How Much Water Do Cats Need to Drink?

Proper hydration is incredibly important for the overall health of your pets. And as you know, your feline friends certainly are particular about everything from food to water to toys. But exactly how much water do cats need? It’s natural to worry about whether your cat is not drinking enough water, or even drinking too much. July just so happens to be National Hydration Awareness Month in Canada, so there's no better time to go over the importance of proper hydration for cats and how much water a cat needs daily.

The importance of proper hydration for cats

Whether you have a senior cat or kitten, proper hydration is essential for the well-being of your feline friends. In addition, hydration plays a critical role for your cat during the summer season, as the temperatures can reach the triple digits. Even for indoor cats, spending long hours basking in a hot, sunny window can make their water intake all the more critical.

"I tend to worry a lot more about a cat that drinks too much, rather than not enough," says Dr. Caroline Wilde, DVM. "However, when a cat has an underlying disease that leads to dehydration or not drinking enough water. For instance, dehydration can lead to serious health issues such as a urethral obstruction in male cats, constipation, or UTI."

Moreover, Wilde says that dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are all conditions that are seen more often among pets in the summer months compared to other seasons. That's not to say that it isn't important to pay attention to your cat's hydration needs year-round, but hot days are when pet owners should be most vigilant.

How much water do cats need daily?

If you are a first-time cat owner, or it's just something you haven't considered much before, you might not be sure how much your new furry friend should be drinking.

"The amount of water that a cat needs varies depending on life stage and the general health of the cat," Wilde says. "For example, a young growing cat needs more water than a healthy adult cat; an older cat with chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism is going to require higher water intake than the previous two groups. Also, cats with urinary tract issues such as crystal formation, inflammation, or blockage can benefit from increased fluid intake."

Still, these are just general guidelines for every cat owner. For your cat's specific needs — especially if they have chronic or recent health issues — it's always important to check in with your veterinarian.

Can a cat drink too much water?

Humans and pets alike enjoy fresh cold water on a hot summer’s day. While some pets might drink more than others, at what point should you be concerned for your feline friends? “If a cat’s water intake suddenly increases, or if the cat is spending long periods of time at the water bowl, it can indicate serious medical issues,” says Wilde. Further, any change in water intake can be an indicator of something more serious going on and is worth a check-in with your veterinarian.

The following medical conditions are often connected to cats drinking excess water:

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Kidney Disease
• Hyperthyroidism

As with any medical condition, every pet is unique and might not always exhibit all the necessary signs of a condition. If you have any concerns with your cat’s health, please seek veterinary care.

Best practices to encourage more water for your cat or kitten

While your cat or kitten might need some encouragement, providing a variety of sources is an opportunity to keep your pet hydrated and entertained.

"Every cat is different. Some cats love to drink out of a faucet, so leaving the faucet dripping can encourage water intake," says Wilde. "It’s certainly even better for those cats who enjoy running water like a water fountain."

Additionally, Wilde states that feeding a diet of canned food can also increase water intake, as canned foods usually fall between 70 and 80% water, compared to dry foods which contain significantly less moisture content. Furthermore, a clean water bowl that always contains fresh water can help encourage water intake in your cat.

Protect your cat's health

Whether you have a senior or young feline friend, the end-all question of how much water does a cat need daily strictly depends on the nature of your forever friend. By notating your cat’s behavior, checking in with your veterinarian, and providing versatile hydration sources your cat will surely be happy and hydrated for seasons to come.

Of course, drinking enough water alone won't guarantee your cat will never face an unexpected health crisis. To protect your furry pal against accidents and illnesses, consider signing up for cat insurance if you haven't done so already.