How to get your cat to drink more water

The water bowl is still full at the end of the day, just as you left it in the morning. And while it may seem like a minor detail, it is one of the issues we should be most concerned about with cats: because of their origin as desert animals, cats do not have as strong a thirst instinct as we do, and that can take a toll on their kidney health over time.

Here we explain why it is so hard for cats to drink enough water and, above all, what real changes you can make to get them to drink more without forcing them.

Why do cats struggle to drink enough water?

The domestic cat is descended from a desert feline that obtained almost all of its hydration from the prey it hunted, not from drinking directly. That genetic heritage is still present: many cats fed only dry kibble do not fully compensate for that lack of water by drinking more, simply because their instinct does not demand it as urgently as it does for a dog.

Added to this is a matter of preferences very specific to the species: cats do not like stagnant water, water placed near their food bowl, or water in a container that touches their whiskers while they drink. A poorly placed bowl can be reason enough for them to avoid drinking, even if the water is clean.

How can you tell if your cat is not drinking enough water?

• The water level in the bowl hardly drops from one day to the next.
• They urinate in small amounts or less frequently than usual.
• The stool is harder or drier than normal.
• They are more lethargic or less active with no other apparent cause.
• When you gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck, it takes time to return to its position (a sign of possible mild dehydration).

If you observe several of these signs, especially combined with a diet based on dry kibble, it is worth rethinking how and where you offer them water.

Practical solutions you can apply at home

The first and simplest change is to separate the water from the food: place them in different parts of the house, not in bowls side-by-side. Many cats drink more just with this adjustment, because in the wild they instinctively avoid drinking near food remains for hygiene reasons.

Also, multiply the available water stations: two or three bowls in different areas of the house usually work better than just one, especially in apartments with several rooms or multiple cats.

Try different materials and shapes: some cats reject plastic because of the odor it retains, or very deep containers because they do not want their whiskers to touch the edges. A wide, shallow bowl made of stainless steel or ceramic is usually better tolerated than a narrow plastic one.

How to choose the right product

For most cats, a bowl made of an inert material (which does not retain odors or flavors, unlike plastic) makes a notable difference in how much they drink. Stainless steel, in addition to being hygienic and easy to clean thoroughly, keeps water tasting better for more hours.

Make sure the container is wide enough so it doesn't rub against their whiskers, has low edges, and is easy to wash daily, because water that sits for more than a day loses freshness and discourages drinking.

At Huellas Perfectas, we have the Stainless Steel Pet Bowl, available in several sizes, ideal as a water container separate from the food bowl. If you travel or change rooms frequently, the Portable and Collapsible Pet Bowl is a practical option to offer fresh water in different spots around the house without making a mess.

Mistakes you should avoid

Do not change the water only once a day if you can avoid it: refreshing it twice makes a real difference in how much a picky cat drinks. Also, do not place the water bowl right next to the litter box, because many cats avoid it entirely in that location. And avoid forcing them with syringes or invasive methods without veterinary guidance: it causes rejection and added stress.

Frequently asked questions

How much water should a cat drink per day?
As a rough guide, between 50 and 60 ml per kilo of weight per day, although it varies depending on whether they eat dry or wet food.

Does wet food help with hydration?
Yes, supplementing with wet food is one of the most effective ways to increase a cat's total water intake.

When should I worry and consult the vet?
If you notice lethargy, loss of appetite, or clear changes in urination, don't wait: dehydration in cats can escalate quickly and professional assessment is advisable.

Discover bowls and containers designed to improve your cat's hydration at huellasperfectas.com.