Does your cat drink very little? Does it beg for tap water or drink from glasses left on the table? It's not a whim: cats have a particular relationship with water. A cat water fountain can help it drink more, but it's not suitable for everyone. Here's why hydration is so important, how to choose a fountain, and other tips to get your cat to drink.
Why cats drink little
Domestic cats descend from felines from arid regions, accustomed to getting a large part of their water from their prey. They therefore have a less pronounced thirst. A cat fed wet food (canned food) covers a good part of its needs with its meals. A cat fed mainly dry food, on the other hand, must compensate by drinking, and some do not do so enough.
Why hydration matters
Good hydration contributes to the proper functioning of the kidneys and the urinary tract, two sensitive areas in cats, especially as they age. Encouraging a cat to drink is one of the basic pieces of advice from veterinarians, particularly for cats fed dry food, older cats, and those who have already had urinary problems. A fountain does not cure a disease, but it can help prevent insufficient hydration.
How to know if your cat drinks enough
- Observe its bowl: does the level go down every day?
- Look at the litter box: infrequent and very concentrated urine can indicate that it drinks little.
- The skin fold test: gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades. It should fall back quickly. If it stays wrinkled, consult.
The water fountain: for whom?
Many cats prefer moving water, probably because it seems fresher and safer to them. A fountain can therefore encourage them to drink more. Others completely ignore it or are frightened by the noise of the pump: not all cats react the same way. The only way to know is to try, leaving a classic water bowl next to it during the transition.
Choosing a fountain properly
- Easy to disassemble and clean: this is criterion no. 1. A dirty fountain is worse than a clean bowl.
- Ceramic or stainless steel, which are easier to keep clean than plastic, which scratches and retains bacteria.
- Quiet: a noisy pump can scare away a timid cat.
- Of an appropriate capacity for the number of cats, so you don't have to refill it constantly.
Maintaining the fountain
- Change the water every two or three days, or more often in hot weather.
- Clean the fountain and the pump every week with hot soapy water, then rinse well.
- Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check that the pump is still running: a broken fountain becomes stagnant water.
Other tips to get your cat to drink
- Multiply the water points in the house, in different rooms.
- Keep the water away from the food and the litter box: in nature, the cat does not drink where it eats.
- Choose wide and shallow containers: many cats do not like their whiskers touching the edges.
- Renew the water every day and wash the bowls regularly.
- Add wet food, rich in water, in agreement with your veterinarian.
- Try a glass or a glass bowl: some cats prefer to drink "like you".
The signs that should alert you
Conversely, a cat that suddenly starts drinking much more than before should be seen by a veterinarian: it is a possible sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism, common in older cats. Also consult in case of loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, difficulty urinating, or going back and forth to the litter box without results, which is an emergency in males. For the older cat, read our 7 essential adjustments for a senior cat.
A calm environment also helps
A relaxed cat eats and drinks more regularly. Place its water points in quiet places, and offer it a refuge where to rest: see our article cat hiding: 7 reasons and our felt wool caves.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a cat drink per day?
It depends a lot on its diet: a cat fed wet food drinks little, a cat fed dry food must drink more. Your veterinarian can give you a guideline suited to your cat.
Is a water fountain really useful?
For many cats, yes: moving water attracts them. But some ignore it. Try it while keeping a classic bowl next to it.
Why does my cat drink from the tap?
It prefers fresh and moving water. A fountain can offer it the same thing.
My cat is drinking much more than before, is it serious?
It can be a sign of a disease (kidney, diabetes, hyperthyroidism). Consult your veterinarian.
In summary
The cat naturally drinks little, especially if it eats dry food. A clean and quiet fountain, water points away from the food and the litter box, and a little wet food help it stay well hydrated. And if its thirst changes suddenly, consult.
