The quickest way to get your cat to drink more water is to switch to a running water source (a cat fountain), add wet food to their diet, and place several wide, shallow bowls away from their food. Cats evolved from desert animals and have a naturally low thirst drive, so they often run mildly dehydrated — which puts stress on their kidneys and urinary tract over time.

Why hydration matters so much for cats

Chronic low-level dehydration is linked to some of the most common feline health problems: kidney disease, urinary crystals, and bladder inflammation (FLUTD). Older cats are especially at risk. Getting more water into your cat is one of the simplest, highest-impact things you can do for their long-term health.

9 ways to get your cat to drink more water

1. Use a cat water fountain. Most cats instinctively prefer moving water — it reads as “fresher” than a still bowl. A fountain is the single most effective upgrade for the average cat.
2. Add wet food. Canned food is roughly 70–80% water. Even swapping one meal a day to wet food dramatically increases total water intake.
3. Use wide, shallow bowls. Many cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides of a narrow bowl (“whisker fatigue”). A wide, shallow dish is more inviting.
4. Offer multiple water stations. Place bowls in several rooms, away from the litter box and food.
5. Separate water from food. In the wild, cats don’t drink next to a kill. Moving the bowl a few feet from the food can increase drinking.
6. Refresh water daily. Cats are sensitive to staleness and dust on the surface.
7. Try filtered or bottled water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.
8. Add water or low-sodium broth to meals as a “soup.”
9. Keep bowls clean. A greasy film or odor will put a cat off.

How much water should a cat drink?

As a rough guide, a cat needs about 3.5–4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day, including the moisture in their food. A 10-pound cat eating mostly dry food may need to actively drink 7–9 ounces a day.

Signs your cat may be dehydrated

Lethargy, dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity (gently lift the skin between the shoulders — it should snap back), and reduced appetite. If you notice these signs, or any straining in the litter box, contact your veterinarian promptly — urinary blockages can become emergencies quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t my cat drink from their bowl?

Common reasons: the bowl is too narrow (whisker fatigue), too close to food or the litter box, the water is stale, or your cat simply prefers moving water. Try a fountain and a wide bowl placed in a separate room.

Are cat water fountains worth it?

For most cats, yes. The moving water encourages more frequent drinking, and the built-in filter keeps it fresh. Explore our Cozy Home collection for fountains and bowls.

Does wet food replace drinking water?

It supplements it significantly but doesn’t fully replace a water source — always keep fresh water available.

Set your cat up for better hydration

A fountain, a wide bowl, and a little wet food will cover most cats. For more everyday care tips, see our guide on cat health and care, and browse Cat Health & Care essentials to keep your cat thriving.