Cats can be surprisingly particular about where and how they drink. One cat may ignore a bowl beside the food and immediately drink from a glass on the other side of the room; another may prefer running water from a fountain.
The goal is not to force a fixed number of millilitres. It is to make clean water easy and appealing while noticing any meaningful change from what is normal for your cat.
Why hydration matters
Water supports circulation, digestion, temperature regulation and normal urinary function. Cats eating mainly wet food often obtain a substantial amount of fluid from their meals, while cats eating dry food generally need to drink more.
Cats Protection advises that cats should have constant access to clean, fresh water and notes that individual intake varies with diet, age, size and health.
1. Offer more than one water station
Place water in several quiet areas so your cat does not need to travel far or pass another animal to drink. This is particularly useful in multi-cat homes and for older cats with reduced mobility.
2. Move water away from food and litter trays
Many cats prefer water positioned away from both feeding areas and toileting areas. Try a separate location rather than assuming the traditional food-and-water pair is best.
3. Try a wide bowl
Some cats prefer a wide, shallow bowl that does not press against the whiskers. Ceramic, glass and metal are often easier to keep fresh than scratched plastic.
4. Consider moving water
A fountain can encourage cats that are attracted to taps or running water. Keep the fountain clean, replace filters as recommended and continue to provide an ordinary bowl as a backup.
5. Use wet food where appropriate
Wet cat food contains much more water than dry food. If your cat can eat wet food, including it in the diet can increase total fluid intake. Make dietary changes gradually unless your vet advises otherwise.
6. Refresh water frequently
Wash bowls and refill them with fresh water daily. Some cats are particularly sensitive to stale water, food debris or detergent residue.
7. Make water easy for senior cats
An older cat may drink less simply because the preferred bowl is upstairs or difficult to reach. Place water near favourite resting areas and use non-slip mats if needed.
Our Senior Cat Mobility guide covers other ways to make resources more accessible.
When increased thirst is a warning sign
Suddenly drinking much more than usual can occur with conditions including kidney disease, diabetes and thyroid disease. Drinking less can also be significant if your cat is unwell, nauseous or dehydrated.
Cats Protection recommends veterinary assessment if you notice a clear increase or decrease in normal drinking.
Signs of possible dehydration
Dehydration can accompany vomiting, diarrhoea, heat exposure or illness. Cats Protection lists tacky gums and, in more serious cases, sunken-looking eyes among possible signs. If you are worried that your cat is dehydrated, contact your vet rather than trying to correct a significant fluid deficit with home remedies.
Can cats drink milk?
Adult cats do not need cow’s milk. Many are lactose intolerant, so milk can cause digestive upset. Water should be the normal drink.
Products and hydration
Complementary broths and pet drinks can sometimes encourage fluid intake, but they should not replace free access to plain water. Check salt, calories and ingredients and ensure the product is made for pets.
Browse Cat Wellness for current complementary cat products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should my cat drink each day?
There is no single amount that suits every cat because wet-food intake, body size, activity and health all influence drinking. Changes from your cat’s normal pattern are often more useful than a generic target.
Are cat fountains worth it?
They can help cats that prefer running water, but not every cat likes them. Keep an ordinary clean bowl available too.
Should water be beside the food?
Many cats prefer it in a separate location. Try different positions and see which your cat uses most.
Can I add water to cat food?
Some cats accept a little extra water mixed with wet food, but introduce changes gradually and do not make food so diluted that your cat refuses it.
When should increased drinking worry me?
If your cat is suddenly much thirstier, is urinating more, losing weight or behaving differently, arrange a veterinary check.
Related guides
This guide is general cat-care information and does not replace veterinary advice.