Why Won't My Cat Drink Water?

You fill the bowl every morning, and every evening it looks exactly the same. Many cat owners wonder why their cat won't drink water, and whether they should be worried.

The short answer: cats are naturally light drinkers, but there's a lot you can do to encourage them. And if anything seems off, your vet is the right call.

Cats aren't big drinkers by nature

Cats evolved from desert ancestors who got much of their water from their prey. Many cats still have a low thirst drive. A cat on wet food gets a lot of moisture from meals and may drink very little from a bowl. A cat on dry food needs to drink more to make up the difference.

Common reasons a cat ignores the water bowl

• Still water. Many cats are drawn to moving water. Think of the cat who ignores the bowl but begs at the faucet.
• The bowl is next to the food. Some cats prefer water away from where they eat.
• The bowl smells. Plastic bowls can hold odors and build up a slimy film.
• Whisker discomfort. A deep, narrow bowl can brush their whiskers. A wide, shallow bowl may suit them better.
• Stale water. Water that's been sitting all day is less appealing than fresh water.

How to get your cat to drink more water

1. Try a water fountain

A fountain keeps water moving and filtered, which many cats find more interesting than a still bowl. The Petty Picks stainless steel cat water fountain holds 2.2 liters, has a stainless steel top that doesn't hold odors like plastic, and comes in a motion-sensor version that only runs when your cat walks up. Replace the filter about once a month and rinse the pump to keep it running quietly.

2. Put water in several places

Try a few water stations around the house, especially in rooms where your cat likes to hang out. Keep at least one away from the food bowl and the litter box.

3. Switch to stainless steel or ceramic

These are easier to keep clean than plastic and don't hold onto smells.

4. Refresh the water daily

Wash the bowl or fountain regularly and refill with fresh water every day.

5. Add wet food

Talk with your vet about adding wet food to your cat's diet, since it's one of the easiest ways to increase how much water they take in.

When to call the vet

A sudden change in drinking, in either direction, is worth a call. Contact your vet if your cat stops drinking, starts drinking much more than usual, is urinating more or less, seems lethargic, or stops eating. These can be signs of a medical problem, and an article can't tell you what's going on with your cat.

Ready to try moving water? See the stainless steel cat water fountain or browse our cat collection.