Just like humans, about two-thirds of a cat’s body is made up of water. Cats need a healthy amount of water to survive and to maintain their health. When living in the wild, they obtain water from the moisture content in their food. This includes prey like insects, birds, and rodents, which also contain a high water content. Your domestic cat has a very different diet, and gets her water delivered in a bowl or through wet food.
Dehydration
Because cats can concentrate their urine, they can survive on smaller quantities of water than other animals. But they also have a low thirst drive, which means that they don’t feel the need to drink water very often. If your cat is dehydrated, you may not know it until she develops a problem. Dehydration can lead to cat bladder problems and urinary diseases, including kidney disease and feline lower urinary tract disease. Other common conditions from dehydration are bladder inflammation (cystitis), tumors, ruptured bladder, and stones. Bladder stones can lead to life-threatening urethral blockages, particularly in male cats.
There are a few ways you can tell if your cat is dehydrated. One of the best tests is to pinch your cat’s skin and gently pull upward. If her skin does not return to its normal position quickly, she is probably dehydrated. Also pay attention to signs of panting, depression, lack of appetite, sunken eyes, dry mouth, increased lethargy, and increased heart rate.
Tasty Tips
Encouraging your cat to drink water
The amount of water your cat needs to drink varies depending on her size, activity level, health, and diet, but ranges from 5 to 10 fluid ounces per day. If you have trouble trying to get your cat to drink water, there are a few ways to encourage her.
Location is essential. Put a few water bowls around the house, in areas with low foot traffic. Water bowls should also not be placed anywhere near her litter box. This could make her uncomfortable and cause her to stop eating, drinking, and using her litter box. She may not even like having her food and water bowls near each other.
Some cats are really particular about drinking water. Your cat may like cold water better, so drop a couple ice cubes in the bowl. On the other hand, she may not even like her bowl. If she has a tendency to tip it over, switch to a wider one with a rubber base. She may not like the taste of her water either, so if you have a plastic bowl, you may want to switch it to a metal, ceramic, or glass bowl. You should also replace your cat’s water daily in an effort to keep the water from tasting stale.
Even pickier cats won’t use a bowl at all, and would rather drink straight from your tap. In the wild, cats will usually only drink moving water, as they have learned that this helps prevent them from getting sick. So, if you see your continually tipping over her water dish and drinking the water as it spills across the floor, she’s probably not doing this to spite you, but rather she’s more comfortable drinking moving water. There are a number of ways to provide your cat with moving water without all the cleanup of a spilled water bowl. Consider motion-censored cat water fountains that constantly circulate the water, or allow her to drink from the tap or a running bath faucet–just remember to keep the water at a cool temperature.
You can also add more moisture to your cat’s diet. Canned food has a much higher moisture content than dry food. We recommend Science Diet® Cat Food for delectable varieties of canned food for your cat’s tastes. If she prefers dry food, you can try adding water to her kibble. If you add a small amount of water gradually through meals, she’s more likely to get used to the texture. A combination of dry food and canned food is also an option.
Whichever method you choose, it is important to encourage your cat to drink water. While many may think milk is a good substitute, it is only a myth, and can even cause digestive problems with your cat. Getting your cat to drink water is just as important as feeding her a proper nutrition. If you think that your cat might be dehydrated, talk to your veterinarian.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Related articles
How to Make DIY Cat Shelves
Creating DIY cat shelves gives your cat a place to play and relax that isn't your dining table! Here's how to make them attractive and functional.
Is My Cat Pregnant? How to Tell & Tips for Care
Learn how to spot common signs that your cat might be pregnant, as well as care and nutrition tips for her if you find out she is expecting.
My Cat Ate Marijuana: Is It Toxic for Them?
If your cat ate marijuana, learn what steps you should take. Learn how weed & THC can affect cats, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), which causes lower urinary tract problems in cats, including risk factors, symptoms & treatment options.
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Understanding Your Overweight Cat
If you have an overweight cat, learn how this condition can affect your cat's health and tips for choosing the best cat food for weight loss.
Spotting and Treating Acne in Cats
Acne in Cats: Common Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Cat Travel Checklist: All the Things You Need
Going on vacation? Use this cat travel checklist to make sure you've got all her important supplies, such as food, toys & her vet info, for your trip.
What's Behind My Cat's Weird Behaviors?
Learn about the most unique & mystifying cat traits, as well as their meanings. From kneading to hiding, they make us appreciate being cat parents.
How to Put On a Cat Harness
Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Anemia in Cats: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
If you're concerned that your cat might be anemic, read on to learn more about what causes anemia in cats — and how to prevent it.
Top Cat Pet Peeves: What Cats Hate
Just like humans, cats have pet peeves that drive them crazy. Learn common things your cat probably hates and how you can make her feel more comfortable.
Is Daycare Right for Your Cat?
Learn all you need to know about daycare for cats, from how to choose a facility to tips for helping your cat feel comfortable at their daytime home.
Joint Issues and Hip Dysplasia in Cats
What is feline hip dysplasia? Learn all about joint diseases and hip dysplasia in cats, including possible causes and how to help your cat feel better.
Liver Disease in Your Cat: Causes, Signs & Symptoms
Spotting the warning signs of liver disease in cats is critical. Learn more about the symptoms and what you can do to help prevent liver issues.
Why Is My Cat Limping?
Understand reasons why your cat might be limping, from joint problems to excessive jumping, as well as when you should be concerned and how you can help.
Explaining Your Cat's Greeting
Learn about the different types of greetings cats can show you, such as head butting or slow blinking, and how to interpret each of her signals.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.