How to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy, Healthy, and Hydrated

Cats might be known for being mysterious, independent, and a little bit dramatic, but here’s one thing many cat parents don’t realize — they’re also pretty bad at drinking water. If you’ve ever looked at your cat’s water bowl and thought, “Did you even touch this?”, you’re definitely not alone.

Indoor cats, especially, tend to drink less water than they should, which can lead to dehydration, urinary tract issues, and even kidney problems over time. But don’t worry — keeping your feline friend well-hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple tricks (and maybe a little cat psychology), you can encourage your cat to drink more every day.

Let’s dive in — pun intended! 😸

Why Hydration Is So Important for Cats

Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors, which means their bodies are excellent at conserving water. While that’s great in the wild, it’s not ideal for our modern-day indoor kitties who rely on us for everything — including hydration.

Water helps cats:

• Maintain healthy kidney function

• Flush out toxins from their system

• Digest food properly

• Keep their coat shiny and skin healthy

• Prevent urinary tract infections and crystals

Dehydration in cats can lead to serious health issues. Common signs include dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and reduced skin elasticity. If you gently pinch the skin between your cat’s shoulders and it doesn’t quickly bounce back — that’s a red flag.

1. Add Moisture to Their Meals

One of the easiest ways to increase your cat’s water intake is through their food. Since cats naturally get a lot of moisture from prey in the wild, they’re often not wired to drink much water on their own.

Try these options:

• Wet food: A high-quality canned or pouch meal can be 70–80% water. Switching part (or all) of your cat’s diet to wet food can make a big difference.

• Mix water or broth into dry kibble: A small splash of warm water or low-sodium chicken broth can make dry food softer, more aromatic, and hydrating.

• Freeze-dried meals or toppers: If your cat eats freeze-dried food, make sure you rehydrate it properly before serving. Adding warm water enhances both flavor and texture — and gives your cat extra fluids.

💡 Pikapet tip: Many cats love the texture of rehydrated freeze-dried chicken or salmon treats — you get the hydration and the excitement of a tasty reward!

2. Keep the Water Bowl Fresh (and Fancy)

Would you drink from a stale, dusty bowl that’s been sitting out all week? Neither would your cat. Cats are surprisingly picky about their water source — temperature, cleanliness, and even bowl type can make a big difference.

Here are a few simple ways to upgrade their drinking experience:

• Change water daily: Cats love fresh, cool water. Replace it every morning or evening.

• Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls: Plastic bowls can hold odors or bacteria that turn cats off.

• Experiment with bowl shapes and placements: Some cats prefer wide, shallow bowls that don’t press on their whiskers. Others like to drink away from their food area — it’s an instinct from their wild ancestors!

• Add ice cubes: A fun twist for summer — many cats love batting at floating ice cubes before sipping the chilled water.

3. Try a Cat Water Fountain

If you’ve ever caught your cat drinking from the tap, you already know — cats are fascinated by running water. It looks cleaner, sounds interesting, and often tastes fresher.

That’s where a cat water fountain comes in. These devices keep water flowing continuously, which helps prevent stagnation and encourages cats to drink more.

When choosing a fountain, look for one that:

• Has a quiet motor (some cats are noise-sensitive)

• Is easy to clean and made of stainless steel or BPA-free materials

• Offers multiple flow options (some cats prefer gentle streams, others love bubbling fountains)

💦 Fun fact: Studies have shown that many cats significantly increase their water intake when using a fountain — especially older cats or those with kidney concerns.

4. Make Drinking an Enrichment Activity

Hydration doesn’t have to be boring! You can actually turn drinking water into a fun enrichment game.

Here are a few creative ideas:

• Multiple stations: Place several bowls or fountains around your home — especially in your cat’s favorite hangout spots.

• “Surprise” spots: Cats love to explore. Leave a small bowl of water on a windowsill or near their scratching post.

• Treat cubes: Freeze some tuna water or unsalted chicken broth into ice cubes and drop one in their bowl for a flavorful surprise.

• Puzzle feeders: Mix hydration with play by adding a little wet food or rehydrated treats inside a slow-feeding toy.

Not only does this help with hydration, but it also keeps indoor cats mentally stimulated — which is key for their happiness.

5. Watch for Signs of Dehydration or Preference

Every cat is different. Some like cool water, some prefer room temperature. Some only drink from glass bowls, others only from fountains. Pay attention to your cat’s habits and adjust accordingly.

And remember — if your cat suddenly stops drinking or shows signs of dehydration (like peeing less or acting sluggish), it’s always best to check in with your vet. Hydration issues can sometimes signal an underlying health problem.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your indoor cat hydrated is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do for their long-term health. Whether it’s through wet food, re-hydrated treats, or a fancy water fountain fit for feline royalty, every drop counts.

With a little creativity — and maybe a few ice cubes — you can turn hydration into a habit your cat actually enjoys.

🐾 Check out more pet care tips and premium treats at pikapet.com.au