How to stimulate a cat to drink more water

Cats are often poorly hydrated because they do not drink enough water. This lack of water can lead to health problems, particularly urinary problems. 

If your cat is one of those who does not drink enough, here are some tips to encourage them to drink more: 

• Use a water fountain. The water that is always circulating stays fresh longer. Furthermore, the water is in contact with a wide surface area of the air. This oxygenates the water, making it taste better;
• Let them drink running water directly from the tap;
• Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls instead of plastic ones. Plastic tracts bacteria and gives water a fowl taste; 
• Change and wash the water bowls at least once a day; 
• Fill the bowls to the top so your cat doesn't have to put his head so deep. Deeper bowls should be used for this reason; 
• Refrigerate water to give it a better flavor or use filtered, distilled, or bottled water if they don't like the taste of tap water; 
• Add 1-2 drops of canned tuna drippings (use the one that is in water and not oil). Make sure that there is always an extra fresh water bowl*; 
• Add iced tuna or salmon juice cubes in the water; 
• Keep the water bowl away from the litter box. 

*Ask your regular veterinarian if they approve of this method for your pet before using it. 

Text created in fall 2018