If you notice that your cat isn't drinking any water then it's time to look into why. There may be an underlying health condition, the water may not be fresh enough or the location of the bowl could all be potential reasons why your cat isn't drinking enough.
Contact your vet right away if you believe that your cat isn't drinking enough water. Dehydration can be an indication of a serious underlying condition such as kidney disease, heatstroke, or diabetes. When it comes to your cat's health it is always best to err on the side of caution.
If your cat is showing signs of dehydration contact your vet right away. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms above become evident your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of emergency veterinary care (refusal to drink for 24 hours or more qualifies as a veterinary emergency).
One of the primary reasons is it's in their genes. Felines evolved from desert dwellers, and therefore have a low thirst drive and can survive on less water than their canine counterparts. Plus, cats are sensitive to the taste and presentation of water. Most cats instinctively gravitate toward fresh, moving water.
But cats, well they are typically much pickier about their water sources. Some won't drink out of a water bowl if it's near their food bowl. Others prefer a fountain or even the kitchen or bathroom sink. Some picky cats won't sip from plastic or metal containers.
One suggests that because the species evolved in dry climates and had little exposure to rivers or lakes, water (except for drinking) is an element they are unfamiliar with and thus avoid. More likely, however, cats don't like getting wet because of what water does to their fur.
The number of times your cat goes to the water dish will depend on her preferences and personality. Most cats should drink about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight in a day, give or take an ounce in either direction.
If a cat goes 48-72 hours without drinking, or if the change in drinking habits is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as a reduction in urinating or defecating, or loss of appetite, be sure to have a vet take a look.
So when it comes to water, the average time a cat can survive without it is three to four days. “Within 24 hours of not drinking water, cats will become dehydrated,” Dr. Burch told The Dodo. “The longer a cat is not drinking water, the worse dehydration will become, electrolyte imbalances will occur and organ damage.”
Don't worry too much about a cat's water consumption. It's not unusual for a cat fed wet food to drink a teaspoonful of water a day or less. The moisture content of the cat food is usually sufficient. If he ate dry food you would probably find that he would naturally compensate by drinking more.
For the sake of your cat's health and waistline, it's best just to stick to water as part of their balanced diet. You should never give your cat cow's milk or any kind of milk substitute (for example, oat milks or nut milks) as they can make them very poorly.
Cats with dental infections, inflammation in the mouth or gastrointestinal disease may avoid drinking water due to the discomfort it causes them. Cats with underlying health issues may be more likely to become dehydrated, especially those with kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and diabetes.
Flavor the water: A cat turning her paws down at drinking “ordinary” water might drink flavored water. Try flavoring your kitty's water with some chicken broth, the liquid from a tin of tuna or sardines or some clam juice (sold in bottles at supermarkets).
Wet Food Keeps Cats Hydrated
Instead, they have two options: wet food, or dry kibble. Unlike dry cat food, wet food has enough water in it to provide your cat with much of the hydration they need. You can then use a running source of water (like a pet fountain) to provide the rest of the hydration that they need.
Fresh water should be available at all times. Healthy cats that eat canned food often drink very little because the food contains a high proportion of water. If your cat stops eating, she will need to have additional fluids. Fluids can be administered by mouth using a syringe.
How much water should my cat drink? A cat should drink on average 60mls/kg per day of water. That means a 4kg cat should be drinking approximately 240mls a day (about one cup) to ensure their body functions properly.
Unfortunately, milk is not the healthiest beverage for felines. In fact, it can cause a series of ailments, including an upset stomach, cramps, and severe diarrhea. A large majority of cats are lactose intolerant and/or become dehydrated when they are fed cow's milk.
Water could have become a positive experience, or at least something the cat has become acclimated to being around. Still, Johnson thinks that about 90 percent of cats will dislike water.
Look at them standing in the partially filled tub, pawing at the water, splashing around, even shaking it off their heads casually like dogs — but never leaving the tub!
Cats prefer to drink out of ceramic, glass or metal bowls - plastic bowls can taint the water. Some cats will prefer to drink from a natural water source outside; this might be because some are put off by the taste of chlorine. You could try collecting rain water for your cat to drink.
Cats do not like their food and water right next to each other. Cat behaviorists believe this may be due to cats hunting away from their water source in the wild. Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. In addition, they are turned off by food particles in their water.
Electrophysiological recordings show that water is not tasteless to cats. Also, unlike most mammals, cats appear indifferent to sucrose, but this may be because the taste of the sucrose is masked by the taste of the water in which it is dissolved.