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How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water: Tips Every Cat Parent Needs
As a pet parent, the most important thing you can do is to keep your kitty healthy. However, one question almost every cat parent can relate to is: How do you get your cat to drink more water? Cats are notoriously choosy drinkers, and their instinctively low thirst drive means they can easily become dehydrated, leading to urinary tract problems and kidney issues if not monitored carefully.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to encourage your cat to drink enough water, signs of dehydration, and how supplementing a healthy diet with products like those available through Venttura can help your cat maintain or restore good health.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water by Understanding Feline Behavior
Cats evolved from ancestors that lived in deserts and didn’t depend much on water bowls — they got most of their moisture from their prey. That’s also why your house cat might not instinctively drink as much water as it should.
Being aware of their instincts may help you find clever ways to ensure they drink more water. The trick is to provide your cat with the tools to make hydration enjoyable, convenient, and routine.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water by Choosing the Right Bowl
Believe it or not, your cat’s drinking bowl could be a game-changer
Try these tips:
1) Avoid whisker fatigue by using shallow, wide bowls.
2) Bowls made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel are better than plastic (which can retain odors).
3) Put bowls of water in quiet, low-traffic areas where your cat feels at home.
4) Place water bowls throughout the house
🛒 Bonus Tip: Since you’re upgrading their hydration game, also check out Venttura’s Cat Supplements, such as Omega+ Cat for Cats, to nourish overall well-being, including skin and coat quality.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water with a Water Fountain
Cats love running water—it’s fresh, fun, and instinctively more attractive.
A cat water fountain simulates streams and moving water sources, encouraging your feline to drink more regularly. It also cuts out impurities, which is ideal for finicky sippers.
Look for:
a) Low-noise fountains
b) BPA-free materials
c) Easy-to-clean designs
Most cat parents see a quick increase in water consumption when a fountain comes on the scene!
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water Through Diet Adjustments
Because cats don’t always drink enough, their food can become a potent hydration tool.
Try:
a) Wet food instead of kibble – it is 70-80% moisture compared to 10% in dry food.
b) Add water or bone broth (unsalted and pet-safe) for daily meals.
c) Incorporate immunity, and gut health-supporting supplements, like Venttura’s Immuno+ Cat for Cats.
This approach is especially beneficial for older cats or cats with urinary problems.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water During Summer or Illness
During hot weather or when they’re sick, cats need more hydration. Like us, they dehydrate more quickly in heat or under stress.
What to do:
a) Give them cold water or ice cubes to tempt them on hot days.
b) In summer, wet food is more common.
c) Place bowls in shaded or cooler areas of your house.
d) Supplement extra hydration when your cat is on medications or recuperating from illness.
For recovery, you can also add liver and digestive support supplements like Venttura’s Livo+ Cat as support therapy to help their system bounce back quickly.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water by Making It Fun and Engaging
Cats are instinctively curious and love to be stimulated. Try these tricks:
a) Scoop ice cubes into their bowl—they might swat or lick them out of curiosity.
b) Just add a few pieces of your favorite treats or freeze-dried food on top of the water.
c) Add textured bowls or placements that inspire curiosity.
When water is included during playtime, it begins to form positive associations.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water with These Quick DIY Hydration Boosters
Want tricks to improve hydration at home? Try these DIY hacks:
a) Tuna water ice cubes – Freeze unsalted tuna water for a tasty treat.
b) Diluted goat milk — safe in small amounts and appealing to most cats.
c) Frozen broth with treats — Mix unsalted broth with treats and freeze.
Not only are they fun and nutritious, they also entice the curiosity of cats who shun plain water.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water by Monitoring and Creating a Routine
Cats are creatures of habit. Once they have a hydration routine, it’s second nature.
Track your cat’s water intake by:
a) Measuring the water levels in the bowls each day
b) Keeping an eye out for frequent urination
c) Pay attention to their activity and energy levels
You can also add daily supplements that support hydration and urinary health, such as Venttura’s Livo+ Cat—a palatable liquid suspension that aids in digestion and liver function, both of which are essential for maintaining hydration balance in cats.
Keep water bowls away from food bowls and litter trays
Just as you would not want to drink right next to your toilet, cats aren’t keen on drinking near their litter tray. This comes from their African wildcat ancestors. They would toilet away from their water source to avoid contamination. Keep the two in separate rooms if possible.
Cats also don’t like to drink near to where they eat. This also comes from their African wildcat ancestors. They try to avoid the gut contents of their prey contaminating their water source. Place their food and water bowls in separate locations.
FAQ: How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
1) Why isn’t my cat drinking water?
Cats don’t usually experience thirst until they’re already a bit dehydrated. It could also be due to:
a) Dirty or smelly water bowls
b) Preference for running water
c) Provide a water fountain or flavored broths to stimulate drinking
2) How do I know if my cat is dehydrated?
These are the signs of dehydration in cats:
a) Dry gums
b) Lethargy
c) Sunken eyes
d) Poor skin elasticity (gently pinch their scruff—if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated).
If you suspect severe dehydration, contact your vet immediately.
3) Is there enough water in wet food?
While wet food is a very effective way to add moisture to your cat’s diet, it may not be enough for every cat. For optimal benefits, combine it with available clean water and water-rich treats.
4) Is it a cause for concern if my cat only drinks from the sink?
Not at all! Some cats are attracted to the sound and motion of running water. Just make sure they’re getting enough to drink; if you’re worried about them not being able to do so, consider getting a fountain to simulate that experience more safely and consistently.
5) Can I introduce flavor into my cat’s water?
Yes—but do it safely. You can:
a) Pour some tuna juice (no salt)
b) Use low-sodium broth
Include cat-safe supplements such as Venttura Immuno+ Cat Steer clear of items with garlic, onions, or added salt.
6) How much water a cat should drink a day?
The general water requirement of a healthy cat is 50-60 ml per kg of body weight per day. If your cat’s weight is 4 kg, that means about 200-240 ml a day.
Just remember that cats who eat wet food will naturally drink less water from bowls — and that’s also nothing to worry about.
Conclusion: How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water Starts with You
There’s no need for it to be an uphill struggle to keep your cat hydrated. With some simple modifications — adding wet food to the diet, using a fountain, and adding supplements — you can keep your feline companion healthy, active, and hydrated.
The bedrock of good health is hydration. And when you introduce fun and access into the equation, your cat will reward you handsomely in purrs (and perhaps fewer vet visits!).
For more tips, cute updates & product recommendations that every cat parent will adore, follow us on Instagram @ventturain!
