August 7, 2025 Back Home

Cat Hydration 101: Water Fountains, Wet Food & More

It’s the dog days of summer—but don’t let your cat be the one in the hot seat!

It’s hot, or hotter than normal, and not only are we sweltering, but so are our cats. When summer heats up, dehydration becomes a serious risk for our feline companions.

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so even in the warmest months, they might not be drinking enough to stay properly hydrated. And when a cat doesn’t drink enough water, it can lead to a cascade of health problems — most notably, urinary tract issues, concentrated urine, and yes, smellier litter box surprises.

So, how much water should a cat drink? The Cornell Feline Health Center recommends cats consume about 4 oz of water per five pounds of body weight per day — so the average 10-pound cat should drink roughly one cup of water per day.

CONTACT YOUR VET IF YOU ARE CONCERNED YOUR CAT IS DEHYDRATED.

Why Cat Hydration Matters

Just like humans, hydration plays a major role in your cat’s urinary health.

When cats are dehydrated, their urine becomes more concentrated, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and even blockages. You may also notice that your cat’s litter box smells stronger than usual or that your cat is urinating less frequently.

These are early signs that your cat may need more water. Other, more critical signs of dehydration in cats, include:

Lethargy or sunken eyes
Dry gums
Skin that doesn’t quickly bounce back when gently pulled
Decreased urination or darker, stronger-smelling urine

3 Simple Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Drink Water

If your cat isn’t drinking from their bowl, don’t worry. Cats can be picky about how and where they hydrate. Here’s how to help:

1. Cat Water Fountains

If there’s one must-have hydration hack, it’s a cat water fountain.

Cats are naturally drawn to running water—it mimics streams they’d drink from in the wild. Fountains keep water moving and filtered, making it fresher and more appealing than still water. For some cats, switching from a bowl to a fountain is all it takes to encourage your cat to drink water regularly.

2. Add Water to Food

You can sneak hydration right into mealtime.

Add a few tablespoons of water to your cat’s wet food (or even their dry kibble if they’re open to it). Not only does it help increase water intake, but it also softens food for senior cats or those with dental issues.

Think of it as turning their dinner into a tasty, hydrating stew.

@thecatterycc Is your cat getting enough water? This is a lot of information for 90 seconds so feel free to let us know in the comments if you have any questions! And if you have tips to share with other cat parents, please do! ❤️🐱 #cattips #cathydration #stayhydrated #cathelp #tiptalk #tipsforcatowners #cats #catlife #catwater #hydrated #dehydrated #cat101 #wetfood #dryfood #catdiet ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic – Kenji Ueda

3. Make Ice Treats

Looking for a fun, interactive way to beat the heat?

Try ice cube treats, either with plain water or tuna water (no salt!), bone broth, or even diluted wet food.

You can freeze the mixture in silicone molds and offer them on a plate or in a water bowl. Some cats will lick the ice directly; others will love pawing at it as it melts.

Don’t wait until your cat is showing signs of dehydration. With a few small changes—like introducing a cat water fountain, mixing water into meals, or serving frozen treats—you can make hydration a regular (and enjoyable!) part of your cat’s routine.

It’s one of the easiest ways to support long-term urinary health for cats and keep things running smoothly year-round.