What Should I Do If My Cat Won't Drink Water?

Most cats tend to stick to their past habits, so they often don’t drink water proactively. With many owners feeding dry kibble, which contains less than 10% moisture, cats can be at risk of dehydration if they aren't encouraged to drink water. Long-term dehydration can lead to increased kidney strain and illness, with chronic kidney failure, urinary tract infections, and urinary stones being the most common issues. 

To help all the cat owners out there, Arf Arf has gathered some great methods shared by enthusiastic cat lovers online for your reference!

Provide Fresh, Clean Water
Cats are sensitive to odors, so if the water isn’t clean, they won’t drink it. It’s recommended to change the water at least three times a day and keep the water container clean!

Follow the Flowing Water
Like wild animals, cats prefer drinking flowing water. Consider buying a commercial cat water fountain or DIY a fountain using an aquarium pump to attract their attention.

Change the Water Container
Some cats enjoy sneaking sips from human cups. If that’s the case, use their favorite container! Occasionally changing the container can keep their interest in drinking water fresh.

Place Water Bowls Everywhere
Put water bowls in areas where your cat frequently walks to increase accessibility. Cats can be forgetful and stubborn, so having multiple bowls around the house makes it easier for them to drink.

Add Water to Canned Food
Adding water to canned food is reportedly one of the most accepted methods by cats. Mixing in treats or soaking kibble, or even making unsalted chicken or fish broth can be very effective for picky eaters. If your cat doesn’t like soaked food, you might need to try other methods.

Switch to Wet Food
If your cat refuses soaked food, consider switching to wet food. Canned cat food contains about 70-80% moisture, which means a 100g can has 70-80cc of water. If you’re concerned about preservatives in canned food, homemade fresh food is also a good option, but remember to vary the ingredients to avoid nutritional imbalances!

Add Catnip or Silver Vine to Water
Silver vine can help relieve stress and stimulate appetite in cats. Adding a bit of silver vine to their water can definitely encourage your cat to drink more!