04/07/2026
💧🐱 It’s Pet Hydration Awareness Month! 🐱💧
Did you know that cats are notoriously poor drinkers? Unlike dogs, cats have a naturally low thirst drive because their wild ancestors got most of their moisture from prey. As a result, many domestic cats don’t drink enough, which can increase the risk of dehydration, urinary tract issues, bladder stones and kidney disease.
Here are some simple ways to help keep your cat better hydrated:
💦 Offer multiple drinking options (and see what they prefer)
Many cats instinctively prefer running, fresh water, so it’s worth experimenting to find what encourages your cat to drink more. Try offering:
◾A cat water fountain for continuous fresh, flowing water
◾Several water bowls placed around the home
◾Different materials such as stainless steel or ceramic instead of plastic
◾A glass of water (some cats surprisingly prefer this!)
◾Even supervised access to a dripping tap
Every cat is different, so exploring their preferences can make a big difference to their daily intake.
🥣 Feed wet food
Wet food contains around 70–80% moisture, making it a great way to naturally boost hydration.
💧 Add extra water to wet food
You can also mix in a little extra water with their wet food to increase moisture intake further—many cats won’t even notice the difference.
🧊 Add a little variety
Some cats enjoy licking ice cubes or playing with floating ice in their water during warmer weather.
🍗 Tempt fussy drinkers
A small amount of tuna water (from tuna in spring water) or low-salt chicken broth can occasionally help encourage drinking.
🧼 Keep everything fresh
Refresh water daily and clean bowls regularly to keep them appealing.
📊 Did you know?
🐾 Cats typically need around 40–60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day (from food and drinking combined).
🐾 Chronic kidney disease affects a significant proportion of older cats, making hydration especially important as they age.
🐾 Urinary tract problems remain one of the most common veterinary issues in cats.
⚠️ Watch for signs of dehydration, including lethargy, dry or sticky gums, reduced appetite, sunken eyes or decreased urination. If you’re concerned, always seek veterinary advice.
Small changes can make a big difference to your cat’s health and comfort. ❤️🐈
💬 What does your cat prefer — fountain, bowl, tap, or something else entirely?