Tips Tuesday: Keeping Your Cat Hydrated
Water is one of the most important nutrients your cat needs, yet many cats simply don’t drink enough. Because cats naturally have a low thirst drive, they can become mildly dehydrated without showing obvious signs.
Helping your cat stay hydrated supports healthy kidneys, promotes a healthy urinary tract, and contributes to their overall well-being.
Why Hydration Matters
Proper hydration helps your cat:
Support healthy kidney function
Maintain a healthy urinary tract
Aid digestion
Regulate body temperature
Replace fluids lost through normal daily activities
Cats that don’t drink enough water may be at greater risk for dehydration and urinary problems.
Simple Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More
There are several easy ways to help increase your cat’s water intake:
Provide fresh, clean water every day.
Wash water bowls daily to keep the water tasting fresh.
Place multiple water bowls throughout your home.
Consider using a pet fountain. Many cats prefer moving water and will often drink more from a fountain than a traditional bowl.
Feed wet food when appropriate, as it contains significantly more moisture than dry food.
Even small changes can make a big difference.
Signs Your Cat May Not Be Drinking Enough
Watch for:
Dry or sticky gums
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Sunken eyes
Panting (which is uncommon in cats)
Reduced skin elasticity
If you notice these signs, or if your cat stops eating or drinking, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Choosing the Right Water Bowl
Some cats have preferences that can affect how much they drink.
You can encourage better hydration by:
Using wide, shallow bowls that don’t press against their whiskers.
Keeping water bowls away from litter boxes.
Separating water from food if your cat prefers it.
Cleaning bowls and fountains regularly to prevent bacteria and mineral buildup.
Evie’s Tip 💜
At Evie’s Cat Rescue, we’ve found that something as simple as adding a pet fountain can encourage many cats to drink more water. Every cat is different, so don’t be afraid to try different bowl styles or fountain designs to discover what your cat likes best.
Small changes today can help support healthier kidneys and a healthier urinary tract for years to come.
Thank you for reading our Tips Tuesday blog!
Every Tuesday, Evie’s Cat Rescue shares practical tips to help you give your feline companions the happiest, healthiest life possible. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Nextdoor, and YouTube for more cat care advice, rescue stories, and ways to support cats in need.
Together, we can make a difference—one cat at a time. 🐾
