Your cat drinks too little: the silent problem behind cystitis and bladder stones

If you share your home with a cat, you've probably never seen them drink much. And that's normal: it's one of the species' most characteristic traits. But this seemingly harmless habit lies behind one of the most common health problems in pet cats: lower urinary tract disease, which includes cystitis, crystals and stones.

In this guide we explain why it happens, how to spot the signs early and what you can do at home to reduce the risk.

A desert animal in your living room

The domestic cat is descended from the African wildcat, a hunter of arid regions that got almost all its water from its prey: a mouse is around 70% water. That's why cats evolved with a weak thirst drive and kidneys able to concentrate urine heavily so as not to lose fluid.

The problem arises when that design meets modern life: many cats eat only dry kibble (barely 10% water), live indoors, move little and don't make up for it by drinking more. The result is highly concentrated, less frequent urine — the perfect breeding ground for an irritated bladder and the formation of crystals.

What exactly are feline urinary problems?

Vets group several disorders of the bladder and urethra under one umbrella term. The most common are:

• Idiopathic cystitis: inflammation of the bladder with no single clear cause. It's the most common form in young and adult cats, and is closely linked to stress and concentrated urine.
• Crystals and stones: minerals that settle out of the urine. The most common are struvite and calcium oxalate. They can irritate the bladder or form "stones".
• Urethral plugs: a mix of crystals, cells and mucus that can block the urethra, especially in males, whose urethra is narrower.

Bacterial infections do happen, but in young cats they're less common than people tend to think. That's why it's important for your vet to diagnose the cause with a urine test.

The signs to watch for

Cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so it pays to notice changes in behaviour:

• Going to the litter tray often and passing very little.
• Straining or staying in the peeing position for a long time.
• Crying out or complaining while peeing.
• Peeing outside the litter tray, often on cool surfaces such as the bath or the sink.
• Blood in the urine (it may look pinkish).
• Licking the genital area a lot.

Emergency: if your cat, especially a male, goes into the litter tray and can't pee, or hasn't peed for 12–24 hours, go to the vet immediately. A urinary blockage is an emergency that can become life-threatening very quickly.

Who is most at risk?

Any cat can be affected, but the risk is higher in:

• Male cats, especially if neutered.
• Indoor cats that aren't very active.
• Overweight cats.
• Cats that eat only dry kibble and drink little.
• Homes with stress: changes, moving house, visitors or conflict with other cats.

How to reduce the risk at home

1. More water, every day

This is the single most important step. The more a cat drinks, the more diluted their urine and the more often they empty their bladder, which makes it harder for crystals and irritation to develop. You can help by:

• Including wet food in their diet.
• Setting up several water stations around the house, always away from food and the litter tray.
• Using wide, shallow bowls that don't brush their whiskers.
• Offering moving water: many cats find it more appealing.

2. The right diet

There are veterinary diets designed to dissolve some stones or prevent them from forming. They should always be used on your vet's advice, because each type of crystal needs a different approach.

3. Less stress

Stress plays a key role in idiopathic cystitis. Hiding places, steady routines, daily play and resources spread around the house (water, food and litter trays in different spots) make a big difference.

4. Enough clean litter trays

A cat that avoids the litter tray because it's dirty or badly placed holds in their urine for longer. The rule is one tray per cat plus one, cleaned daily.

5. Weight and exercise

Being overweight is a risk factor. Several short play sessions a day help keep them active and in shape.

Why a fountain can help your cat

Many cats prefer to drink moving water: the sound and movement catch their attention, and in nature running water tends to be fresher and safer than still water. That's why many people notice their cat comes to drink more often when offered a fountain.

Let's be honest: it's not a miracle cure, and not every cat reacts the same way. Studies on fountains show that some cats drink more and others the same. What we do know is that offering more options of fresh, appealing water never hurts. Ideally, use it as an extra water station alongside a traditional bowl, and see which your cat prefers.

When choosing a fountain, look for three things:

• Easy to clean. A dirty fountain is worse than a clean bowl. Wash it every few days and change the filter as directed.
• Quiet, so it doesn't frighten them.
• Something you can put wherever they like, away from food and the litter tray.

That's why at Katlune we chose two models:

• The cordless stainless steel fountain with sensor: it runs on a battery, so you can place it in any corner of the house, away from plugs and food. Water only flows when your cat comes near, and the steel tray is the most hygienic option.
• The 1.5 L filter fountain: a simple, quiet option with a transparent tank so you can see at a glance when it needs refilling. Ideal as a second water station.

And remember: if you see any of the signs described above, a fountain is no substitute for a trip to the vet. It's an everyday aid, not a treatment.