Access to fresh, clean water is essential to a cat’s long-term health. But some cats just don’t seem to like water, and others drink it from anywhere (toilet bowls, muddy puddles, shower bases, paddling pools, glasses of water – you name it!) except their freshly topped-up water bowl. This makes it difficult to monitor their H2O intake.
Keeping your cat hydrated during the warmer months can feel challenging, but it's not impossible if you understand your cat’s behaviour and motivations.
Why are cats so weird about water?
What appears like strange behaviour to humans actually relates to your cat’s ancestry. Domestic cats evolved from desert-dwelling wildcats, so they’ve naturally adapted to get most of their moisture from food and lack the instinct to drink often. This means they can survive on less water than dogs.
Evolution is also the reason for the feline fascination with running water from a tap, shower or fountain. In nature, standing water is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. If your cat likes to drink from a flowing tap, it’s because of an instinctive preference for cooler, fresher, and safer water.
This also explains why a cat would trust a post-downpour puddle or recently filled glass of water, or even a freshly flushed loo!
Tips to get your cat to drink more water
When it comes to a general lack of interest in drinking water, we have some tips to encourage your cat to drink more.
Choose a whisker-friendly water bowl
Cats prefer wide, shallow bowls to prevent whisker fatigue (sensory overload from whiskers repeatedly touching surfaces). Some cats also dislike the smell and taste of plastic, which can easily crack and trap bacteria and odours. Ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls might be better.
Keep the water fresh and well located
Refresh the water once or twice a day, as it can quickly accumulate dust and debris, such as hair and food particles. Wash the bowl daily to remove bacteria and biofilm, and put it in a quiet, low-traffic area away from your cat’s food and litter box.
Do you have more than one cat? Then it’s worth having a few bowls dotted around as they can get dirty quickly or knocked, spilling their contents. Cats might also be tempted to drink more if they encounter water frequently throughout their environment.
Use a cat water fountain
Cats love the sight and sound of flowing water, so a water fountain bowl can encourage more drinking. Fountains mimic natural streams by continuously circulating water and keeping it fresh, which appeals to all your cat's senses. If your cat is picky about tap water because the taste of chemicals bothers them, choose a pet fountain with a water filter to make it taste as natural as the puddles they love to drink from!
Experiment with flavours and temperature
If water is a bit too boring for your cat’s discerning taste buds, why not add a splash of tuna juice (only spring water-based, not brine) to tempt them? It’s like the cat version of diluted cordial or squash! You could even add a tiny amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth. On hot days, freeze it and drop an ice cube in the bowl to pique your kitty’s curiosity.
Opt for a wet food diet
Cats on a wet food diet already have an advantage because each pouch or tin contains around 70–80% moisture. It’s worth noting that not all wet foods are created equal – many pet food brands use unnecessary additives, colours and thickeners in their products. We don’t agree with adding all that nonsense to cat food. Our wet food is hand-packed into cans and gently steamed in its natural broth. All Thrive dry and wet foods are complete, meaning they have all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and moisture your pet needs for a balanced and hydrating diet.
What are the signs of dehydration in a cat?
While the tips outlined above can help ensure your cat gets enough water during the summer, be aware that certain medical conditions can also cause dehydration.
Here are some signs your cat is dehydrated:
● Lethargy and weakness
● Panting
● Dry and sticky gums
● Sunken eyes
● Lack of appetite and refusal to eat
● Decreased urination
Dehydration is dangerous for cats if left untreated. Take your cat to a veterinarian if you suspect any kind of medical cause, but NEVER try to force feed a cat or give it fluids without consulting your vet.
Feline fine and hydrated!
Cats can be quirky, wonderful creatures. As much as evolution plays a part in their water intake, each has its unique tastes and behaviours, which aren’t always predictable! So as their chief human, you might have to spend some time figuring out your cat’s personal preferences.
If your cat could benefit from a premium wet food diet, check out Thrive’s complete wet food selection.
by Zahra Pettican
