Why Your Cat Won't Drink Water (and 6 Easy Fixes)
A quick, practical guide for cat owners. If your cat seems unwell, always check with your vet first.
Why many cats don't drink enough
Cats descend from desert animals that got most of their water from food, so many cats simply don't feel very thirsty. Plenty of cats are also picky about how water is served. Still water that has been sitting out, a bowl placed right next to the food or whiskers brushing the sides of a narrow bowl can all put them off.
Signs your cat might not be drinking enough
- The water bowl level barely changes from day to day
- Small or infrequent clumps in the litter box
- Your cat mostly eats dry food
Any sudden change in drinking or litter habits is worth a call to your vet.
6 easy ways to help your cat drink more
- Try moving water. Many cats prefer running water and will drink more from a fountain than from a still bowl.
- Move water away from food. Put water bowls in a different spot from the food bowl and the litter box.
- Use wide, shallow bowls so whiskers don't touch the sides.
- Offer more than one station, for example one per floor.
- Keep it fresh. Refill daily and clean bowls and fountains regularly.
- Add wet food to their diet if your vet agrees.
Our picks
Our cordless fountains keep water moving without a cable across the floor. One of them ships from our US warehouse in 3–7 business days.
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