"Think, Drink!" is great advice for all of us, but especially for our feline friends! If you’ve ever noticed your cat ignoring their water bowl, you’re not alone. Proper hydration is critical for a cat’s long-term health and encouraging them to drink is one of the easiest ways to help common health issues.

If your cat has kidney issues or Feline lower urinary tract disease (FIC) which can be triggered by stress, one way of helping is to encourage their water intake to help keep them hydrated

The key to good hydration starts with location. Cats prefer drinking separately from where they eat. Why? A common theory is that in the wild, a water source must be kept clean and uncontaminated by a fresh kill. This instinct remains, so if you have a double dish for water and food, I highly recommend getting rid of it!

9 Ways to Hydrate Your Feline Friend

Focus on Location and Accessibility

1. Separate Food and Water: This is the most crucial step. Move water bowls to a separate location away from food.

2. Create Water Stations: Provide one bowl per cat, plus an extra in different, quiet areas of the home. Don't forget an outside station if your cat ventures out doors or has a Catio!

3. Elevate the Bowl: If your cat is older, has arthritis, or has neck issues, try raising the bowl slightly to prevent straining.

Choose the Right Vessel

4. Embrace the Wide Bowl: Choose bowls that are large and wide, so your cat's sensitive whiskers don't constantly brush the sides. 

5. Skip the Plastic: Ceramic bowls are often best. Plastic can taint the water's taste, and some cats dislike the reflective nature of metal bowls. Offer a choice to see what they prefer!

Enhance the Appeal

6. Try Moving Water: Many cats are attracted to the flow of a water fountain. It mimics clean, running water sources.

7. Serve Room Temperature Water: Cats generally prefer water that is room temperature over chilled water.

8. Add a Little Flavour: A spoonful of the SPRING water from a can of tuna

The Dietary Trick

9. Switch to Wet Food: If you primarily feed dry kibble, introduce or replace some meals with wet food. This increases their overall daily moisture intake.

Proper hydration is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support your cat's long-term health. Don't worry about making all these changes at once—start small. Simply separating the food and water bowls or upgrading to a ceramic dish can make a big difference. By observing your cat's preferences and implementing these simple tips, you're helping them live a healthier, happier life, one satisfying sip at a time! 

Cheers to happy, hydrated cats!