11 Simple Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

We all know the struggle. You buy the fancy filtered water, pour it into a pristine ceramic bowl, and set it down with love. Your cat walks over, sniffs it, gives you a look of disdain, and proceeds to drink from a muddy puddle in the backyard or, worse, the toilet.

It’s frustrating, but it’s actually basic biology. Ancestrally, cats are desert animals. They evolved to get most of their moisture from their prey, so their thirst drive isn't as strong as a dog's or a human's. In the wild, they wouldn't need to stop at a watering hole very often.

However, modern house cats eating dry kibble don't get that natural hydration. This can lead to some scary (and expensive) health issues down the road, like kidney disease or urinary tract blockages.

So, how do you convince a stubborn feline that they actually need to drink? You have to outsmart them. Here are 11 simple, human-tested ways to get your cat to drink more water.

1. Upgrade to a Water Fountain

If you take only one tip from this list, let it be this one. In the wild, standing water is often stagnant and filled with bacteria. Running water, on the other hand, is usually fresh and safe. Your cat’s instincts still tell them this.

Many cats are fascinated by movement. A water fountain keeps the water circulating, oxygenated, and cool. The sound of trickling water can pique their curiosity and trigger their desire to drink. Plus, the filters help remove tastes and odors that might offend their sensitive noses.

2. Separate the Food and Water

This is a classic rookie mistake that almost all of us have made. We tend to put the food bowl and water bowl right next to each other on a cute little mat. It looks organized to us, but to a cat, it’s gross.

In nature, cats don't drink water near where they kill their prey to avoid contamination from the carcass. If the water smells like their kibble, they might view it as tainted. Try moving the water bowl to a completely different corner of the room, or even a different room entirely. You might be surprised by how much more they drink simply because the water isn't next to their dinner.

3. Ban the Plastic Bowls

Plastic is porous. Over time, it develops tiny scratches that you can’t see, but bacteria love to hide in them. These scratches can trap food particles and odors that gentle dish soap won't remove. To a cat with a superpower-level sense of smell, that water bowl smells like a biology experiment.

Plastic can also cause feline chin acne. Switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls. They are easier to keep sterile, they keep the water cooler, and they don’t hold onto funky smells.

4. Addressing Whisker Fatigue

Have you ever noticed your cat dipping their paw into the water and licking it off, rather than drinking directly? Or maybe they act nervous around deep bowls? This could be "whisker fatigue."

A cat’s whiskers are incredibly sensitive sensory organs. If they constantly brush against the sides of a deep or narrow bowl while the cat is trying to drink, it can be overstimulating and uncomfortable. Try using a wide, shallow bowl—think of a soup plate rather than a cereal bowl. This allows them to lap up water without their whiskers touching the sides.

5. The "Cat Soup" Method

If your cat loves their dry food, you can sneak in some extra hydration by adding water directly to their meal. Start small—just a teaspoon of warm water mixed into their kibble.

The warm water creates a bit of a "gravy" that brings out the aroma of the food, which can be very enticing. If they accept it, you can gradually increase the amount of water over time. Just be sure to pick up any uneaten wet kibble after 30 minutes or so to prevent spoilage.

6. Offer Wet Food Daily

The easiest way to hydrate a cat is to stop relying solely on dry kibble. Canned wet food is about 70-80% water. If you feed your cat wet food twice a day, they are getting a significant portion of their daily water needs just from eating.

If your cat is a dry-food addict, try introducing wet food as a topper or a special evening treat. Even a small amount helps boost their overall intake.

7. Flavor the Water

Sometimes plain water is just... boring. You can spice things up by creating a flavored broth.

The next time you open a can of tuna or salmon (packed in water, not oil), drain that liquid into their water bowl instead of the sink. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth—just make absolutely sure it doesn’t contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to cats. A few ice cubes made of broth can also turn a boring water bowl into a tasty treat.

8. Create Multiple Watering Stations

Cats can be a little lazy. If the only water bowl is in the kitchen downstairs, and they are napping in the sunbeam upstairs, they probably won't make the trip just for a sip.

Place water bowls or glasses throughout the house. Put one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and one in the hallway. This takes advantage of their curiosity. As they patrol their territory, they’ll stumble upon a water source and think, "Oh, might as well have a drink while I'm here."

9. Keep It impeccably Clean

We can’t stress this enough: Cats are clean freaks. If there is a layer of slime (biofilm) on the bottom of the bowl, dust floating on top, or a single hair in the water, they will turn their nose up at it.

You should be refreshing their water daily, but you also need to scrub the bowl with soap and hot water every day. Simply rinsing it out isn't enough to get rid of the bacteria that builds up on the surface.

10. The Ice Cube Game

Some cats are fascinated by temperature changes and floating objects. Dropping a couple of ice cubes into their bowl can turn hydration into a spectator sport.

They might bat at the ice, lick it, or just watch it melt. Either way, they are interacting with the water. As the ice melts, it keeps the water cold, which many cats prefer over room-temperature liquid.

11. Indulge the Tap Obsession

Does your cat come running every time you turn on the bathroom faucet? Do they beg to drink from the sink? Instead of shooing them away, let them have it.

Make it a routine. When you brush your teeth in the morning or wash your face at night, turn the tap on to a slow drip or a gentle stream for your cat. It’s a bonding moment, and if it gets a few ounces of water into their system, it’s worth the slightly higher water bill.

When to Call the Vet

While these tricks work wonders for picky drinkers, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s habits. If you notice your cat suddenly drinking too much water (draining the bowl constantly) or refusing to drink at all for 24 hours, that is a red flag.

Changes in thirst can be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism. If you are worried about your cat’s hydration levels despite trying these tips, or if their behavior changes suddenly, book an appointment with your veterinarian. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry friends!