It can be concerning when it seems as though your cat is never drinking any water. Is this something to worry about? Here, our Lacey emergency vets discuss why your cat won't drink water and what you can do to keep them hydrated.
How much water should a cat drink?
Cats typically need about three to four and a half ounces of water per five pounds of body weight daily. This can vary based on diet, activity level, and overall health. If your cat eats mostly wet food, they will receive a lot of hydration from their diet. Cats who eat a dry food diet will need to drink more water daily.
What do you do if a cat is not drinking water?
Much like any other animal, you can expect your cat to drink water when they are thirsty. Cats are smaller, and they are likely to need a lot less water each day than a larger animal like a dog would. Therefore, even if your cat isn't drinking much, they might still get enough water.
Even so, you should always consider the possibility that they are not drinking enough. Their reduced water intake can be due to many different issues which we go into more detail about below.
Contact your vet immediately if you believe your cat isn't drinking enough water. Dehydration can indicate a serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, heatstroke, or diabetes. When it comes to your cat's health, it is always best to proceed with caution. Never put your cat's health at risk.
Why won't my cat drink water?
As mentioned above, there are various reasons why your cat may not be drinking enough water. Here is a breakdown of the most common causes:
- They just aren't thirsty: Your cat may actually be drinking and well-hydrated, even if you haven't witnessed them taking a drink.
- Their water bowl needs to be cleaned: Cats take great pride in keeping themselves and their homes clean, which means that a dirty water bowl may cause them to avoid drinking.
- They don't like the location of the water bowl: Your cat loves consistency, so changing the location of the water bowl might not make them very happy. You should also avoid placing the water bowl in a loud, high-traffic area. Your cat would likely prefer a peaceful and safe location to take a drink.
- They are experiencing the symptoms of dental disease: When a cat is experiencing tooth pain they are likely to avoid doing anything that involves their mouth. So, if you've recently found yourself wondering why your cat won't eat or drink water - that might be it. Other signs of dental disease include dropping food when eating, pawing at the face or mouth, facial swelling, and drooling.
- Your cat is suffering from gastrointestinal upset: Diseases like gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cancers, may cause your cat to decrease their water consumption. This makes seeking veterinary care whenever you are concerned about their health very important. The sooner they receive treatment, the better the outcome.
How to Hydrate a Cat That Won't Drink Water
Here are some simple ways that you can coax your cat to drink water more often:
Offer standing and running water.
If your cat doesn't seem very enthusiastic about their water, you could give them different options. Try adding a fountain water bowl, allowing them to choose between standing water and running water.
Keep the water bowl separate from their food dish.
As we said above, your cat may not be a fan of where their water bowl is located. In many cases, this is simply their water bowl being too close to their food dish. You can try moving their water bowl to a different, clean and quiet location.
Add wet food to their diet.
If you are worried that your cat doesn't drink enough water and is mainly on a dry food diet, you could try giving them more wet food. This is a simple way to increase their hydration.
Clean their water dish frequently.
Cats like to keep things clean, and their water dish is no exception. You should change the water at least once daily and wash their dish a few times weekly.
Choose a new bowl for their water.
The shape of the bowl, and the material it is made out of can impact how your cat feels about drinking from it. Aim for a dish where your cat can keep their whiskers dry, and choose metal or ceramic when possible, as these are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When to visit the vet?
If your cat has not eaten or drunk for more than 24 hours, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention. Dehydration can lead to severe health issues, and persistent refusal to drink water may indicate underlying medical conditions. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity. If your cat is showing these signs, please contact your primary care vet or our emergency veterinary hospital right away to have them diagnosed and treated.
Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is vital for their overall health. Understanding how much water your cat needs, recognizing their reluctance to drink, and trying various methods to encourage hydration can help keep your feline friend healthy and happy. If your efforts don’t succeed and your cat continues to avoid drinking water, don't hesitate to consult your vet to rule out any serious health issues.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.