How Much Water Should a Cat Drink in 24 Hours?



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Just like humans, cats need proper hydration to stay healthy and active. Cats evolved as desert animals, which affects how they drink and process water today. While they might seem independent when it comes to managing their thirst, dehydration in cats can lead to serious health issues, from urinary problems to kidney disease. That's why keeping track of your cat's water intake isn't just helpful, it's essential.
The following AnimalWised article explores how much water should a cat drink in a day. Whether you've noticed your cat drinking more than usual or barely touching their water bowl, understanding proper hydration is essential for your pet's health.
How much water should a kitten drink a day?
Kittens, due to their rapid growth and development, have a higher water requirement than adult cats. This need is initially met through their mother's milk in the first few weeks of life. However, as they begin to transition to solid food, access to fresh water becomes crucial.
Here's a breakdown of kitten hydration needs:
- Nursing kittens (0-4 weeks): during this stage, kittens primarily obtain fluids from their mother's milk. While offering a small dish of water can be introduced as early as 3 weeks to encourage exploration, their primary hydration source remains milk.
- Weaning kittens (4-8 weeks and beyond): as kittens start consuming solid food (around 3-4 weeks), it's essential to provide fresh, clean water at all times. This is because solid food contains significantly less moisture than milk. They should have constant access to a shallow dish or bowl of fresh water.
A general guideline is that kittens need approximately 50-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This includes water obtained from both food and drinking. For example, a 1 kg kitten would need roughly 50-70 ml of water daily.
It's important to remember that the recommended water intake is an estimate, and individual needs can vary. Several factors influence how much water a kitten requires. For instance, kittens consuming wet food will naturally obtain more water from their meals than those eating dry kibble. Similarly, active kittens will require more water to replenish fluids lost through exercise compared to less active kittens. Finally, environmental factors like hot weather can significantly increase a kitten's water needs to prevent dehydration.
How to encourage kittens to drink water?
Ensuring proper hydration is vital for a kitten's healthy development. However, some kittens may not readily drink from a water bowl. Here are practical some tips and strategies on how to encourage your kitten to stay hydrated:
- If the mother cat is present, kittens will often learn to drink by observing and imitating her.
- Offer fresh water in a shallow dish or bowl that is easily accessible.
- Placing water bowls in multiple locations can encourage drinking.
- Change the water frequently to ensure it is fresh and appealing.
- If a kitten is being bottle-fed, gently introduce them to a shallow dish of water. You can dip your finger in the water and then let them lick it off, gradually introducing them to the concept of drinking.
Monitor your kitten for signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry gums, and decreased urination. If you have any concerns about your kitten's hydration, consult your veterinarian.
How much water does an adult cat drink per day?
Proper hydration is crucial for cats of all ages. While a general guideline suggests adult cats need 50-100 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight each day, a cat's actual needs can vary.
Several factors influence a cat's water needs. Activity level plays a significant role, active cats naturally require more water than those with a sedentary lifestyle. Diet is another crucial factor, as wet food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble, reducing the need for additional water intake.
- Wet cat food is a great way to keep your cat hydrated since it’s about 80% water. Serving wet food along with dry food is a smart idea, especially if your cat isn’t drinking much water on its own.
- Dry food, on the other hand, has much less moisture, only around 10%. Cats that eat mostly dry food need to drink extra water to stay properly hydrated.
It is important to note that nursing mothers have increased hydration needs due to milk production. They need more water than non-nursing adult cats to support both their own health and the needs of their kittens.
As with kittens, monitoring your cat's water intake is essential. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased urination. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.
Raising a kitten? Learn about important feeding and drinking milestones in our comprehensive guide.

How do I know if my cat is drinking a lot of water?
Excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, is common in older cats and can be a sign of an underlying health problem. A healthy adult cat typically drinks 50-100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily. If your cat consistently drinks more than 100 ml/kg, it’s worth investigating.
Polydipsia often occurs alongside polyuria, which is increased urine production. Together, they are known as polyuria-polydipsia (PU/PD) syndrome.
The extra thirst is usually the body’s way of replacing fluids lost through excessive urination. PU/PD can result from several health issues, such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
- Elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
Increased water intake can also be a response to conditions like vomiting or diarrhea, where the body is trying to avoid dehydration.
If your cat is drinking noticeably more water than usual, consult a vet as soon as possible. Diagnostic tests are essential to pinpoint the cause, especially if there’s no clear link to fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. In most cases, excessive thirst stems from increased urine output and signals a medical issue that needs prompt attention. Delaying care could make the condition worse.
Want to learn more about unique cat drinking behaviors? Read our article about cats who drink with their paws.
What happens if a cat doesn't drink water for a day?
Cats are adapted to conserve water, but this does not mean they can tolerate prolonged water deprivation. Even 24 hours without water can lead to noticeable signs of dehydration and begin to negatively impact organ function. A
Allowing a cat to go without water for two or three days is extremely dangerous and can cause severe, potentially fatal, health problems. Chronic dehydration can contribute to serious conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, constipation, bad breath, skin issues, and urinary tract disorders. Because domestic cats have longer lifespans, the cumulative effects of even mild chronic dehydration can become significant. Therefore, it is essential for cat owners to actively encourage their cats to drink regularly and ensure fresh water is always available.
Never intentionally restrict a cat's access to water. If a cat is not drinking, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately to rule out underlying medical issues.
Not sure if your cat is drinking enough? Our article explains how to recognize the signs of dehydration in your feline friend.

What to do if my cat doesn't drink water?
A simple yet effective way to boost your cat's water intake is to incorporate wet food into their diet alongside dry kibble. This provides extra hydration while offering the nutritional benefits of both food types. Wet food's high moisture content significantly contributes to a cat's daily fluid intake.
Providing fresh, clean water is also essential. Regularly replenishing your cat's water bowl ensures the water is appealing and encourages them to drink.
Many cats are particularly drawn to moving water, so a pet water fountain can be a great investment. The flowing water mimics natural sources and can entice cats to drink more as they associate it with freshness. The movement can also be stimulating, encouraging interaction and, consequently, increased hydration.
In addition to food and fresh water, several commercially available treats can further contribute to hydration. These include moisture-rich options like cat milk (formulated for adult cats, as regular cow's milk can cause digestive upset) and cat soups or broths. These can be offered as occasional treats to supplement your cat's overall fluid intake.
Need more tips to increase your cat's water intake? Check out our practical guide for other helpful solutions.
If you want to read similar articles to How Much Water Should a Cat Drink in 24 Hours?, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category.
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