Increasing Your Cat’s Water Intake

Along with reducing stress, increased water intake is one of the most vital aspects in preventing cystitis from recurring in cats. We share ways to increase your cat’s water intake.

Increasing Your Cat’s Water Intake

• Including ‘wet’ food as part of your cat’s diet is the easiest way to achieve this. This should be done gradually. Adding water to dry biscuits can is another option, but may reduce the palatability
• Increase access to fresh water by placing bowls on all floors of the house so they are always accessible. Provide one bowl per cat in the household plus an extra
• Use glass, metal or ceramic bowls, rather than plastic ones. Usually felines like wide, shallow dishes but try different sizes and shapes to see what your cat prefers
• Ensure water is topped up to the brim in bowls
• Some cats prefer stale water so leaving a dish outside may be useful. Others tend to favour running water, so leave taps dripping or invest in a water fountain
• Leave some water in the bottom of a sink or the bath
• Offer different types of water to see what your pet cat likes – e.g. distilled water, warm water, tap water, rain water
• Offer flavoured water – using the juices from meat/fish to create a ‘broth’ or freeze to make flavoured ice cubes
• Position water bowls away from food bowls and toileting facilities, in quiet locations
• Some prescription diets contain slightly higher salt levels which encourages the intake of fluids

If you are at all concerned about your cat, or would like to discuss ways of increasing your cat’s water Intake intake further, please call your local practice.