Cat Not Drinking Water: Causes, Concerns, and How to Help
Are you concerned about your cat not drinking a lot of water?
Cats are known for their low thirst drive which can make it difficult to know if your pet is simply being a typical cat or if their low water intake is a red flag.
A healthy adult cat needs about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. However, this can vary significantly based on their diet, activity level, and the environmental temperature.
This article will help you understand why your cat might not be drinking water, when you need to be concerned, and how to encourage them to drink more to protect their long-term health.
Key Takeaways
- Normal vs. Concerning: Cats are naturally low-thirst animals, so seeing them drink less than a dog is normal. However, a sudden drop in water intake can be a signal of a health issue.
- Dehydration is a Medical Emergency: Dehydration can quickly lead to organ damage. If your cat shows signs of dehydration, seek vet care immediately.
- Encouraging Hydration: You can help your cat drink more by providing fresh, clean water in multiple locations, trying a fountain, or switching to a wet food diet.
- Monitor Behavior Patterns: Tracking your cat’s regular habits with a tool like the Maven Pet Health Monitor can help you spot subtle changes in their behavior.
Why Is My Cat Not Drinking Water?
It’s important to differentiate between a cat’s normal behavior and a problematic change. Here are some aspects to consider before worrying about health problems:
- Diet: If your cat eats wet food, they are likely getting most of their required hydration from their meals.
- Preference and Purity: Cats are picky, so they may not like the taste of tap water or they might object to a bowl that is too small, too close to their food, or made of a material they dislike.
- Location of the Water Bowl: In the wild, cats instinctively separate their eating and drinking areas. Placing the water bowl directly next to their food bowl or litter box can deter them from drinking.
- Health Issues: If none of the above apply, you should look into more serious problems. A sudden decrease in water intake can be a symptom of a health issue, such as a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or dental pain.
Cat Not Drinking Water but Eating: What It Means
If your cat is eating normally but not drinking water, it’s often a sign that they are getting all the hydration they need from their food.
However, if your cat is on a dry food diet and you notice this behavior, you should pay closer attention.
Not drinking enough water can lead to urinary or kidney issues over time, so monitoring their habits and encouraging more drinking is important.
Cat Not Eating but Drinking Water: When to Be Concerned
A cat who has suddenly stopped eating but is still drinking, or perhaps drinking more, could be suffering from a serious health problem, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.
This situation indicates a significant disruption in your cat’s normal bodily functions, and a visit to the vet is essential.
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Signs of Dehydration in Cats
A drop in water intake will naturally lead to dehydration. Dehydration in cats is an extremely serious issue, so pay attention to these warning signs:
- Lethargy and Weakness: Does your cat seem unusually tired, weak, and less interested in playing?
- Decreased Skin Elasticity: Gently pinch the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades and lift it. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin will snap back immediately. If it takes a few seconds to return to its normal position, your cat is likely dehydrated.
- Dry Gums: Your cat’s gums should be moist and a healthy pink color. If they are dry, sticky, or pale, it can be a sign of dehydration.
- Sunken Eyes: Dehydration can cause your cat’s eyes to appear dull or sunken into their sockets.
- Decreased Urination: A dehydrated cat will produce less urine, and it will be darker and more concentrated. Pay attention to the amount of litter clumps in the box.
Tips to Encourage Cats to Drink More Water
If you’re concerned about your cat’s water intake, try these practical tips to make hydration more appealing:
- Provide Multiple Water Stations: Place several water bowls around your home in different, low-traffic areas.
- Get a Water Fountain: Many cats prefer running or moving water, which taps into their natural instincts. A pet fountain can be a great way to encourage more drinking.
- Change the Bowl: Some cats prefer glass, ceramic, or stainless steel over plastic. Others may prefer a wide, shallow bowl that doesn’t touch their whiskers.
- Freshen the Water Daily: Cats are sensitive to stale water and can be deterred by dust or particles in the bowl.
- Add Moisture to Their Diet: If your cat eats dry food, consider a partial or full switch to wet food. You can also add a small amount of warm water to their dry food to boost hydration.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your cat:
- Has stopped drinking water entirely.
- Is showing any signs of dehydration.
- Is not eating or has a significant change in appetite, even if they are still drinking.
- Is urinating less frequently or straining to urinate.
- Has a noticeably increased thirst.
“Cats naturally drink less than dogs, but a noticeable change in water intake — especially paired with not eating — can be a serious warning sign that requires veterinary attention.” — Joana Babo, DVM
How the Maven Pet Health Monitor Helps Track Subtle Changes in Cat Behavior
Observing your cat’s behavior is the key to early detection of health issues.
Since cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, a small change in a routine habit can be the first indication that something is wrong.
The Maven Pet Health Tracker is a wearable device that tracks your cat’s activity, rest, and behavior patterns.
Maven Pet
Health Monitor
#1 Vet-recommended pet monitor! Tracks activity, rest, respiratory rate, water intake, scratching and other health indicators 24/7
By establishing a baseline of your cat’s typical habits, the monitor provides an objective, real-time look at their health.
It can alert you to subtle changes you might miss. For example, if your cat’s typical pattern shows they drink from their fountain multiple times a day but suddenly there are fewer drinking sessions, the Maven pet health app can notify you.
This data gives you concrete information to discuss with your vet, allowing for a proactive approach to your cat’s health.
Takeaways Recap
- Watch for Changes: A sudden or significant change in your cat’s drinking habits can be a sign of a health issue.
- Monitor for Dehydration: Be vigilant for physical signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry gums, or decreased skin elasticity.
- Encourage Hydration: Take proactive steps to get your cat to drink more, like providing fresh water, using a fountain, or adding moisture to their food.
- Use Monitoring Tools: Consider using a pet health monitor to track your cat’s behavior and detect subtle changes that may indicate a problem.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
