How do I get my cat to drink more?

There are several conditions where we need to encourage our kitty to drink more, such as kidney failure, urinary problems and constipation problems. In general, our cats are not very good drinkers, being quite poor at ingesting a good quantity of water with their tongue. So here are some tips to help felines stay hydrated:

Canned food is a great way to encourage water consumption because it has a high water content and cats generally love the taste. It can be served several times a day, in small quantities and adding water as needed.

Always provide your cat with fresh water and in several different places, which encourages him to drink more. Make sure bowls are filled to the rim as cats have very sensitive whiskers and do not like having to put their head in the bowl. Try to keep the bowls away from their litter boxes.

Some cats don't like tap water, so we can try offering them filtered, distilled, or bottled water. Chilled water can also be an option as it improves its taste.

Many cats enjoy circulating water such as running tap water, so make sure they have access to it as often as possible. A little water left in the bathtub or sink while you wait to return may also please kitty. There are also circulating water fountains that we can offer to our cats who like fresh water.

You can also flavor the water in different ways, such as adding a few drops of tuna juice or milk or adding ice cubes made from broth (tuna juice, chicken broth, beef).

Finally, always keep the water bowls clean (ideally washed every day!) because cats are very sensitive to bad smells... Shallow stainless steel, ceramic or clear glass bowls are often the kitties' favorites!

Written by: Dr. Karine Barry