

Many cat owners struggle with the problem that their cat won't drink water. Just as feeding your cat is a skill, there are also tricks to keeping your cat hydrated.
The cat's fluid intake must come mainly from food, as the cat naturally drinks little and has weak feeling of thirst. Hence, this is often the reason why the cat won't drink water but eats wet food. In the summer heat, your cat's ability to drink can be even weaker, but it is even more important to recognise dehydration in time and react quickly.
Did you know that the mouse, one of the most common prey animals for cats, can contain up to 80% water? Learn more about the cat's natural diet.
Cats have adapted to a low water intake and they can, if necessary, concentrate their urine in order to maintain the body's fluid balance. However, your cat needs to stay hydrated, as too little water dehydrates the body and can cause urinary problems such as idiopathic cystitis or urinary stones.
A cat's poor hydration and dry food based diet, for example, can also predispose the cat to constipation, which is one of the most common stomach problems in cats. Does your cat often suffer from constipation or other stomach problems? Read our tips for preventing the cat's constipation and how to feed a cat with sensitive stomach.
The cat's daily water requirements depend on its weight and activity level. A cat needs about half a deciliter of water per kilogram of weight per day, which means, that a cat weighing 5 kg needs about 2.5 dl of fluid per day.
Naturally, cats eat their food separately from where they drink, as the carcass of the prey may have contaminated the nearby water. This is why you should not place your cat's water bowl next to the food bowl. Cats also like to drink in a place where they can observe their surroundings.
Tips to increase your cat's drinking:
You can get help for your cat's hydration from PrimaCat Fillets and Soup supplementary foods.
Especially if your cat eats mostly dry food, it is important to ensure that the cat gets enough water, as kibble does not provide the cat with fluids, unlike wet food. In PrimaCat cat foods you will find several options to support your cat's fluid intake, for example, on a dry food-based diet:
If your cat starts drinking more than normal, you should book an appointment with your vet. Increased drinking can be a symptom of an illness that needs treatment.
Find out more about PrimaCat Soups and Fillets.