Why do cats often drink too little water?

Cats commonly drink too little water, and a few small changes at home can often help. But if your cat shows signs of dehydration, take them to the vet promptly.

Cats naturally get much of their water from food. When dry food makes up most of their diet, they have to drink most of the water they need, but many cats don’t drink enough on their own.

Other reasons cats may avoid drinking include having their bowl near the litter box, stale water, a bowl that’s too small and causes their whiskers to touch the sides, being blocked from the water by another cat in the household, or stress. Long-term low water intake is associated with stones, bladder crystals, and urinary tract disease, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

How much water does a cat need each day?

A healthy cat needs about 50 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This figure is converted from Cornell Feline Health Center’s recommendation of 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight.

This amount includes water in food. Wet food can contain up to 80% water, so cats eating wet food will drink less than cats eating dry food and still stay hydrated. Their needs also increase in hot weather, when they’re active, or when they’re sick.

Measurement tip: Pour a measured amount of water into a bowl or fountain, then measure what’s left after 24 hours. Remember to account for evaporation by placing a control cup of water nearby.

Signs of dehydration in cats

Dehydrated cats are often tired, eat less, and urinate less. Signs according to Cornell and Hill's Pet:

• Lethargic, weak, or hiding in one spot
• Eating less or refusing food
• Dry, sticky gums and mouth
• Fewer clumps than usual in the litter box
• Severe case: deeply sunken eyes

How to check your cat’s skin elasticity at home:

1. Gently lift a fold of skin between your cat’s shoulder blades.
2. Release the skin and watch. In a well-hydrated cat, it will return to its original position almost immediately.
3. If the skin takes more than 2–3 seconds to flatten again, your cat may be dehydrated.

Older cats or cats that have recently lost weight may have less elastic skin even when they’re adequately hydrated, so this test is only a guide.

When to see a vet: If your cat shows any of the signs above, vomits, has diarrhea, or suddenly drinks an unusually large amount, take them to a vet promptly. True dehydration can’t be treated at home, and a sudden increase in drinking can also signal kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

7 ways to help your cat drink more water

The tips below are based on recommendations from VCA and Cornell. Every cat has their own preferences, so try a few tips at once.

1. Feed your cat more wet food

Wet food contains up to 80% water and is the easiest way to increase your cat’s water intake without forcing them to drink. If your cat only eats dry food, try mixing in a little water and gradually increase the amount.

2. Use a water fountain for running water

Many cats prefer running water to still water. A water fountain keeps water moving and cleaner. Not every cat takes to one right away, so leave the old water bowl beside it for the first few days.

3. Put the water in the right place

Place the water bowl in a quiet spot near where your cat sleeps and away from the litter box. Don’t place it right next to the food bowl.

4. Set up multiple drinking spots around the house

Set up a drinking spot on each floor or in every area where your cat likes to spend time. This is especially important in multi-cat households, since a dominant cat may keep a timid cat away from the water bowl.

5. Choose the right bowl

Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls are generally preferred over plastic ones. Choose a wide bowl and keep it full so your cat’s whiskers don’t touch the sides.

6. Keep the water fresh

Wash the bowl and change the water daily. Some cats prefer cool water, while others prefer room-temperature water, so try both.

7. Add flavor to the water

Add about 1 teaspoon of low-sodium, unseasoned chicken broth to the water bowl. Don’t use broth containing onion or garlic, as these are toxic to cats. Change and wash the flavored water bowl daily; don’t add broth to a water fountain.

[Chèn ảnh: mèo uống nước từ máy lọc Petone đặt trong phòng khách]

Which water fountain should you choose for a cat that doesn't drink much?

For cats that don't drink much, choose a quiet fountain with a stainless steel bowl that's easy to clean. Here are the four Petone fountains currently sold at Xmart:

See the full comparison in Comparing Petone W2, W8, W11, and PWL-012 Cat Water Fountains. [Add link to article 1 after publication]

Frequently asked questions

Is it a problem if my cat doesn't drink water all day? If your cat eats wet food, is still eating and playing, and uses the litter box normally, they may be getting enough water from their food. If your cat only eats dry food, or seems tired, stops eating, or urinates less, take them to the vet.

Does my cat still need to drink water if they eat wet food? Clean water should always be available, but cats that eat wet food drink less than cats that eat dry food. That's normal.

Will a water fountain definitely help my cat drink more? Not for every cat. Many cats like flowing water, but each cat has its own preferences. It's best to combine it with other methods, such as feeding wet food and providing multiple drinking spots.

Is it a problem if my cat suddenly drinks a lot of water? It could be a sign of an illness such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. If your cat suddenly drinks much more than usual, take them to the vet.

Conclusion

Getting your cat to drink enough water isn't difficult: add wet food, place fresh water in several spots away from the litter box, and try a flowing water fountain. Check water intake and the litter box each week to catch anything unusual early.

View Petone water fountains in the Xmart water fountain collection. Enter code XMART10 for 10% off your first order. For help choosing a fountain, call our hotline at 0903 898 478 (Ho Chi Minh City) or 0704 471 438 (Hanoi).

This article is for reference only and does not replace a diagnosis by a veterinarian.

Sources

• Cornell Feline Health Center — Hydration
• VCA Animal Hospitals — How to get your cat to drink more water
• Hill's Pet — Signs of dehydration in cats
• Price and specifications: Xmart product page, October 22, 2026