Getting Your Cat to Drink More Water: Bowls and Placement That Help

In this guide

Cats descend from desert dwelling ancestors, which means their instinct to drink water is naturally weak. This is one reason urinary and kidney problems are so common in the breed generally. The good news is that small changes to how and where you offer water can make a noticeable difference.

Why the bowl itself matters

A surprising number of cats avoid drinking simply because of the bowl. Deep, narrow bowls force a cat's whiskers to press against the sides, which causes a real discomfort known as whisker fatigue. Wide, shallow bowls in ceramic or stainless steel are usually the most comfortable, since they let a cat drink without its whiskers touching the edges. Plastic bowls are best avoided too, as they can harbour bacteria and have been linked to chin acne in some cats.

Still water versus a fountain

Many cats are drawn to moving water, which is why pet water fountains have become popular with cat owners in Indian cities over the past few years. The gentle circulation seems to make water more appealing and also keeps it aerated and fresher for longer. If a fountain is not practical, simply leaving a tap dripping slightly for a few minutes a day, under supervision, can achieve a similar effect for water loving cats.

Placement and number of bowls

• Keep water bowls well away from the litter tray and food bowl, since cats instinctively avoid drinking near where they eat or toilet in the wild
• Offer more than one water station in a multi room home so water is always within easy reach
• Refresh the water at least once a day, twice in hot weather, and wash bowls regularly
• In multi cat households, some cats prefer their own bowl rather than sharing

A note on Indian tap water

Tap water in many Indian cities is quite hard, with a strong mineral or chlorine taste that can put some cats off drinking. If your cat seems to avoid tap water, try offering filtered or RO water instead and see if intake improves. In peak summer, add one or two extra water stations around the home, since a cat's water needs rise noticeably in the heat.

Other ways to boost hydration

Feeding some wet food alongside dry kibble is one of the simplest ways to increase overall water intake, since wet food is around seventy to eighty per cent moisture. A few drops of plain tuna water or a low sodium chicken broth can also tempt a reluctant drinker, used occasionally rather than as a daily habit.

Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.