Cats are notoriously bad at drinking water. In the wild, felines get almost all their required moisture directly from their prey. Because indoor house cats lack this natural moisture source—especially if they eat a dry kibble diet—many live in a constant state of mild, chronic dehydration.
Over time, this lack of water taxes their kidneys and leads to urinary tract issues. Because cats hide discomfort incredibly well, you have to know exactly what subtle signs to look for.
The At-Home Hydration Check
You can check your cat's hydration levels in just a few seconds using these two gentle methods:
- The Skin Pinch Test: Gently pinch the loose skin at the scruff of their neck and let go. In a healthy, hydrated cat, the skin snaps back instantly. If it settles back slowly, your cat is dehydrated.
- The Gum Test: Gently lift your cat's lip. Healthy gums should be wet and slick. If they feel sticky, tacky, or dry to the touch, your cat needs moisture immediately.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More
If your cat is ignoring their water bowl, it is rarely out of stubbornness. It is usually an issue with the environment. Here is how to fix it:
1. Move the Water Away from the Food
In the wild, cats will not drink water near their freshly killed prey to avoid contamination. Move their water bowl across the room or into an entirely different room from their food dish.
2. Ditch the Deep Plastic Bowls
A cat's whiskers are highly sensitive. If their whiskers touch the sides of a deep bowl while drinking, it causes sensory overload (whisker fatigue). Switch to a wide, shallow ceramic or stainless steel saucer.
3. Introduce Moving Water
Cats are instinctively drawn to moving water because standing water in nature is often stagnant. A pet water fountain encourages drinking and keeps the water oxygenated and fresh.
The easiest fix of all is modifying their diet. By incorporating daily wet food, or adding a splash of unsalted chicken broth to their dry kibble, you can effortlessly boost their hydration and protect their kidney health for the long haul.