Ever noticed your cat ignoring a full water bowl, then drinking from the shower, a dripping tap or a glass on your bedside table? You're not imagining it. Cats are famously poor drinkers, and with an Australian summer on the way, it's worth making water as tempting as possible.
Why cats don't drink much
Cats don't have a strong thirst drive. Their wild ancestors got most of their water from their prey, so many cats still expect moisture to come from food, not a bowl. A cat on a mostly wet-food diet will naturally drink less from its bowl than a cat on dry food, and that's normal.
Other common reasons a cat skips the bowl:
- The bowl is in the wrong spot. Many cats don't like drinking right next to their food or litter tray.
- Whisker discomfort. Deep, narrow bowls can brush against sensitive whiskers. Wide, shallow bowls are often preferred.
- Stale or warm water. Water that has sat out all day, especially in summer, is less appealing.
- Competition. In multi-cat homes, one cat may guard the water bowl.
Signs your cat may be dehydrated
Watch for:
- low energy or hiding more than usual
- going off their food
- dry or tacky gums
- sunken-looking eyes
- panting (cats rarely pant, so take it seriously)
- skin on the back of the neck that is slow to fall back after a gentle lift
If you notice any of these, call your vet. Dehydration can become serious quickly, especially in kittens, older cats and in hot weather. A cat that suddenly drinks much less, or much more, than usual should also see a vet, as changes in thirst can be an early sign of health problems such as kidney disease or diabetes.
7 ways to help your cat drink more
1. Add moisture to meals
This is one of the most reliable ways to raise a cat's water intake. Feed some wet food, or add a little water to their meals. If you use broth as a topper, make sure it's plain, unsalted and free from onion and garlic, which are toxic to cats.
2. Put water in several places
Set up two or three water stations around the house, away from food bowls and litter trays. It gives cats more chances to drink and helps in multi-cat homes.
3. Use wide, shallow bowls
Try a wide bowl that doesn't squash your cat's whiskers. A raised bowl can also be more comfortable for older cats. Our tilted ceramic cat bowl and elevated bamboo bowl set are good options, and you can use one bowl just for water.
4. Change the water often
Refresh water at least once a day, more often in hot weather, and wash bowls regularly so there's no slimy film.
5. Try moving water
Some cats are clearly drawn to running water. If your cat is one of them, a fountain can make drinking more appealing (see the honest research below).
6. Keep water cool in summer
Keep water bowls out of direct sun, and on hot days add a few ice cubes or put an extra bowl in the coolest room of the house.
7. Know your cat's normal
Every cat is different. Get a feel for how much your cat usually drinks so you'll notice if something changes.
Do cat water fountains actually work?
Here's what the research says, honestly. Two small studies in healthy cats found that, on average, cats didn't drink significantly more from a fountain than from a normal bowl. In one of them, a few individual cats clearly preferred a particular type of bowl, including one cat that preferred a free-falling fountain.
So a fountain isn't magic, and it won't make every cat drink more. What it does offer:
- Moving, filtered water that some cats find more tempting.
- Fresher water for longer, because it's circulating and filtered rather than sitting still.
- A bigger reservoir, handy if you're out all day.
If your cat drinks from taps or showers, there's a good chance they'll like a fountain. If they're happy with a bowl, there's no need to switch. Just keep it clean and fresh.
If you'd like to try one, our 2.2L water fountain with filter ships from an Australian warehouse. Clean it weekly and replace the filter as the instructions recommend. You'll find more options in our Fresh Water & Feeding collection.
The bottom line
The most reliable ways to keep a cat hydrated are moisture in their food, fresh water in several spots and bowls they're comfortable using. A fountain is worth a try for cats who love running water. And if your cat shows signs of dehydration or their drinking changes suddenly, see your vet.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your cat's health, please talk to your vet.
Sources: Grant DC (2010), Effect of water source on intake and urine concentration in healthy cats, J Feline Med Surg; Quantified water intake in cats from still, free-falling and circulating water bowls, J Feline Med Surg; Hill's Pet – Why your cat isn't drinking water.