How much water should your cat drink? Signs they're not getting enough

Cats are descended from desert felines that got almost all their water from their prey. That's why, even today, their thirst drive is weak and many drink less than would be good for them. Keeping them well hydrated is one of the simplest ways to look after their kidneys and urinary tract.

How much water do they need each day?

As a rough guide, an adult cat needs around 50 ml of water per kilo of body weight per day, counting both what they drink and what they get from their food. A 4 kg cat would need about 200 ml a day.

Food makes a big difference: wet food is around 75–80% water, while dry kibble is barely 10%. A cat that eats only kibble has to drink quite a lot more.

7 tricks to get them drinking more

• Keep water away from food and the litter tray. Cats don't like drinking next to where they eat or go to the toilet.
• Offer several water stations around the house, especially if you have more than one cat.
• Use wide, shallow bowls made of ceramic, glass or steel. Many cats avoid bowls where their whiskers brush the sides.
• Try a water fountain. Moving water attracts lots of cats. Clean it and change the filter as the manufacturer recommends.
• Change the water every day and wash the bowl often.
• Include wet food in their diet, even if it's just at one meal.
• Watch what they like: some cats prefer water from the tap, others from a tall glass. Go with what suits your cat.

Signs of dehydration

• Tiredness or less interest in playing.
• Dry or sticky gums.
• Sunken eyes.
• The skin on the scruff is slow to settle back when gently pinched.
• Peeing less than usual.

When to go to the vet straight away: if your cat hasn't peed in 24 hours or is straining in the litter tray without producing anything (especially if he's male), it's an emergency.

What if they drink too much?

Drinking much more than normal is also a sign to keep an eye on. It can be linked to kidney problems, diabetes or thyroid issues, particularly in older cats. If you notice the bowl emptying much faster or your cat peeing more, mention it to your vet.