How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water

We often believe that cats don't need to drink much water, but it's crucial for cats consuming commercial food to stay hydrated. Additionally, preventing dehydration plays a vital role, especially when it comes to issues with their kidneys and bladder. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to encourage your cat to drink more water. Provide fresh water regularly and motivate them by understanding their preferences.

Prepare multiple types of bowls and cups. Cats can be quite particular and may only prefer a specific type of bowl or cup. They may like bowls or cups made from stainless steel, regular ceramic, or plastic. To find out what your cat prefers, offer a variety of shapes and styles for them to choose from. You can also experiment with the depth of the bowl. Some cats may only like deeper or shallower bowls. It's just a matter of personal preference.

Place water bowls around the house. Don't just put a bowl in one spot, as your cat might not drink from it. Instead, try placing bowls near the sink, on the kitchen counter, by your bed, in the bathroom, or around the house. This will encourage your cat to explore and remind them to drink water.

Keep the bowl and water clean. You should wash the bowl with soap and water every two days, making sure to rinse it thoroughly. Once a week, put the bowl in the dishwasher for sterilization. Change the water at least once or twice a day and regularly check for any debris, especially if the bowl is near the kitchen.

Pay attention to where your cat drinks. The water bowl should be placed in an appealing spot, away from their food bowl or litter tray. While some cats don't mind where their water is placed, others prefer to have their food and bathroom areas separated from their water source.

Turn on the tap. Although not the most water-efficient method, some cats enjoy drinking from running water. The motion of the water can intrigue them, encouraging them to drink. If they're hesitant at first, you can gently place your cat near the tap to show them how fun drinking from it can be.

Consider using a water fountain. If your cat likes flowing water, you might want to get a water fountain. These devices keep the water flowing throughout the day, making it more enticing for your cat to drink. Cats will enjoy watching, playing with, and drinking from the fountain. It's important not to remove regular water bowls when introducing a fountain, so your cat can decide which they prefer.

Enhance the flavor in the water. Pour tuna broth or chicken broth into your cat's water to make it more enticing. Alternatively, you can add water from wet cat food. Just one or two spoonfuls of flavor mixed with the water is enough to grab the cat's attention, especially if it prefers wet food. However, keep in mind that not all cats enjoy flavored water.

• You can also encourage your cat to drink water by crushing mint leaves and adding them to the water bowl. You can demonstrate crushing the mint leaves into the water to show your cat that their favorite herb is in the bowl.

Offer bottled water. You can buy bottled water and see if your cat prefers it over tap water. Some cats may not like tap water due to chlorine and excess minerals in it.

• Provide both warm and cool bottled water to see which one your cat prefers.

Feed your cat more wet food. Wet food is abundant and often pricier, but it has a higher moisture content than dry food. If you're concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water, consider switching to completely wet food or occasionally replacing its daily dry food. It's a good idea to consult your vet before making changes to its diet.

• Never add water to your cat's dry food to try to get it to drink more. This not only makes the food soggy and unappealing, but it can also spoil and harm your cat's health.

Add ice cubes to the water. Some cats love cold water, and ice cubes can even serve as toys for them. Start by adding one or two ice cubes to the bowl. This approach prevents sudden temperature changes that could shock the cat. If your cat enjoys the taste, you can freeze meat broth into ice cubes and add them to the water.

• Show your cat how you add ice to the water. This can excite them and motivate them to drink more.

Provide your cat with smaller, more frequent meals. Cats often drink water after eating, much like humans do, so it's a good idea to feed your feline companion more than once or twice a day. Split their meals into several smaller portions to encourage consistent water intake throughout the day. Cats may take some time to adjust to a new feeding schedule, but this will ensure they stay hydrated.

If water has the potential to freeze, opt for a stainless steel dish instead of a glass bowl. If there's a power source nearby, choose a heated water bowl. Many bowls are made from plastic, but they feature a separate inner lining of stainless steel. Pour water around the steel lining to transfer heat to the water.

Excessive drinking and urination could be signs of a serious illness. If your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, it is crucial to take them to the vet for a thorough examination. Similarly, if your cat completely stops drinking water, it is important to get them checked by a professional as well.