren't being met, then they can up sticks and relocate to somewhere else that offers better resources. Pet cats however, depend entirely on us to give them what they need - especially the indoor ones or those without a catflap, that only access the outdoors when their human decides. That's why it's so important to be sure your cat has plenty of choice by offering them a range of appealing and easy ways to get their fluid intake up and stay hydrated.
Can my cat get enough moisture from eating cat food?
Many pet cats are fed diets of human convenience (dry food), that as the name suggests contain very low levels of water. Kibble, nuggets, biscuits or whatever you like to call them, are potentially very dehydrating for cats, especially if that's the only type of food your cat is offered. If adequate levels of water are not present within the meals you offer, then you must supplement this in other ways. Even cats fed wholly on moisture-rich wet cat food meals (usually comprised of around 80% water), can fail to take in enough water to meet their needs. Every cat can benefit from the improving their fluid intake, but some cats may have higher requirements for water than others and will be in dire need your help
Which cats in particular need the most help staying well hydrated?
All cats can benefit from my expert tips on getting cats to take in more water, but some have diseases or live in home environments where it can be even more important to offer plenty of cat friendly watering holes and select moist cat food diets that best suit their need for more fluids.
Cats with kidney disease
These cats are a greater risk of dehydration as their failing kidney function means they are unable to retain their water intake – much of it being lost in the more frequent and large urinations that we typically see in these cats. So even though cats are seen to drink more with this condition, much of this moisture is lost and doesn't rehydrate them in the way that it would in a cat with normal kidneys.
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is a condition that causes persistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This sugar ends up overflowing into the urine too. High urinary glucose levels result in more dilute urine as precious water from your cat's blood stream and tissues is drawn out of the body with the glucose. Much like kidney disease, anything you can do to keep cats with diabetes well hydrated, ensures their body is in an optimal state to cope with this illness.
Cats with lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or feline idiopathic cystitis or (FIC)
Producing larger volumes of more dilute urine helps to reduce bladder irritation and encourages regular urination which helps to flush the bladder out. Studies have proven that increasing water intake helps prevent relapses of this condition.
Older cats
Old age changes in your cat's metabolism and brain health can mean cats spend more time sleeping. Stiffness or pain associated with arthritis can mean that they are more reluctant to get up and seek water regularly enough to meet their daily needs.
Cats on medications
A common side effect of certain medications is to increase your cat's natural thirst beyond normal levels. Cats on corticosteroid medications like "pred" (Prednisolone, Prednisone) almost always need plenty of access to water. They also tend to have higher hunger drives and produce more urine so care with feeding and litterbox access is also needed.
Stressed cats and those in busy or multi-cat households
If there are any physical or mental barriers that deter your cat from getting to the water bowl, then this may inhibit a cats natural drinking behaviour. It can make them think twice about whether they can safely access the water bowl or reduce the time they spend at it once there. It's really important to ponder what our cats are thinking about our homes and how we might be inadvertently stressing them by influencing their decisions and ability to carry out basic life sustaining activities . Common obstacles to drinking water that cause anxiety or pain include:
Conflict with other cats (in the house or a line of sight with neighbourhood cats)
- Sustained noisy appliances eg washing machines,
- Unpredictable appliances eg robotic vacuum cleaners
- Babies and children
- Dogs
- DIY/building works
- Stairs
Top Tips For Preventing Dehydration
How can I keep my cat well hydrated?
Make your cat's water source as inviting as possible by keeping it in line with cats' natural preferences.
Keep the water source clean and fresh
Present water thoughtfully
Locate the bowls in spots away from threats
Serve water at ambient temperature
If you live in a hotter climate you may wish to add some ice to their water bowl, but always ensure there are other ambient temperature options around for them to drink from as well. Ice cold water may not appeal to all cats and could exacerbate (dental pain) in the way that icecream can in humans.
Make good drinking habits easier
Offer choice and convenience
You can increase the chances of your cat drinking more water by offering choice and making it convenient for them when thirst strikes. Try these tips when offering water:
Make sure there is at least one cat "waterhole" on each level of your home plus one extra. If your cat goes outdoors, then you'll need an additional one there too. If you have multiple cats, you need to provide enough resources for each “social group” of cats – at least one bowl of water per social group of cats in the home - a good rule of them is if cats sleep touching each other or reciprocate grooming one another, then they're likely to be in a social group together.
Near resting and sleeping spots
Cats are often thirsty when the've been resting so place water bowls where they spend their time most (eg on a window sill, in your bedroom, your living room)
On route away from, but not next to, their food bowl
Cats also drink more after eating (especially snacks or dry foods) so position water on their route away from the food bowl. Remember not to place it right next to their food - on the other side of the room or at least 2 metres away would be best.
Keep a water supply in risky areas
Parts of your home that have the potential for your cat to accidentally get shut in (eg a conservatory, garage, shed etc)
Pander to their quirks and personal preferences:
Running tap cats
Some cats like to drink from a running water over a sink so why not train them to do this as part of your daily routine - when you brush your teeth perhaps? Or consider a water fountain as well as other still water sources.
Shower tray cats
Rinse out the shower to remove traces of detergents and leave a puddle of water if that's what they like
Glass by the bed cats
I love this one! Cover your glass or use a water bottle with a lid instead and give them their own glass. Or locate a water bowl in that room at least.
Pond and puddle drinking cats
Pond water may be unsafe as it can harbour bacteria and algal blooms in warm weather and may be treated with chemicals, so it's best not to encourage this and provide a more appealing alternative instead. It may be the running water they like, the open water surface, absence of tap water chemicals. You could try and collect rain water in clean containers for your cats and use in outdoor bowls, and indoors look to offer wider bowls, glasses of water or cat fountains to pique their interest.
Got a playful cat or kitten?
Placing a ping pong ball inside a larger diameter bowl full of water – some cats enjoy playing with this and it can stimulate drinking as well as helping to create some movement of the water which many cats like.
NOTE: One of the important symptoms of certain cat illnesses (eg kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease) is an increase in thirst. If you notice your cat is drinking from unusual or strange spots then it's time to organise a vet visit.
CHOOSE CAT FOOD THAT IS NATURALLY HIGH IN MOISTURE
Canned/tinned options, pouches, foil trays or freshly prepared treats
Keep dried food to a minimum no more than 20% of their daily calorie intake
Feed little and often
OTHER TASTY WAYS TO ADD EXTRA FLUID
Flavour
Spring water from tin of tuna
Add water to food
Gravy's/broths
Treat steamed fish
Commercial - sauces, soups, gravys, liquid treats
Cat milk
6: OTHER TASTY LIQUIDS – This can be a tasty way to up your cat’s fluid intake Water left over from poaching some chicken or fish Prawns/fish or meat liquidized in water to create a soup or broth Spring water liquid from a can of tuna (avoid brine as this is a highly salty water which is not good for any cat, particularly an older cat or one with kidney disease) Liquid from a bag of frozen prawns that have defrosted Once you discover which one seems to be popular with your cat, consider freezing portions in an ice cube tray. For some cats adding a cube of flavoured water to their normal water bowl is enough to encourage drinking. NB: Be careful! Take care to allow hot liquids to cool down to body temperature Avoid any sauces and stocks that contain onions/garlic or powdered forms of these as they are poisonous to cats Avoid giving too much protein (eg meat) or salt to a cat with kidney disease – if unsure please discuss with me first. Avoid milk as not only can it not be fully digested by cats and lead to diarrhoea, but it is high in phosphate which is not ideal for cats with kidney disease.
7: TEMPERATURE Offer water at room temperature as the flavour is reduced in cold liquids
8: DIET Wet food (canned/pouches) is better than a dry diet! Always check with your vet before changing your cat’s diet
9: ADDING EXTRA WATER TO FOOD CAN ALSO HELP INCREASE WATER INTAKE If possible, ideally add water to wet food but if your cat will only eat dry food (biscuits) then you can still try adding water to their food as some cats will eat it. With dry foods, add the water and leave for a short period to allow the biscuits to swell before offering to your cat. Whether it’s wet or dry food, always start by adding a small quantity of water (eg one teaspoonful) and gradually increase this over a period of several days if your cat is happy to eat their watered down food – after all we don’t want to increase water intake at the expense of appetite! That said, some cats will happily eat a food that resembles soup! Always add water at room temperature rather than cold water if possible.
10: PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY Be gradual in making changes – cats are creatures of habit and do not like sudden changes, let alone in such vital resources as food/water. Whatever you can do will make some difference and your cat would thank you if they could >^..^<
Keep the water source clean and fresh
- Refresh the water daily - some cats prefer filtered or bottled water. Softened water is higher in salt so it is not advisable to offer this to cats, especially elderly or those with heart or kidney disease.
- Wash the bowl out weekly
- Remove limescale that may harbour bacteria
- Use an unscented dish washing up liquid and at least avoid dish cleaning products that are highly perfumed. Cats generally dislike citrus scents in particular
Present water thoughtfully
- Offer both still water and running water (fountain) options
- Choose ceramic, glass or metal bowls as they tend to be better than plastic bowls which may impart a plastic taste and harbour bacteria
- Wide open bowls filled close to the brim allow cats to more easily see the meniscus of the water's surface as well as keep an eye on their surroundings. Some cats may feel vulnerable when sticking their head down into a bowl which can also block light and hinder them seeing the water's surface. Wider bowls may also avoid sensitive whiskers from being overstimulated. Others prefer narrower drinking vessels - let them decide.
Locate the bowls in spots away from threats
- Keep water separated from food sources and litter boxes - both these would potentially contaminate water supplies in the wild so may be perceived as undesirable spots to drink from
- Place water in quiet retreats away from noisy appliances, busy thoroughfares or glass patio doors - if the feline neighbourhood bully likes to glare at your cats through the glass then this would be a rather vulnerable location and would be a poor choice of location for encouraging use of any key resource (food, water, bed, toileting area etc). Cats are far more likely to eat and drink when they are calm and relaxed.
- Think in 3D - cats like to climb so perhaps a water source on a coffee table or shelf may be out the way of foot traffic
- Although many cats like water fountains, some more anxious cats seem not to take to them, so be led by your cat's preferences and comfort levels.
Serve water at ambient temperature
If you live in a hotter climate you may wish to add some ice to their water bowl, but always ensure there are other ambient temperature options around for them to drink from as well. Ice cold water may not appeal to all cats and could exacerbate (dental pain) in the way that icecream can in humans.
Make good drinking habits easier
Offer choice and convenience
You can increase the chances of your cat drinking more water by offering choice and making it convenient for them when thirst strikes. Try these tips when offering water:
Make sure there is at least one cat "waterhole" on each level of your home plus one extra. If your cat goes outdoors, then you'll need an additional one there too. If you have multiple cats, you need to provide enough resources for each “social group” of cats – at least one bowl of water per social group of cats in the home - a good rule of them is if cats sleep touching each other or reciprocate grooming one another, then they're likely to be in a social group together.
Near resting and sleeping spots
Cats are often thirsty when the've been resting so place water bowls where they spend their time most (eg on a window sill, in your bedroom, your living room)
On route away from, but not next to, their food bowl
Cats also drink more after eating (especially snacks or dry foods) so position water on their route away from the food bowl. Remember not to place it right next to their food - on the other side of the room or at least 2 metres away would be best.
Keep a water supply in risky areas
Parts of your home that have the potential for your cat to accidentally get shut in (eg a conservatory, garage, shed etc)
Pander to their quirks and personal preferences:
Running tap cats
Some cats like to drink from a running water over a sink so why not train them to do this as part of your daily routine - when you brush your teeth perhaps? Or consider a water fountain as well as other still water sources.
Shower tray cats
Rinse out the shower to remove traces of detergents and leave a puddle of water if that's what they like
Glass by the bed cats
I love this one! Cover your glass or use a water bottle with a lid instead and give them their own glass. Or locate a water bowl in that room at least.
Pond and puddle drinking cats
Pond water may be unsafe as it can harbour bacteria and algal blooms in warm weather and may be treated with chemicals, so it's best not to encourage this and provide a more appealing alternative instead. It may be the running water they like, the open water surface, absence of tap water chemicals. You could try and collect rain water in clean containers for your cats and use in outdoor bowls, and indoors look to offer wider bowls, glasses of water or cat fountains to pique their interest.
Got a playful cat or kitten?
Placing a ping pong ball inside a larger diameter bowl full of water – some cats enjoy playing with this and it can stimulate drinking as well as helping to create some movement of the water which many cats like.
NOTE: One of the important symptoms of certain cat illnesses (eg kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease) is an increase in thirst. If you notice your cat is drinking from unusual or strange spots then it's time to organise a vet visit.
CHOOSE CAT FOOD THAT IS NATURALLY HIGH IN MOISTURE
Canned/tinned options, pouches, foil trays or freshly prepared treats
Keep dried food to a minimum no more than 20% of their daily calorie intake
Feed little and often
OTHER TASTY WAYS TO ADD EXTRA FLUID
Flavour
Spring water from tin of tuna
Add water to food
Gravy's/broths
Treat steamed fish
Commercial - sauces, soups, gravys, liquid treats
Cat milk
6: OTHER TASTY LIQUIDS – This can be a tasty way to up your cat’s fluid intake Water left over from poaching some chicken or fish Prawns/fish or meat liquidized in water to create a soup or broth Spring water liquid from a can of tuna (avoid brine as this is a highly salty water which is not good for any cat, particularly an older cat or one with kidney disease) Liquid from a bag of frozen prawns that have defrosted Once you discover which one seems to be popular with your cat, consider freezing portions in an ice cube tray. For some cats adding a cube of flavoured water to their normal water bowl is enough to encourage drinking. NB: Be careful! Take care to allow hot liquids to cool down to body temperature Avoid any sauces and stocks that contain onions/garlic or powdered forms of these as they are poisonous to cats Avoid giving too much protein (eg meat) or salt to a cat with kidney disease – if unsure please discuss with me first. Avoid milk as not only can it not be fully digested by cats and lead to diarrhoea, but it is high in phosphate which is not ideal for cats with kidney disease.
7: TEMPERATURE Offer water at room temperature as the flavour is reduced in cold liquids
8: DIET Wet food (canned/pouches) is better than a dry diet! Always check with your vet before changing your cat’s diet
9: ADDING EXTRA WATER TO FOOD CAN ALSO HELP INCREASE WATER INTAKE If possible, ideally add water to wet food but if your cat will only eat dry food (biscuits) then you can still try adding water to their food as some cats will eat it. With dry foods, add the water and leave for a short period to allow the biscuits to swell before offering to your cat. Whether it’s wet or dry food, always start by adding a small quantity of water (eg one teaspoonful) and gradually increase this over a period of several days if your cat is happy to eat their watered down food – after all we don’t want to increase water intake at the expense of appetite! That said, some cats will happily eat a food that resembles soup! Always add water at room temperature rather than cold water if possible.
10: PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY Be gradual in making changes – cats are creatures of habit and do not like sudden changes, let alone in such vital resources as food/water. Whatever you can do will make some difference and your cat would thank you if they could >^..^<
Frequently asked questions
How much should a normal, healthy cat drink in a day?
A cat's body requires approximately 50 mL of water per kg of bodyweight in a 24 hour period. So for the average sized cat, that means 200 to 250 mL per day. This H20 quota does not mean your cat needs to drink that much water from their bowl, it includes any moisture from their cat food, prey that they catch and any other liquids you may offer. Some water even gets produced as a byproduct of your cat's cells carrying out their normal bodily process. Don't forget that water gets lost too, through bodily secretions, urine, saliva, vomit, faeces etc so it's all just a guide.
Birds and mammals (including cats) are made up themselves of around 70% water. A wildcat catching prey would eat about 250g of mice/birds a day so with each prey being 70% water thats nearly three quarters of their daily water intake sorted through diet alone. The average canned or tinned moist cat food has an even higher water content (approx 80%), meaning if cats are eating roughly 250 - 300g of this type of diet, then that's their water intake pretty much sorted. Raw diets sit somewhere slightly below a wild prey diet but can vary up to the moisture content of a tinned food dependent on the ingredients used. Dry diets contain anywhere between 5-10% moisture so it's easy to see why the more dry food your cat eats, the more pressure there is for them to actively drink more water.
Do cats on dry food drink enough water to match the moisture content of wet foods?
Studies have shown that cats eating a wet food diet will have less concentrated urine than cats on dry food, whose urine concentration is stronger and hence more indicative of being dehydrated. So essentially, cats who are eating a dry pet food diet and left to their own devices to drink enough water themselves, fail to hydrate themselves enough to meet their daily target. Cats relying purely on the moisture from their wet food diet are more likely to meet their daily hydration needs.
Should I offer my cat milk to drink?
Generally no, but it depends what you mean by "milk". Check out my post about offering cats milk.
My cat doesn't drink much water - at least I never see my cat at their water bowl. Is that ok?
Cats are secretive little creatures and carry out a lot of their essential daily maintenance, like drinking water, when it's quieter. They may be drinking when you are not around (eg overnight or when you're out). It may be harder to notice a cat drinking if you have only given them one drinking source because the chances of you being in that one location to see your cat drinking may be slimmer. Always offer multiple sources of fresh water for your cat to drink from.
Cats fed on wet cat food diets (such as tinned/canned, foil trays, pouches and raw or home cooked foods) will get most of the water they need each day from the meat juices they eat so you may not see the little top up drinks of water that they take here and there.
Many outdoor cats will prefer to access rain water from troughs, ponds and puddles so you may not see the water bowl going down much.
Cats that are unwell, in pain or stressed may not feel comfortable enough to get up and access their water bowls and so drink less than they should. It is easy for them to become dehydrated in these situations because they are often not eating as well either, meaning that they actually should ideally drink water more than ever.
When is the best time to see a cat drink?
Most cats will stop for a drink of water when they would normally feel thirsty, but some of the most common times you may notice them drinking are after resting or sleeping and eating food or snacks (especially dry food or salty human foods like ham or crisps). In hotter weather cats may also tend to drink more than cooler weather.
My cat is drinking more water - should I be worried?
There are a few common signs that your cat may be drinking more water than normal:
How much should a normal, healthy cat drink in a day?
A cat's body requires approximately 50 mL of water per kg of bodyweight in a 24 hour period. So for the average sized cat, that means 200 to 250 mL per day. This H20 quota does not mean your cat needs to drink that much water from their bowl, it includes any moisture from their cat food, prey that they catch and any other liquids you may offer. Some water even gets produced as a byproduct of your cat's cells carrying out their normal bodily process. Don't forget that water gets lost too, through bodily secretions, urine, saliva, vomit, faeces etc so it's all just a guide.
Birds and mammals (including cats) are made up themselves of around 70% water. A wildcat catching prey would eat about 250g of mice/birds a day so with each prey being 70% water thats nearly three quarters of their daily water intake sorted through diet alone. The average canned or tinned moist cat food has an even higher water content (approx 80%), meaning if cats are eating roughly 250 - 300g of this type of diet, then that's their water intake pretty much sorted. Raw diets sit somewhere slightly below a wild prey diet but can vary up to the moisture content of a tinned food dependent on the ingredients used. Dry diets contain anywhere between 5-10% moisture so it's easy to see why the more dry food your cat eats, the more pressure there is for them to actively drink more water.
Do cats on dry food drink enough water to match the moisture content of wet foods?
Studies have shown that cats eating a wet food diet will have less concentrated urine than cats on dry food, whose urine concentration is stronger and hence more indicative of being dehydrated. So essentially, cats who are eating a dry pet food diet and left to their own devices to drink enough water themselves, fail to hydrate themselves enough to meet their daily target. Cats relying purely on the moisture from their wet food diet are more likely to meet their daily hydration needs.
Should I offer my cat milk to drink?
Generally no, but it depends what you mean by "milk". Check out my post about offering cats milk.
My cat doesn't drink much water - at least I never see my cat at their water bowl. Is that ok?
Cats are secretive little creatures and carry out a lot of their essential daily maintenance, like drinking water, when it's quieter. They may be drinking when you are not around (eg overnight or when you're out). It may be harder to notice a cat drinking if you have only given them one drinking source because the chances of you being in that one location to see your cat drinking may be slimmer. Always offer multiple sources of fresh water for your cat to drink from.
Cats fed on wet cat food diets (such as tinned/canned, foil trays, pouches and raw or home cooked foods) will get most of the water they need each day from the meat juices they eat so you may not see the little top up drinks of water that they take here and there.
Many outdoor cats will prefer to access rain water from troughs, ponds and puddles so you may not see the water bowl going down much.
Cats that are unwell, in pain or stressed may not feel comfortable enough to get up and access their water bowls and so drink less than they should. It is easy for them to become dehydrated in these situations because they are often not eating as well either, meaning that they actually should ideally drink water more than ever.
When is the best time to see a cat drink?
Most cats will stop for a drink of water when they would normally feel thirsty, but some of the most common times you may notice them drinking are after resting or sleeping and eating food or snacks (especially dry food or salty human foods like ham or crisps). In hotter weather cats may also tend to drink more than cooler weather.
My cat is drinking more water - should I be worried?
There are a few common signs that your cat may be drinking more water than normal:
- You find yourself topping up the water bowl more regularly
- Your cat is seen visiting their water bowl more frequently
- Your cat is spending longer periods drinking
- You notice your cat drinking whereas you haven't before
- You notice your cat is drinking from new or strange places (eg sinks, baths, shower trays, ponds, glass by your bed)
