If you've ever watched your cat walk straight past a full water bowl, you're not alone. Cats are famously light drinkers, and plenty of owners worry their cat isn't drinking enough. The good news: a few small changes to where, how and what you offer can make water a lot more appealing.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your cat's health, your vet is always the right first call.
Why cats don't drink much
Domestic cats descend from desert-dwelling wildcats that got most of their moisture from prey. As a result, many cats have a relatively low thirst drive and don't seek out water the way dogs do. Cats eating mostly dry food tend to need to drink more from the bowl, because kibble contains very little moisture, while wet food is mostly water.
Cats can also be particular. A bowl that sits next to the litter tray, smells of plastic or dish soap, or is so narrow that their whiskers brush the sides can be enough to put some cats off.
How much water does a cat need?
A common rule of thumb is roughly 50 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, which works out at about 7–9 oz (200–270 ml) for a typical 10 lb cat. That total includes the moisture in their food, so a cat eating mostly wet food will drink noticeably less from the bowl, and that's normal.
Every cat is different, so treat this as a ballpark rather than a target. What matters most is change: if your cat suddenly starts drinking a lot more or a lot less than usual, or you notice changes in the litter tray, book a vet visit. Changes in thirst can be an early sign of a health problem worth checking.
9 gentle ways to help your cat drink more
1. Move the water away from the food
Many cats prefer their water away from where they eat. In the wild, water near food could be contaminated, and some cats seem to keep that instinct. Try a water bowl in a different spot from the food bowl, even just a few feet away.
2. Keep it well away from the litter tray
Nobody wants to drink next to the toilet, cats included. Keep water stations in a separate area entirely.
3. Try a wide, shallow bowl
Lots of cats prefer a wide, shallow dish where their whiskers don't brush the sides and they can see around them while they drink. Fill it close to the brim so they don't have to dip their head deep inside.
4. Add more water stations
One bowl in the kitchen is easy to ignore. Two or three stations around the home (a quiet bedroom corner, the living room, a landing) make it more likely your cat takes a sip as they pass. This helps a lot in multi-cat homes, where one cat may guard a resource.
5. Refresh the water every day
Water that's been sitting out collects dust, hair and a slimy film on the bowl. Rinse and refill at least once a day and wash bowls regularly with unscented soap, rinsing well; some cats dislike soap or fragrance residue.
6. Offer moving water
Many cats are drawn to running water. It's why some cats beg at the bathroom tap. A pet water fountain keeps water circulating so there's always a fresh, gently bubbling spout to investigate. Not every cat takes to a fountain, but for the ones who do, it can turn drinking into something they seek out rather than something they ignore.
7. Add moisture to meals
If your cat eats dry food, consider adding some wet food to their diet, or stirring a spoonful of water into wet food. Check with your vet before making big diet changes, especially for cats with existing health conditions.
8. Experiment with bowl materials
Ceramic, glass and stainless steel are easy to keep clean and don't hold odours the way some plastics can. If your cat ignores one bowl, a different material is a cheap experiment.
9. Make water a little more interesting
A couple of ice cubes on a warm day, or a dedicated "treat" bowl with a splash of plain, low-sodium broth (with no onion or garlic, both toxic to cats), can spark curiosity. Keep a bowl of plain fresh water available too.
How to introduce a water fountain
- Place it beside the old bowl rather than replacing it straight away. Let your cat choose.
- Start it unplugged if your cat is nervous of new things, then switch it on after a day or two once they've sniffed around it.
- Keep it quiet and clean. A pump that hums or rattles usually means the water is low or there's hair in the pump. See our guide on how to clean a pet water fountain.
- Give it a week. Some cats switch over on day one; others take their time.
When to call the vet
Please don't rely on bowl tricks if your cat seems unwell. Contact your vet promptly if you notice a sudden change in how much your cat drinks, much larger or smaller clumps in the litter tray, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or dry, tacky gums.
Quick FAQ
Do cats prefer fountains?
Many do, because moving water is naturally appealing to them, but it varies by cat. Keeping a regular bowl available as well means your cat always has a choice.
Is tap water OK for cats?
In most homes, the same tap water you'd drink is fine for your cat. If you use filtered water for yourself, you can use it for them too.
How often should I change the water?
Rinse and refill bowls daily. With a fountain, top up as needed, fully change the water every few days and give it a proper clean about once a week.
The short version
Separate water from food and litter, offer a few wide bowls around the home, keep everything fresh, and consider moving water. Small changes, consistently, are what make the difference.
If you'd like to try a fountain, our Quiet USB Pet Water Fountain holds 2 litres, filters as it circulates and is quiet enough for a bedroom. It also comes in the Hydration Starter Set with a puzzle lick mat.