Just like you, it’s important for your cat(s) to stay hydrated – so they’ll feel well and stay healthy. If you have a cat not drinking water, watch out: this could be a sign of illness or injury in your feline friend. In this article, we’ll cover how much water a cat needs, why a cat might stop drinking water, and what you can do to get your cat drinking again. If you enjoy this article, check out our other cat-friendly articles here.
How much water does my cat need?
A cat’s daily water requirement depends on several factors, for example: their age, size, diet, and the time of year. In general, kittens and elderly cats need more water than adult cats – as do very active cats or those in warm climates and sun.
In general, an adult domestic cat which weighs 5 kg should drink approximately 250 ml of water – or just over one cup – per day.
However if your cat is very active outside, or eats only dry food (which contains less water than wet food), your cat may need more than 250 ml. You vet will be able to tell you exactly how much water your cat needs each day. But there’s no need to measure out exactly this amount – provide your cat with access to a clean, fresh water supply all day long and let them drink as much as they need.
If your cat is taking less trips to the water bowl than normal, refusing to drink at all, or even drinking a lot more water than normal, you need to be concerned about your cat’s water intake.
Why did my cat stop drinking water?
Many times, when a cat stops eating or drinking water, it is a symptom of a larger illness that will need to be treated as soon as possible. The underlying illness might be:
