Judging by the water levels in your cat’s bowl every day, you might wonder if they’re getting enough to drink. Cats can get pretty loud when it comes to convincing you to fill their food dish, but they don’t usually show much interest in water. You just keep refilling it and hope they’re drinking enough to stay hydrated.
To be fair, cats are well-known for their lack of thirst, given their evolutionary history as desert animals. But chronic dehydration can be a serious problem, and it can take a toll on your cat’s kidney and urinary health before you even realize there’s a problem.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Drinking Enough Water
Because cats generally have such a low level of thirst, it can be hard to tell how much water they drink every day. Especially if they tend to ignore their water bowl in favor of a leaky faucet or the dishes soaking in the kitchen sink.
Fortunately, there are several simple signs that will tell you your cat is getting enough to drink. Well-hydrated cats have bright eyes, moist gums, and good energy levels. Their skin is also highly elastic. For example, if you pinch the scruff of their neck, the skin is supple and moves easily.
How Much Water Do Cats Need?
You might be surprised by how little water cats need to stay healthy! It’s only 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
Cats get water from their wet food, too, so keeping your cat well-fed also helps keep them well-hydrated. If you want to make it easier for your cat to get the water they need, here are a few things to try.
- Cats often prefer moving water, so they might drink more from a fountain than from a bowl.
- Keep multiple water sources in different locations around the house so cats can drink whenever and wherever they feel thirsty.
- Prevent contamination by placing water bowls away from the food bowl and litter box.
- Change and refill the water in your cat’s bowl at least once daily. Cats are sensitive to smell and taste. If the water tastes stale or has an odor, cats are likely to avoid it.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration in Cats?
If your cat shows any of the warning signs of dehydration, they could be in trouble. Dehydration can lead to painful urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and more. Call your vet if your cat shows symptoms like:
- Lethargic behavior
- Sunken eyes
- Dry or tacky gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Decreased urination or very dark, highly concentrated urine
- Reduced appetite
Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health concerns, so going to the vet is the best way to make sure your cat gets the care they need. Kidney or thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, and even infections may cause similar or overlapping symptoms.
Veterinary Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
If your cat seems healthy, but you’re concerned about whether or not they’re drinking enough water, please ask us about it at their next exam. But if your cat is acting odd, or showing signs of dehydration, trust your instincts and schedule a vet appointment. Anasazi Animal Clinic is always happy to help you figure out what’s going on and what works best for keeping your cat healthy.
Photo by fr0ggy5 on Unsplash used with permission under license for commercial use 03/19/2026.