What Do Cats Drink? A Guide to Cat Hydration
You must’ve heard that cats can’t digest milk. But then, the million-dollar question is: What do cats drink? Usually, it’s just water. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and are experts at extracting moisture from their food. But in a modern home environment, ensuring they get enough liquid is crucial. And that’s why this guide to cat hydration is here for your help.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh, clean water is the absolute best and most essential liquid for your cat’s daily hydration.
- Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning traditional dairy can cause severe digestive upset and dehydration.
- Cats eating exclusively dry food will need to drink significantly more water from their bowl compared to cats eating moisture-rich wet food.
- Kittens rely entirely on their mother’s milk or specialized formula until they start weaning around six to eight weeks of age.
- Always consult your veterinarian if you notice your cat suddenly drinking much more or much less water than usual, as this can signal underlying health issues.
What Do Cats Drink?
It’s simple: cats drink water. Wild cats obtained the bulk of their hydration from the prey they hunted, so domestic cats carry that same low-thirst instinct. That doesn’t mean they can skip the water bowl, it just means you may need to make it extra appealing. Water is the only beverage an adult cat needs as part of a balanced diet, and providing constant access to a fresh, clean supply is the single most impactful thing you can do for their health.
Why Is Hydration Important for Cats?
Water powers almost every process in your cat’s body, flushing toxins through the kidneys, supporting smooth digestion, and regulating body temperature. Chronic mild dehydration can contribute to urinary tract issues and kidney disease over time, making adequate hydration a frontline health priority. Cats with existing kidney conditions are especially vulnerable, so never underestimate the importance of a well-placed water bowl.
Do Cats Drink Milk or Water?
While kittens produce the enzyme lactase to digest their mother’s milk, most adult cats lose this ability as they mature, making them lactose intolerant. Giving cow’s milk to an adult cat typically causes cramps, gas, and diarrhea, which rapidly depletes fluids and creates the very dehydration you hoped to avoid.
How Much Water Should Cats Drink?
There is no single, universal measurement for how much water every cat should drink. The ideal amount can be calculated based on your cat’s size, age, activity level, and most importantly, their diet. Consult your vet to figure out the exact amount of water your cat should drink.
If your cat eats a diet consisting entirely of dry kibble, they will need to drink a substantial amount of water from their bowl. Dry cat food typically contains only about 10% moisture. On the other hand, wet cat food is made up of roughly 70% to 80% water. A cat eating a wet food diet will naturally consume a large portion of their daily water requirement during mealtime, meaning you might rarely see them visiting the water bowl. And that is totally fine.
What Can Cats Drink Besides Water?
While water is the gold standard, you might occasionally wonder what can cats drink besides water to add a little excitement to their routine. If you want to offer a safe, alternative beverage as a rare treat, you have a few options:
Cat-Specific Milk
Pet stores sell specially formulated “cat milk” that has the lactose removed, making it safe for their digestive systems. Treat this as an occasional snack, not a water replacement.
Broths
A small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth (strictly without any added onions or garlic, which are toxic to cats) can be a savory treat.
Tuna Juice
The liquid drained from a can of tuna (ensure it is tuna in spring water, not brine or oil) can be a highly enticing flavor booster.
Remember, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and plant-based milks (like almond or soy milk) should never be given to cats.
Can Kittens Drink the Same Things as Cats?
Ideally, no; kittens have entirely different nutritional and hydration needs compared to adult cats. From birth until they are about three to four weeks old, kittens get 100% of their hydration and nutrition from their mother’s milk. If a kitten is orphaned, they require a specialized kitten milk replacer formula, never cow’s milk.
Around four weeks of age, the weaning process begins. As you introduce solid kitten food, you should also provide a shallow bowl of fresh, clean water. By the time they are fully weaned at around eight weeks old, they should be drinking solely water, just like an adult cat.
Common Hydration Mistakes Cat Owners Make
Even the most loving pet parents can make innocent mistakes when it comes to feline hydration. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Placing water next to food
In the wild, cats avoid drinking water near their freshly caught prey to prevent contamination. Many domestic cats retain this instinct and prefer their water bowl to be located in a completely different room from their food bowl. The best practice here would be to keep water bowls throughout the house ensuring constant access to fresh water.
Letting water get stale
Cats are notoriously fussy about freshness. Wash their bowl and provide fresh water daily.
Using the wrong bowl
Plastic bowls can harbor bacteria and unpleasant odors. Opt for wide, shallow ceramic or stainless steel bowls so your cat’s sensitive whiskers don’t brush against the sides. However, some cats can also have allergies to plastic. In this case, try different bowls to see what they prefer.
Ignoring running water
Many cats are fascinated by moving water and prefer it over still water. Investing in a cat water fountain can drastically increase their daily intake.
When to Contact a Veterinarian?
Keeping an eye on your cat’s water bowl is a great way to monitor their health. If you are asking yourself, “Why is my cat not drinking water?” for more than a day, or if they are showing signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, hiding more than normal, or less urine in the litter box than usual, contact your vet immediately.
Conversely, if your cat is suddenly draining their water bowl and urinating much more frequently than normal, this is also a red flag. Excessive thirst can be an early warning sign of serious conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or feline diabetes. Whenever you notice a drastic, unexplained change in your cat’s drinking habits, a veterinary check-up is the safest course of action.
Conclusion
Understanding what cats drink is the first step to ensuring your feline friend lives a long, healthy, and vibrant life. By prioritizing fresh, clean water, separating their food and water stations, skipping cow milk, and offering occasional treats like TEMPTATIONS™ cat treats, you are setting them up for success!
CONTEXTUAL LINKS
How Much Wet Food Should You Feed Your Cat? | How Much Dry Food Should You Feed Your Cat? | What Can Kittens Eat and What Should They Avoid? | How Much to Feed a Kitten | How Much Should You Actually Be Feeding Your Cat? | Why Is My Cat Not Eating?
Contributor
Jessica Gilliam is a veterinarian with more than 14 years of clinical experience, specializing in small animal medicine. She is passionate about surgery, dentistry, mentorship, and education. Jessica serves as the Community Chair for the Tennessee Market at Banfield and oversees Mars Petcare’s PetConnect chat, which offers free educational support for pet parents. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and baking.