Reasons For Your Cat Not Drinking Enough Water

Do you have a furry friend who’s been avoiding their water bowl lately? Are you worried they might be dehydrated? Well, you’re not alone.

As it turns out, many cats can be notoriously picky when it comes to drinking water, but it doesn’t mean they don’t need it.

In fact, proper hydration is essential to keeping your cat healthy and happy. So, if you’re wondering what to do when your cat is not drinking, keep on reading!

We’ve got some great tips and tricks to help your feline friend get the moisture they need.

Signs your cat is not drinking enough water

The following are signs that your cat is not drinking enough water:

1. Dry mouth and gums: When a cat is dehydrated, their mouth and gums can become dry and tacky.
2. Elevated heart rate: Dehydration can also cause a cat’s heart rate to increase as their body tries to compensate for the lack of fluids.
3. Loss of skin elasticity: When you gently pull up on a cat’s skin, it should quickly snap back into place. However, dehydrated skin may take longer to return to its normal position.
4. Sunken eyes: A dehydrated cat may also have sunken, dry-looking eyes.
5. Lethargy: Cats who are not drinking enough water may become lethargic and lack energy.
6. Reduced appetite: Dehydration can lead to a decrease in appetite as well as an overall reduction in food intake.
7. Vomiting and diarrhea: Cats may experience vomiting and diarrhea as a result of dehydration.
8. Urinary tract problems: Not drinking enough water can lead to urinary tract problems such as urinary tract infections and blockages.
9. Constipation: Dehydration can cause feces to become hard and difficult to pass, leading to constipation.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health issues, so it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior or health.

Why is Your Cat Not Drinking Enough Water?

There can be several reasons why a cat is not drinking enough water, which include dehydration due to not drinking enough water, urinary tract problems, kidney disease, and bladder stones or crystals.

Another possibility is that the water bowl may not be clean or may not be in a cat-friendly location.

In some cases, cats may avoid still water sources, as they are more likely to contain bacteria in the wild, and may prefer moving water instead.

If you believe your cat is not drinking enough water, it is important to contact your vet right away, as dehydration can be an indication of a serious underlying condition.

Reasons Your Cat is Not Drinking Enough Water

Here are some of the most common reasons why your cat may not be drinking enough water:

Dehydration – If your cat is dehydrated, it may not be drinking enough water. In such cases, try offering water from a different bowl, or water fountain, or adding some wet food to their diet to increase their water intake.

Water bowl placement – It is important to place the water bowl in a location that the cat can easily access. Some cats may prefer clean water, so make sure to change the water frequently.

Food intake – Feeding your cat dry food exclusively can lead to dehydration, so you can add some wet food to their diet, and if necessary, mix water with the dry food to increase their water intake.

Medical issues – There are several medical issues that can lead to a cat not drinking enough water, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism, among others. If you suspect your cat has any of these conditions, consult with a veterinarian immediately.

Learn more about how to identify a sick cat.

Medications – Some medications can cause a cat to lose their appetite and become dehydrated. Be sure to consult with your vet if you suspect this is the case.

Aging – As cats get older, their kidneys may not be able to function as efficiently as they used to, and may require a diet that is richer in water content to compensate.

Stress or anxiety – Cats may become stressed or anxious in certain situations, which can cause them to lose interest in drinking water. Creating a stress-free environment for your cat, and in some cases using antianxiety medication may help.

Dirty water – Cats may refuse to drink water if it is dirty or has an unpleasant taste or smell. Clean the water bowl regularly and provide fresh water for your cat.

Dental problems – Cats with dental problems may have difficulty drinking water because of pain. Regular dental checks can help detect and fix any issues.

Water bowl material: some cats prefer drinking from ceramic or glass bowls instead of plastic ones. Experiment with different materials and shapes to see what your cat prefers.

Type of water: some cats prefer drinking from a fountain or a running faucet. You can also try adding ice cubes or a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing.

Lack of water during meals: if your cat eats mainly dry food, the cat may not be getting enough water from the cat diet. Consider switching to wet food or adding water to their dry food.

Learn more about things to feed a cat that is vomiting and having diarrhea.

Encouraging Your Cat to Drink More Water

Cats require a sufficient amount of water to stay healthy and avoid dehydration.

However, some cats can be picky drinkers and might not consume enough water.

Here are some possible ways to encourage your cat to drink more water:

Keep multiple water bowls: Provide multiple water bowls in different locations throughout your home to encourage your cat to drink more often.

Use a water fountain: Cats are naturally attracted to moving water, so a water fountain can help entice them to drink more.

Offer different water sources: Some cats might prefer bottled or filtered water instead of tap water, so try offering different water sources to see what your cat prefers.

Feed wet food: Wet food contains more moisture than dry food, which can help increase your cat’s overall water intake.

Add water or broth to food: Adding water or low-sodium broth to your cat’s wet or dry food can help increase their water intake.

Use a shallow water bowl: Some cats do not like deep water bowls, so try using a shallow bowl to encourage your cat to drink more water.

Clean water bowls regularly: Cats are known to be very clean animals, so make sure to clean and refill their water bowls regularly to encourage them to drink more.

Add ice cubes or chilled water: Some cats might prefer cooler water, so try adding ice cubes or serving chilled water to encourage them to drink more.

Use a different bowl material: Some cats might prefer drinking from ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls instead of plastic ones.

Make water easily accessible: Cats are naturally curious animals, so make sure their water bowls are easily accessible and not obstructed by any furniture or other objects.

Learn more about why cats throw up.

When to consult a veterinarian if your cat is not drinking

If your cat is not drinking water, it is important to monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if they continue to refuse water for more than 24–48 hours.

Cats can become dehydrated quickly and can develop serious health problems if they do not drink enough water.

In addition to not drinking water, if your cat also stops eating or is displaying other symptoms or behavioral changes, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your cat’s health.

Signs your cat is drinking enough water

Here are some common signs that your cat is drinking enough water:

1. Clear and Odorless Urine: If your cat is drinking enough water, their urine should be clear and odorless.
2. Moisturized Skin: Well-hydrated cats will have moisturized skin that is elastic when pinched.
3. Bright and Clear Eyes: Hydrated cats will have bright and clear eyes without any discharge.
4. Soft and Shiny Coat: Drinking enough water will keep your cat’s coat soft and shiny.
5. Normal Appetite: A well-hydrated cat will have a normal appetite and enjoy eating their food.
6. Regular Bowel Movements: Drinking enough water helps to prevent constipation and ensures regular bowel movements.
7. Adequate Energy Levels: Cats need water to power their organs, so if they are well-hydrated, they should have adequate energy levels.
8. Healthy Body Weight: Cats that are drinking enough water should have a healthy body weight, as dehydration can lead to weight loss.
9. Active and Playful Behavior: Well-hydrated cats should be active and playful, with no signs of lethargy or tiredness.

Related questions

My cat is not drinking water, should I be worried?

It’s not uncommon for cats to go without drinking water for a day or two. However, if your cat doesn’t drink for longer than that, it can become dehydrated, which can be dangerous. So, it’s always better to keep an eye on your cat’s drinking habits and talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned.

What are some reasons why my cat might not be drinking water?

There can be several reasons why your cat might not be drinking water. Some of the common ones include stress, aging, illness, dental problems, and even the type of water bowl you’re using. In some cases, your cat might not like the taste or smell of water.

Can I add something to my cat’s water to encourage it to drink?

Yes, you can try adding a little bit of tuna juice or chicken broth to your cat’s water to make it more appealing. You can also try using a different type of water bowl or even adding a few ice cubes to the water to make it more interesting for your cat.

How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?

One of the easiest ways to tell if your cat is dehydrated is by checking its skin elasticity. Pinch a bit of skin on the back of your cat’s neck and see how quickly it snaps back into place. If it takes more than a second or two, your cat might be dehydrated. You can also look for signs like dry mouth, sunken eyes, and lethargy.

How much water should my cat be drinking each day?

Cats typically need to drink about 2.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight each day. Larger cats may need more water than that. You can monitor your cat’s water intake by measuring how much water you’re putting into its bowl each day.

What can I do to encourage my cat to drink more water?

There are several things you can do to encourage your cat to drink more water, such as changing the location of its water bowl, using a different type of bowl, adding flavors to the water, and offering it wet food. You can also try leaving multiple

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re worried about your feline friend not drinking enough water, don’t panic!

There are plenty of simple measures you can take to ensure your kitty stays hydrated and healthy.

Try a variety of water bowls, add wet food to their diet, or even invest in a cat fountain to entice them to drink more.

If all else fails, a quick consultation with your vet can help rule out any underlying health issues.

Remember, paying attention to your cat’s water intake is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

So keep an eye on those water dishes, and keep your kitty purring with happiness!