How to encourage cats to drink more water

How To Encourage Cats To Drink More Water

🎁 New Customer Offer

Save 5% On Your First Order

New to Pet & Rural Supply Co? Use code WELCOME5 at checkout or click below to apply your discount.

SHOP CHURU & SAVE 5% →


How To Encourage Cats To Drink More Water

Simple Ways To Help Cats Stay Hydrated

Many cats naturally drink less water than their owners expect. Because cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors, they often have a relatively low thirst drive and may obtain a significant amount of their daily moisture through food.

While some cats drink adequate amounts of water on their own, others may need encouragement through environmental changes, feeding routines and hydration-friendly habits.

To encourage a cat to drink more water, provide fresh water in several locations, try different bowls or a water fountain, keep drinking areas away from litter trays and increase dietary moisture with suitable wet cat food and high-moisture treats.

This guide covers practical ways Australian cat owners can encourage healthy water intake while supporting indoor cats, picky eaters and senior cats.

Many cat owners also use high-moisture lickable cat treats as part of their overall hydration routine. Creamy puree treats such as Inaba Churu Cat Treats contain considerably more moisture than traditional dry treats and are commonly used as food toppers, rewards and enrichment treats.

Quick Answer: How Can I Encourage My Cat To Drink More Water?

  • Provide fresh drinking water every day
  • Place several water bowls around the home
  • Keep water away from litter trays
  • Try wide, shallow bowls
  • Experiment with ceramic or stainless steel bowls
  • Consider a cat water fountain
  • Include suitable wet cat food in the feeding routine
  • Use high-moisture treats in appropriate portions
  • Keep water bowls clean
  • Monitor sudden changes in thirst or drinking behaviour

Why Do Some Cats Drink Very Little Water?

Cats may drink less water for several reasons, including their natural thirst drive, diet, environment and individual preferences.

  • Natural low thirst drive
  • Preference for running water
  • Water bowl placement
  • Water freshness
  • Bowl shape or material
  • Diet type
  • Stress or environmental changes
  • Preference for obtaining moisture through food

Understanding your cat's individual preferences can often help improve daily water intake.

1. Provide Fresh Water Daily

Many cats prefer fresh water and may lose interest in bowls that have been sitting for long periods.

  • Refresh drinking water regularly
  • Wash bowls frequently
  • Remove food debris from water bowls
  • Use clean drinking water
  • Check outdoor or warm-room bowls more frequently

Keeping bowls clean and water fresh is one of the simplest ways to make drinking more appealing.

2. Use Multiple Water Stations

Providing several water bowls around your home may encourage more frequent drinking by making water easy to access throughout the day.

  • Place bowls in different rooms
  • Keep bowls away from litter trays
  • Avoid crowded or noisy feeding areas
  • Make water easily accessible
  • Provide easy-access bowls for senior cats

For multi-level homes, consider placing at least one water station on each commonly used level.

3. Experiment With Different Cat Bowls

Some cats have strong preferences regarding bowl shape, size and material.

  • Stainless steel bowls
  • Ceramic bowls
  • Wide shallow bowls
  • Elevated feeding stations

Testing different options can help identify what your cat prefers.

Browse Cat Bowls & Feeders for different feeding and drinking options.

4. Consider A Cat Water Fountain

Many cats are attracted to moving water and may show more interest in a fountain than a traditional stationary bowl.

  • Provides continuously moving water
  • May encourage curiosity
  • Can increase opportunities to drink
  • Popular with many indoor cats

Not every cat prefers a fountain, so continue providing normal fresh-water options while you determine your cat's preference.

5. Increase Moisture Through Cat Food

Food can make a meaningful contribution to a cat's overall moisture intake. Wet cat food generally contains substantially more moisture than dry cat food, making it an important option for hydration-friendly feeding routines.

Many cat owners use high-moisture foods and suitable treats alongside fresh drinking water.

Browse Wet Cat Food Australia for moisture-rich complete feeding options.

If your cat eats mainly dry food, browse Dry Cat Food Australia and consider whether an appropriate wet-food component or moisture-rich topper could fit into their feeding routine.

Read our complete guide to How To Keep Cats Hydrated.

6. Use High-Moisture Cat Treats

High-moisture creamy cat treats can contribute additional moisture compared with traditional crunchy treats while also providing enrichment and bonding opportunities.

Popular options include:

High-moisture treats should complement rather than replace fresh water and complete, balanced cat food.

7. Use Creamy Cat Treats As Food Toppers

Creamy cat treats can also be used in small amounts as meal toppers to increase aroma, flavour and moisture while making regular food more appealing.

This can be particularly useful for picky cats that need extra encouragement at mealtimes.

  • Squeeze a small amount over dry cat food
  • Mix a little through wet food
  • Use as an occasional flavour enhancer
  • Introduce new toppers gradually
  • Keep complete cat food as the main diet

Learn more in our guide to Best Cat Food Toppers Australia.

8. Create Positive Hydration Routines

Some cats respond well to consistent feeding and hydration routines.

  • Provide water at predictable locations
  • Maintain regular feeding schedules
  • Reduce environmental stress
  • Keep water bowls clean and accessible
  • Avoid frequently moving established water stations

Consistency can be particularly helpful for indoor cats and cats that are sensitive to changes in their environment.

Best Cat Food For Hydration-Friendly Feeding

Complete cat food should remain the foundation of your cat's diet. If hydration is a priority, the moisture level of the main diet is more important than relying only on treats.

How To Encourage An Indoor Cat To Drink More Water

Indoor cats rely entirely on the home environment for drinking opportunities, so bowl placement, food moisture and accessibility can all matter.

For indoor cats:

  • Provide multiple clean water stations
  • Try moving water with a fountain
  • Offer suitable wet cat food
  • Use moisture-rich treats in appropriate portions
  • Keep food and water away from litter areas
  • Provide enrichment and activity throughout the day

Browse Indoor Cat Food Australia for complete food options designed around indoor lifestyles.

Hydration Tips For Senior Cats

Senior cats may become more selective about food and water as they age. Easy access to fresh water and moisture-rich food can therefore become increasingly important.

  • Keep water easily accessible
  • Consider additional water stations
  • Use suitable wet food
  • Offer soft high-moisture treats in appropriate amounts
  • Monitor changes in thirst, urination and appetite

Browse Senior Cat Food Australia and read our guide to Best Soft Treats For Senior Cats.

How To Encourage A Picky Cat To Drink More

Picky cats may respond to a combination of feeding and environmental changes rather than one single hydration strategy.

  • Try several bowl locations
  • Experiment with bowl shape and material
  • Offer fresh water frequently
  • Consider a water fountain
  • Use complete wet food when appropriate
  • Add a suitable moisture-rich topper to meals
  • Use high-moisture treats in controlled amounts

If your cat is also selective with food, read How To Help A Picky Cat Eat.

Keep Cat Water Away From Litter Trays

Many cats prefer food and drinking areas to be separated from toileting areas. Placing water beside or very close to the litter tray may make that location less appealing to some cats.

Creating clearly separated feeding, drinking and litter zones can be especially useful for indoor cats, apartment cats and multi-cat households.

Browse Cat Litter Australia for litter and litter-management options.

Ezi-LockOdour Cat Litter Systems For Indoor Cats

For cat owners wanting a dedicated indoor litter setup, Ezi-LockOdour Cat Litter Systems include dual-layer litter trays, absorbent pads, natural zeolite pellets and litter-system bundles designed to help simplify litter maintenance and assist with odour control.

Keeping the litter area cleaner and clearly separated from food and drinking stations can help create a more organised indoor-cat environment.

Shop Ezi-LockOdour Cat Litter Systems Australia

Wider Cat Essentials

Hydration works best as part of a complete everyday cat-care routine. Explore our wider cat ranges for feeding, treats, litter and everyday essentials.

Signs Your Cat May Need More Hydration

Possible signs that may occur with dehydration or illness include:

  • Dry gums
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Changes in urination
  • Changes in drinking behaviour
  • Weakness
  • Sudden changes in normal behaviour

If you are concerned about your cat's hydration, thirst, urination or general health, seek veterinary advice. A sudden increase or decrease in drinking can sometimes be associated with an underlying health problem.

Helpful Cat Hydration & Feeding Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat drink very little water?

Many cats naturally have a relatively low thirst drive and may obtain part of their moisture through food rather than drinking large amounts of water directly.

How can I encourage my cat to drink more water?

Provide fresh water in several locations, experiment with different bowl types, consider a water fountain, keep water away from litter areas and include suitable moisture-rich food in the feeding routine.

Do cats prefer running water?

Some cats are attracted to moving water and may prefer drinking from a fountain. Other cats prefer a traditional bowl, so individual preferences vary.

How can I encourage my indoor cat to drink more?

Try multiple water stations, fresh water, different bowl types, a water fountain, suitable wet food and moisture-rich treats.

Can high-moisture cat treats help hydration?

High-moisture cat treats can contribute additional fluid compared with dry treats as part of a balanced feeding routine. They should be used alongside fresh drinking water rather than as a replacement for it.

Is wet cat food good for hydration?

Wet cat food generally provides considerably more moisture than dry food and can therefore be an important part of a hydration-friendly feeding routine.

Can I add water to my cat's food?

Some cats accept a small amount of water mixed into suitable food. Introduce changes gradually and ensure the final food remains appealing and appropriate for your cat.

Should cat water bowls be placed near food?

Some cats prefer their water to be positioned separately from food. Testing different locations can help identify your cat's preference.

Should cat water be kept away from the litter tray?

Many cats prefer drinking and feeding areas to be separate from toileting areas. Keeping water away from litter trays can also help create clearer feeding and litter zones in the home.

What is a good litter system for indoor cats?

A suitable system depends on your cat and household. Ezi-LockOdour Cat Litter Systems use a dual-layer design with absorbent pads and natural zeolite pellets to help manage litter maintenance and odour in indoor-cat environments.

When should I worry about changes in my cat's drinking?

Seek veterinary advice if your cat suddenly begins drinking substantially more or less than normal, particularly when changes occur alongside altered urination, appetite, weight, energy or behaviour.

Supporting Healthy Hydration Habits

Encouraging cats to drink more water often involves a combination of fresh water access, suitable bowl placement, environmental enrichment and moisture-rich feeding options. Small changes can make a meaningful difference to a cat's daily hydration routine.

Shop Cat Food & High-Moisture Cat Treats Australia

Browse our Cat Food Australia range, including Wet Cat Food Australia, plus Inaba Churu Cat Treats, Tuna Churu Cat Treats, Chicken Churu Cat Treats, Seafood Churu Cat Treats, Skin & Coat Churu Treats and Churu 200 Pack Variety Bundles available Australia wide from Pet & Rural Supply Co.



Back to blog