So, you’ve noticed something weird. Your cat isn’t drinking water. Like, at all. You’ve filled the bowl, moved it around, even tried a fancy fountain, but nope. Your furry little dictator is acting like water is beneath them. What gives?
Let’s be real—cats are mysterious creatures. One minute they’re purring in your lap, and the next they’re giving you the cold shoulder because you dared to pet them wrong. But when it comes to hydration, things can get serious fast.
Cats not drinking enough water can lead to health issues like urinary tract problems, kidney disease, or dehydration. So, if your cat’s giving H2O the side-eye, it’s time to figure out why.
Why My Cat Doesn’t Drink Water?
First off, let’s talk about why your cat might be acting like water is the enemy. Cats are weirdos, but there’s usually a reason behind their quirks.
They’re Getting Water Elsewhere
If your cat’s eating wet food, they might be getting most of their hydration from there.
Wet food is like a stealthy water source—it’s packed with moisture, and your cat might not feel the need to drink from their bowl.
The Bowl’s a Problem
If the water bowl is too small, too deep, or too close to their food, they might refuse to drink. Some cats don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl.
Others hate the smell of plastic. And don’t even get me started on stagnant water—cats prefer it fresh and flowing.
They’re Just Being Cats
Let’s face it—cats are drama queens. Sometimes, they just don’t drink water because they don’t feel like it.
Maybe they’re holding out for something better, like that time they ignored their expensive toy and played with the box instead.
Signs Your Cat Isn’t Drinking Enough Water
Okay, so your cat’s not drinking water. But how do you know if it’s a big deal? Here are some red flags to watch out for:
Dry or Sticky Gums
If your cat’s gums feel dry or sticky, it could be a sign of dehydration. Healthy gums should be moist and pink.
Lethargy
Is your cat acting like a couch potato? Dehydration can zap their energy and make them super sluggish.
Sunken Eyes
This one’s a biggie. If your cat’s eyes look sunken or dull, it’s time to call the vet.
Decreased Urination
If the litter box is looking a little too clean, your cat might not be drinking enough.
How to Stimulate Your Cat to Drink Water
Alright, so your cat’s not drinking water. Now what? Don’t panic—there are plenty of ways to encourage them to hydrate.
Switch to Wet Food
If your cat’s on a dry food diet, consider switching to wet food. It’s packed with moisture and can help keep them hydrated. Plus, most cats think it’s a gourmet treat.
Invest in a Cat Water Fountain
Cats love running water. It’s like their version of a fancy spa. A cat water fountain can make drinking water more appealing and keep it fresh.
Try Different Bowls
Experiment with different types of bowls. Some cats prefer ceramic or stainless steel over plastic. And make sure the bowl is wide and shallow—no whisker fatigue here.
Add Some Flavor
If your cat’s being stubborn, try adding a little flavor to their water. A splash of tuna juice or chicken broth can make it more enticing. Just make sure it’s low-sodium and cat-safe.
Move the Water Bowl
Cats are weird about where they eat and drink. Try moving the water bowl away from their food and litter box. Some cats prefer drinking in a quiet, secluded spot.
My Cat Doesn’t Drink Water: Reddit
Reddit is a goldmine of cat stories, and the “my cat doesn’t drink water” threads are no exception. Here’s what Redditors are saying about their cats’ hydration habits:
Wet Food is Hydrating Enough
A lot of Redditors point out that if your cat eats wet food, they might not need to drink much water. One user shared, “My cat never touches her water bowl, but she eats wet food twice a day. Her vet says she’s perfectly hydrated.”
Wet food is about 70-80% water, so it’s a sneaky way to keep your cat hydrated. If your cat’s eating wet food and seems healthy, they might not need to drink much extra water.
Cats Are Picky About Their Water
Reddit is full of stories about cats being divas about their water. One user wrote, “My cat refused to drink from her bowl until I switched to a ceramic one. Turns out, she hates plastic.”
Other common complaints include:
– The bowl is too small or deep.
– The water is too close to their food or litter box.
– The water isn’t fresh enough.
Running Water is King
Many Redditors swear by cat water fountains. One user shared, “I bought a fountain, and now my cat drinks water like it’s her job. She used to ignore her bowl completely.”
Cats are instinctively drawn to running water because it feels fresher and safer. If your cat’s not drinking, a fountain might be the solution.
Some Cats Just Don’t Drink Much
A few Redditors pointed out that some cats are naturally low-thirst animals. One user said, “My cat barely drinks water, but she’s healthy. Some cats just don’t need much.”
While this might be true for some cats, it’s still important to monitor their hydration levels. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, so don’t assume your cat’s fine just because they’re not drinking.
Reddit Tips for Getting Your Cat to Drink Water
If your cat’s not drinking water, Reddit has plenty of creative solutions. Here are some of the best tips from cat owners:
Add Flavor to the Water
One Redditor suggested, “I add a little tuna juice to my cat’s water, and she laps it right up. Just make sure it’s low-sodium.”
Adding a splash of something tasty, like chicken broth or tuna juice, can make water more appealing. Just avoid anything with added salt or spices.
Try Different Bowls
Another user shared, “My cat wouldn’t drink until I switched to a wide, shallow bowl. Turns out, she hates her whiskers touching the sides.”
Experiment with different types of bowls—ceramic, stainless steel, or even glass. And make sure the bowl is wide enough to avoid whisker fatigue.
Offer Ice Cubes
One creative Redditor wrote, “My cat loves playing with ice cubes. I drop one in her water bowl, and she ends up drinking the water as it melts.”
Ice cubes can be a fun way to encourage your cat to drink. Plus, they’re great for keeping the water cool and fresh.
Move the Water Bowl
A common tip on Reddit is to move the water bowl away from the food and litter box. One user explained, “Cats don’t like their water near their food. I moved the bowl to a different room, and now my cat drinks way more.”
Cats are naturally cautious about contamination, so they might avoid water that’s too close to their food or litter.
When to Worry: Reddit’s Advice on Dehydration
While many Redditors share funny stories about their cats’ quirks, they’re also quick to point out when it’s time to worry. Here’s what they say about dehydration:
Watch for Signs of Dehydration
One user warned, “If your cat’s not drinking and seems lethargic, it’s time to call the vet. Dehydration can get serious fast.”
Common signs of dehydration include:
– Dry or sticky gums
– Sunken eyes
– Lethargy
– Decreased urination
Sick Cats Need Extra Attention
Another Redditor shared, “My cat stopped drinking when she got sick. The vet gave her fluids, and she bounced back quickly.”
If your cat’s not drinking and also not eating, it’s a red flag. Loss of appetite and dehydration can be signs of a serious health issue, so don’t wait to call the vet.
When to Call the Vet
Look, I get it—cats are finicky. But if your cat’s not drinking water and showing signs of dehydration, it’s time to call the vet. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Your vet might recommend:
Subcutaneous Fluids
If your cat’s severely dehydrated, the vet might give them fluids under the skin. It sounds scary, but it’s a quick and effective way to rehydrate them.
Blood Tests
Dehydration can be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Blood tests can help rule out problems like kidney disease or diabetes.
Diet Changes
Your vet might suggest switching to a prescription diet or adding supplements to encourage hydration.
FAQs
My Cat Doesn’t Drink Water But Drinks Milk
Okay, let’s clear this up—milk is not a substitute for water. In fact, many cats are lactose intolerant, and milk can upset their stomach. If your cat’s drinking milk but avoiding water, it’s time to wean them off the dairy and encourage them to drink water instead.
My cat is not drinking water or eating.
This is a red flag. Loss of appetite and dehydration can signal serious health issues like kidney disease, infections, or dental problems. Call your vet immediately.
Why won’t my cat drink water but eats wet food?
Wet food is about 70-80% water, so your cat might already be hydrated. Cats in the wild get most of their moisture from prey, so wet food mimics that. If they’re eating wet food and seem healthy, they might not feel the need to drink extra water.
Is it normal for cats not to drink water?
It’s normal for cats to drink less water if they eat wet food. However, if they’re not drinking any water and showing signs of dehydration (lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes), it’s a problem. Always monitor their hydration.
My cat is not drinking water or eating.
This is a red flag. Loss of appetite and dehydration can signal serious health issues like kidney disease, infections, or dental problems. Call your vet immediately.
Sick cat won’t drink water
If your cat is sick and not drinking, they may need veterinary care. Your vet might administer subcutaneous fluids or recommend a prescription diet. Don’t wait—dehydration can worsen their condition.
How do you hydrate a cat that won’t drink?
- Switch to wet food: It’s packed with moisture and can keep them hydrated.
- Use a cat water fountain: Cats love running water.
- Add flavor: Try tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth in their water.
- Try different bowls: Ceramic or stainless steel, wide and shallow.
- Offer ice cubes: Some cats love playing with and drinking melted ice.
Final Thoughts
So, your cat doesn’t drink water. It’s frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. Cats are quirky, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure out what works for them.
The key is to pay attention. If your cat’s acting off or showing signs of dehydration, don’t wait—call the vet. But if they’re just being their usual picky self, try some of the tips above. With a little patience, you’ll have your cat sipping water like a pro in no time.
And hey, if all else fails, just remember: cats are gonna cat. They’ll keep us on our toes, but that’s part of what makes them so lovable.