How to Hydrate a Cat That Won’t Drink Water
- Ensure that your cat’s water bowl is not near their litter box.
- Provide fresh water daily.
- Try moving the bowl to a different location (even if it’s not near the litter box).
- Try a different bowl or a bowl that provides running water for cats to enjoy.
8 tips to encourage your cat to drink more water
- Refill their water bowl daily.
- Place bowls throughout the house.
- Try a different water bowl.
- Try a water fountain.
- Keep water and litter trays separate.
- Separate the food bowl too.
- Switch to canned food.
- Add some flavour.
Is it OK if my cat doesn’t drink water but eats wet food?
Don’t worry too much about a cat’s water consumption. It’s not unusual for a cat fed wet food to drink a teaspoonful of water a day or less. The moisture content of the cat food is usually sufficient.
When should I worry about my cat not drinking water?
If you have a cat not drinking water for 48-72 hours, or shows other worrisome symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in urination/defecation, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Tips and Tricks to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
- Wet Food. If your cat already likes and is eating wet food, you are in luck!
- Dry Food.
- Keep the Water Bowl Next to the Food.
- Water Fountains.
- Try Different Dishes.
- Increase Water Access.
- Wash Water Dishes Frequently.
- Fill the Bowl Completely.
Can I force my sick cat to drink water?
You must get to know your cat’s food and water preferences. For instance, some cats like drinking water from a water dish while some like using a cat fountain. You want to try to encourage them to drink. However, you should never force them.
Can I syringe water into my cat’s mouth?
Fresh water should be available at all times. Healthy cats that eat canned food often drink very little because the food contains a high proportion of water. If your cat stops eating, she will need to have additional fluids. Fluids can be administered by mouth using a syringe.
How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated
- Multiple Watering Holes. Keep several sources of fresh water in easily accessible spots throughout the house for your kitties at all times.
- Consider Flowing Water.
- Divorce the Food and Water Bowls.
- Avoid Whisker Stress.
- Ice Cubes Make Water Fun.
Why is my cat refusing to drink water?
If you notice that your cat isn’t drinking any water then it’s time to look into why. There may be an underlying health condition, the water may not be fresh enough or the location of the bowl could all be potential reasons why your cat isn’t drinking enough.
Why is my cat eating food but not drinking water?
They’re getting enough water from their food
Cats don’t usually drink very much to begin with, as they get much of their need for moisture in their diet. Unlike kibble, fresh food promotes hydration by incorporating it into your cat’s food, so if you just made the switch to fresh food, their H2O intake may increase.
How long can a cat go without drinking water?
Yet they still need water and can’t survive longer than two or three days without access to it. “Once about 24 hours pass without water, dehydration sets in,” she says. “The longer this goes on, the more stress and strain is placed on their internal organs, leading eventually to failure and death.”
Will my cat eventually drink water?
Yes, they do. Although movies and other media often show cats drinking a bowl of milk, it’s not good for most felines. Water, however, is as vital to a cat’s survival as it is to that of humans. 60-70% of their body weight is water.
Should I be worried if my cat doesn’t drink water?
It is important to contact your vet right away if you believe that your cat isn’t drinking enough water. While it may be possible that your cat is simply not drinking enough, dehydration can also be an indication of a serious underlying condition such as kidney disease, heatstroke, or diabetes.
What would cause a cat to stop drinking water?
Health problems. Cats with dental infections, inflammation in the mouth or gastrointestinal disease may avoid drinking water due to the discomfort it causes them. Cats with underlying health issues may be more likely to become dehydrated, especially those with kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and diabetes.
How long should a cat go without drinking water?
So when it comes to water, the average time a cat can survive without it is three to four days. “Within 24 hours of not drinking water, cats will become dehydrated,” Dr. Burch told The Dodo. “The longer a cat is not drinking water, the worse dehydration will become, electrolyte imbalances will occur and organ damage.”