Last Updated: 26/09/2025
How to Increase Your Cats Water intake
Interested in learning how to get your cat to drink more water? Read our tips from our vet team on how to increase fluid intake in your cat.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
Keeping your cat well hydrated helps to support kidney function and maintain bladder health. Whether your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, a lower urinary tract disease, or you just want to keep them in tip-top shape, there are some things you can do to encourage your feline friend to drink more.
Feed wet food
One of the easiest ways to increase your cat's water intake is to feed wet foods from cans or pouches. The water content of commercially prepared wet foods can be upwards of 60% to 80%. While this makes them a less cost effective way to feed your pet, it does mean that your cat is consuming a lot more water without much effort on your part. You can boost the moisture content of these foods even more by mixing in water prior to feeding.
Provide running water
Have you ever wondered why you cat likes to drink out of the tap or shower head? Interestingly many cats have a preference for drinking running water. Rather than leave the tap running all day, a better option is a water fountain. As well as using a pump to keep the water moving through, these fountains also contain a replaceable filter to keep it nice and fresh.
Offer flavoured water
Another way to make the water more appealing for your cat is to add flavour. In addition to their normal fresh water bowl, try offering them some broth to drink, add some flavoured ice cubes, or a small amount of lactose free milk to another bowl of water. These products should only be given occasionally as treats and should not replace a complete and balanced diet.
Not all water bowls are made equal
Cats can have strong preference about the size, shape and material of their water bowl. Offer your fussy feline a few different options to see what they like best, whether it's ceramic, glass, steel or plastic. It's also important to have bowls in a few locations around the house, especially for older cats with reduced mobility. If your cat knows that the water bowl is close by, he or she is much more likely to get up from that comfy spot for a quick drink.
For more information on the types of bowls available, take a look at Which Pet Food and Water Bowls are Best?
Your cat's personal preference will ultimately decide the best water bowl for them. Stainless steel bowls are easy to keep clean and disinfect, whereas ceramic bowls are sturdier. Plastic bowls are generally more cost effective and durable.
Top products to improve your cats hydration
Adjusting the food you feed your cat and providing some enticing drinking opportunities helps to get them drinking more. Although beneficial for all our feline friends, maintaining hydration is especially important for cats with kidney or bladder problems.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon Apr 13 2020
Written by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
