Knowing how much your cat should drink is important, mostly because you’re looking for excess drinking (called polydipsia), which, together with excess urination (polyuria), is one of the most common and obvious symptoms of the disease. Specifically, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and some forms of IBD all present with increased drinking and urination, among other symptoms. This is a very useful thing to track in your pet.

Understanding your cat’s daily water needs is essential for maintaining their health. Dehydration can lead to serious issues, while excessive drinking may signal conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. But how much water does your cat need, and are you accounting for the moisture in their food?

A cat water intake calculator helps estimate the following:

• Daily water needs based on body weight
• Water intake from food
• Additional water they should drink to stay hydrated

Keep your cat healthy by monitoring their hydration effectively!

How Much Should a Cat Drink?

For daily water intake, cats (and dogs) generally need 2-3 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per hour. For an average 5-kilogram cat, this equates to 250-300 millilitres of total daily water intake. However, much of this water comes from their food. Cats eating wet food will drink less free water, while cats eating dry food will drink more. You can use our calculator below.

The Origins of Cats and Their Hydration Habits.

Let’s start with the origins of house cats. Where do they come from? As far as we know, all modern domestic cats are descendants of the Middle Eastern wildcat, first domesticated about 10,000 years ago, likely by farmers.
These ancestors lived in desert regions where a lack of water was common. Because water wasn’t always available to drink, they got most of their hydration from the prey they ate.

Modern Domestic Cats and Water Consumption.

Cats are desert animals adapted to living in low-water environments, originally hailing from North Africa, where they often went for long periods without access to fresh water. They primarily get their water from food, requiring minimal water intake when consuming prey or wet food rich in moisture. However, domestic cats, particularly those on a dry diet, often struggle to meet their hydration needs. This is because dry food is significantly lower in moisture content, forcing cats to drink more water to compensate. While many cats are now indoor companions, enjoying the benefits of a sheltered life, their dry food diets can increase their risk of kidney issues due to inadequate hydration.

Food Type	Water Content	Drinking Needs	Age Recommendation	Health Considerations
Dry Food	7-8%	High	All ages, but especially important for older cats	Can contribute to dehydration, especially in older cats.
Wet Food	50-70%	Low	Recommended for all cats, especially older cats (over 10 years old)	Improves hydration and may help prevent kidney issues.

Cats Are Inefficient Drinkers.

Cats are very inefficient drinkers. They lap the water with their tongue, collecting only a small amount each lap. This inefficiency may explain why many cats prefer drinking from running water sources like fountains, taps, or drips. Running water is fresher and may be easier for cats to drink efficiently. Many cats prefer water fountains, which can help increase their daily water intake.

Low Thirst Drive in Cats.

Cats also have a relatively low thirst drive. When dehydrated, they tend to concentrate their urine to preserve body water rather than drinking more. While this is a great adaptation for desert survival, it can be problematic for older cats or those with health conditions that increase water loss (e.g., kidney disease). Such cats may become dehydrated without realizing it, exacerbating their health issues.

Monitoring Water Intake.

Tracking your cat’s water intake is useful for assessing their health status and detecting potential issues early. Traditional methods for measuring water intake can be inconvenient, especially in multi-pet households. However, new tools like the Pet Libro Dock Stream water fountain make this process easier by providing daily water intake data over extended periods. Monitoring trends over weeks or months allows owners to spot changes in their cat’s water intake, which could indicate underlying health issues. Typically, cats drink from their water bowl 2-4 times per day.

Numbers are less important than observing your cat’s water intake trends. For example, a significant increase in water consumption over time could be a red flag and warrant a visit to the vet. Measuring water intake over time provides valuable data to monitor your cat’s health.

PETLIBRO App Monitoring Cat Water Fountain For Cats.

This Bluetooth-controlled water fountain measures how much water your cat drinks. It provides helpful feedback through an app, showcasing your cat’s daily water consumption and how it changes over time. A valuable feature is its low-water alert, reminding you to refill the fountain regularly. This prevents inconvenience and assists in monitoring your pet’s water intake trends, which is an important aspect.

This water fountain is a game-changer for cat owners. Its sleek design, 2.5L stainless steel tray, and constant gentle flow keep water fresh and hygienic, encouraging my cat to drink more—a huge plus for his health.
The standout feature is the 2.4G Wi-Fi connectivity with the PETLIBRO app, which lets me monitor water levels, control the fountain remotely, and receive reminders for refills and cleaning. Setup was quick, and maintenance was a breeze with easy-to-clean parts and an efficient filter.
This fountain is quiet, convenient, and smart. It ensures my cat always has fresh water, even when I’m away.

Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water?

If your cat is drinking more water, consider changes in diet, especially if it’s now on dry food, as it requires more water. Is your cat acting normally—playful and lively? Older cats (10+) may develop conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid issues, which can cause increased thirst. These are treatable with veterinary care, so schedule a vet appointment for a blood panel. Early treatment can lead to a long, comfortable life, as I’ve seen with my cats living to 17-18 with proper care and medication.

Should I be concerned if my cat doesn’t drink much water?

When my cat was a kitten, he wouldn’t drink water! I tried giving him milk, but he hardly drank that either. He only liked canned food with gravy, so I added extra water to it for hydration. Two years later, he drinks water all the time, refuses canned food, and loves Fancy Feast treats.
I advise sprinkling I suggest sprinkling water on canned food for now; hopefully, your cat’s taste will change, too! Also, remember that cats are farsighted. My cat can’t see the water in his bowl, so he checks with his paw. If I pour it in front of him, he immediately drinks it!

Is it normal for my cat to avoid drinking water if they eat wet food?

Cats on an all-wet food diet usually drink less water since wet food contains 70-80% moisture, keeping them hydrated. However, it’s still important to monitor for signs of dehydration, like dry gums or lethargy. Always provide fresh water to encourage healthy drinking habits, even if your cat eats only wet food.

Dehydration in Cats.

Dehydration is an imbalance of water and minerals in the body, and it can cause serious complications in cats. Common causes include:

1. Diarrhea
2. Vomiting
3. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures
4. Renal disease
5. Fever

Dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop below normal due to reduced water intake or increased fluid loss.

Signs of Dehydration in Cats?

There are several ways to check if your cat is dehydrated:

Decreased Skin Elasticity:

Pinch the skin gently. If the cat is hydrated, the skin will return to normal within a second. If it takes longer, the cat may be dehydrated.

Dry Gums:

Healthy gums should be pink. When dehydrated, the gums can appear dry and pale.

Sunken Eyes:

Dehydrated cats often have eyes that are sunken deeper into their sockets than usual.

Lethargy or Depression:

A dehydrated cat may show signs of lethargy or depression.

Ways to Encourage Cats to Drink More Water.

Cat Fountains.

Cat fountains are a controversial option, but they can encourage drinking. There are plug-in and rechargeable versions, with some featuring UVB sterilizers. The key is regular cleaning—daily disassembly and weekly sterilization. Fountains can help cats drink more, as evidenced by increased urine in the litter box. However, cleanliness is crucial; a dirty fountain defeats the purpose.

Kitty Soup.

Mix one can of your cat’s favourite wet food with one can of warm water, creating a hydrating “kitty soup.” My vet recommended this method when my cat had crystals. It’s now a treat, given two to three times a week. Combining fountains and kitty soup has helped my cats stay hydrated and reduced health issues.

Change the Location.

Move your cat’s water dish away from its food, ideally to another room or at least 5 feet away. Many cats dislike drinking near their food.

Change the Material.

Switch from plastic or stainless steel bowls to ceramic or glass. Plastic can retain odours and tastes that cats find unpleasant.

Adjust Water Temperature.

Some cats prefer room-temperature water over cold. Try filling a water bowl from the bathtub faucet or using a gallon jug of room-temperature water.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, understanding your cat’s hydration needs and habits is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Cats, originally from desert environments, have evolved to get most of their moisture from food, but this can become an issue when fed dry food. Ensuring they have access to fresh water through cat fountains, wet food, or “kitty soup” can encourage hydration. Monitoring signs of dehydration and adjusting their water intake habits, such as changing water bowl locations or materials, is essential, especially for older cats or those with health conditions. Taking proactive steps can help ensure your cat stays hydrated, preventing potential health issues and enhancing their quality of life.