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Not Drinking Enough? How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink (Even in Summer)

ByDiana

Many cat owners know the problem: the water bowl remains untouched in the corner, while the cat prefers to drink from a dripping faucet or curiously inspects the water in your watering can. Since cats are naturally desert animals, they have a very weak sense of thirst. However, especially in summer when temperatures rise, adequate fluid intake becomes vital to prevent kidney problems.

Here are the best strategies to encourage your feline friend to drink more.

Why do cats drink so little?

In the wild, cats obtain most of their fluid requirements from their prey. Since dry food contains very little moisture, a fluid deficit can quickly occur if you only feed dry food. So, if your cat isn’t drinking much, it’s often not out of stubbornness, but a result of their genetic heritage.

5 Tips: Incorporating More Water into Your Cat’s Daily Routine

1. The Right Location is Key

Cats are picky. If the water bowl is placed directly next to the food bowl, they often ignore it—in the wild, water near prey remnants could be contaminated.

  • Tip: Place multiple water stations throughout your home, spread across different rooms and preferably far away from their feeding area.

2. Movement in the Water: The Drinking Fountain

Many cats prefer running water over stagnant water in a bowl. A pet water fountain can work wonders. The bubbling sound and the constant movement of the water make it more interesting for the cat and also ensure better water quality due to built-in filters.

3. The “Secret” of the Bowl

Not all bowls are created equal. Many cats dislike it when their whiskers touch the edge of the bowl (known as “whisker stress”).

  • Tip: Offer wide, shallow bowls made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Plastic bowls can retain odors that may deter cats.

4. “Enhance” the Water

If your cat absolutely refuses to drink, you can try to improve the flavor:

  • A small splash of lactose-free milk (only a little!).
  • The juice from a can of tuna (in water, not oil or brine).
  • A few drops of unseasoned chicken broth.

5. The Wet Food Hack

The easiest way to get more fluid into your cat is through their diet.

  • The Hack: Mix an extra tablespoon of warm water into their wet food. This creates a “soup” that most cats are very happy to lap up.

Special Precautions for Summer

Cats do not sweat like humans. They regulate their body temperature by panting or grooming their fur, which allows saliva to evaporate on their skin. Support is particularly important during hot weather:

  • Ice Toys: If your cat enjoys it, you can add an ice cube (perhaps with a small treat frozen inside) to their bowl. Playing with the floating ice cube encourages them to drink.
  • Cool Spots: Ensure your cat always has access to cool, shaded areas so they don’t expend unnecessary energy, which would otherwise increase their need for water.

Important Note: If you notice your cat is suddenly drinking or eating significantly less, is acting lethargic, or is panting heavily during summer heat, please consult a veterinarian immediately. Dehydration can become dangerous for cats very quickly.

Conclusion: With a little patience and a few small changes to their environment, you can motivate your cat to drink regularly. Experiment a little—every cat has its own preference when it comes to their personal “water bar”!

How do you encourage your cat to drink more? Let us know your tips in the comments!

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to keeping your cat hydrated?

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