If you’ve ever watched your cat carefully sniff their water bowl, stare at it suspiciously, and then walk away like it personally offended them… you’re not alone. Cats can be notoriously picky about drinking water, but staying hydrated is incredibly important for their health. From supporting kidney function to helping prevent urinary issues, proper hydration keeps your feline friend feeling their best. The good news? There are plenty of easy (and surprisingly fun) ways to encourage your cat to drink more water. Let’s dive in. Why Hydration Matters for Cats Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. Their wild ancestors got most of their hydration from prey, which is naturally moisture-rich. Modern house cats, especially those eating dry kibble, may not get enough water unless we help them out a bit. Good hydration helps support: Healthy kidneys Proper digestion Urinary tract health Energy and overall wellness Even mild dehydration over time can lead to health problems, so helping your cat drink more is one of the easiest ways to support long-term health. 1. Try a Cat Water Fountain Many cats prefer running water over still water. In the wild, moving water is usually fresher and safer, so that instinct still sticks with our indoor kitties. A cat water fountain can make drinking more appealing by: Circulating fresh water Filtering out debris Creating movement that attracts curious cats Plus, some cats simply enjoy playing with the flowing water before taking a drink. We recommend the Pet Libro Stainless Steel fountain. 2. Add Moisture to Their Meals One of the easiest ways to boost hydration is through food. Consider: Adding wet food to their diet Mixing a tablespoon of water or unsalted bone broth into meals Topping food with a little extra moisture Many cats don’t even notice the extra water mixed into their food — but their bodies definitely benefit from it. 3. Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House (and One Outside for Adventures!) Cats can be surprisingly particular about where they drink. Sometimes the trick to better hydration is simply making water easy to access. Try placing water bowls in several spots around your home, such as: Near their favorite nap spots In quiet corners On different floors of your house Having multiple water stations encourages your cat to take small sips throughout the day — which is actually how many cats naturally hydrate. Don’t Forget Water During Outdoor Time If your cat enjoys supervised outdoor adventures, hydration matters there too! Many indoor cats are now exploring the world safely with harnesses like those in the Lucy & Co. Cat Harness Collection. 4. Choose the Right Bowl Believe it or not, the type of bowl matters. Some cats dislike bowls that: Touch their whiskers Reflect their face Hold odors Try experimenting with: Wide, shallow bowls Ceramic or stainless steel dishes Glass bowls Avoid plastic when possible, as it can retain smells and bacteria. 5. Keep Water Fresh (Cats Are Tiny Critics) If your cat had a Yelp account, they would absolutely leave reviews about their water quality. Refresh water daily, rinse bowls often, and keep them away from litter boxes and food bowls. Many cats prefer their water source separate from their eating area. 6. Add a Little Flavor For especially stubborn drinkers, adding a small amount of flavor can help. You can try: A splash of tuna water (from tuna packed in water) Unsalted chicken broth Cat-safe hydration supplements Just be sure to avoid added salt, garlic, or onion. Signs Your Cat Might Need More Water It’s helpful to know what dehydration might look like. Signs can include: Dry gums Lethargy Reduced appetite Less frequent urination Sunken eyes If you ever suspect dehydration, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian. The Bottom Line Encouraging your cat to drink more water doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes — like a fountain, fresher bowls, or adding moisture to meals — can make a big difference. Every cat has their own quirky preferences, so a little experimentation goes a long way. Once you find what works, your cat will stay happy, hydrated, and ready for their next nap in the sun. And honestly? Watching a cat discover their new favorite water spot is pretty satisfying.
If you’ve ever watched your cat carefully sniff their water bowl, stare at it suspiciously, and then walk away like it personally offended them… you’re not alone. Cats can be notoriously picky about drinking water, but staying hydrated is incredibly important for their health. From supporting kidney function to helping prevent urinary issues, proper hydration keeps your feline friend feeling their best. The good news? There are plenty of easy (and surprisingly fun) ways to encourage your cat to drink more water. Let’s dive in. Why Hydration Matters for Cats Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. Their wild ancestors got most of their hydration from prey, which is naturally moisture-rich. Modern house cats, especially those eating dry kibble, may not get enough water unless we help them out a bit. Good hydration helps support: Healthy kidneys Proper digestion Urinary tract health Energy and overall wellness Even mild dehydration over time can lead to health problems, so helping your cat drink more is one of the easiest ways to support long-term health. 1. Try a Cat Water Fountain Many cats prefer running water over still water. In the wild, moving water is usually fresher and safer, so that instinct still sticks with our indoor kitties. A cat water fountain can make drinking more appealing by: Circulating fresh water Filtering out debris Creating movement that attracts curious cats Plus, some cats simply enjoy playing with the flowing water before taking a drink. We recommend the Pet Libro Stainless Steel fountain. 2. Add Moisture to Their Meals One of the easiest ways to boost hydration is through food. Consider: Adding wet food to their diet Mixing a tablespoon of water or unsalted bone broth into meals Topping food with a little extra moisture Many cats don’t even notice the extra water mixed into their food — but their bodies definitely benefit from it. 3. Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House (and One Outside for Adventures!) Cats can be surprisingly particular about where they drink. Sometimes the trick to better hydration is simply making water easy to access. Try placing water bowls in several spots around your home, such as: Near their favorite nap spots In quiet corners On different floors of your house Having multiple water stations encourages your cat to take small sips throughout the day — which is actually how many cats naturally hydrate. Don’t Forget Water During Outdoor Time If your cat enjoys supervised outdoor adventures, hydration matters there too! Many indoor cats are now exploring the world safely with harnesses like those in the Lucy & Co. Cat Harness Collection. 4. Choose the Right Bowl Believe it or not, the type of bowl matters. Some cats dislike bowls that: Touch their whiskers Reflect their face Hold odors Try experimenting with: Wide, shallow bowls Ceramic or stainless steel dishes Glass bowls Avoid plastic when possible, as it can retain smells and bacteria. 5. Keep Water Fresh (Cats Are Tiny Critics) If your cat had a Yelp account, they would absolutely leave reviews about their water quality. Refresh water daily, rinse bowls often, and keep them away from litter boxes and food bowls. Many cats prefer their water source separate from their eating area. 6. Add a Little Flavor For especially stubborn drinkers, adding a small amount of flavor can help. You can try: A splash of tuna water (from tuna packed in water) Unsalted chicken broth Cat-safe hydration supplements Just be sure to avoid added salt, garlic, or onion. Signs Your Cat Might Need More Water It’s helpful to know what dehydration might look like. Signs can include: Dry gums Lethargy Reduced appetite Less frequent urination Sunken eyes If you ever suspect dehydration, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian. The Bottom Line Encouraging your cat to drink more water doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes — like a fountain, fresher bowls, or adding moisture to meals — can make a big difference. Every cat has their own quirky preferences, so a little experimentation goes a long way. Once you find what works, your cat will stay happy, hydrated, and ready for their next nap in the sun. And honestly? Watching a cat discover their new favorite water spot is pretty satisfying.
