How to Get Cats to Drink More Water in a Dry Climate
The simplest way to get a cat to drink more in a dry climate is to feed wet food, add a moving water source such as a fountain, and place fresh water in several spots away from the food bowl. Most cats drink too little on their own, and desert air makes that worse.
We have three rescue cats in the Coachella Valley, and hydration is something we manage every day. Here is what has worked for us.
Why Hydration Matters More in the Desert
Cats have a low thirst drive, a trait from their desert ancestors that does not serve an indoor cat well. Dry air and heat raise their water needs while their instinct to drink stays low, which is why so many desert cats run mildly dehydrated without their owners noticing.
Lean on Wet Food
Wet food is roughly three-quarters water, so it does much of the work for you. Replacing even one meal a day with wet food raises a cat’s water intake with no fuss.
Add a Fountain
Many cats prefer moving water and will drink more from a fountain than from a still bowl. A fountain also keeps the water cooler and fresher through a hot day. Our fountain is in the Practical Purrs Picks, scored on people, planet, and value.
Spread Out the Water
Place water in several rooms, and keep it away from the food bowl and the litter box, which cats prefer. More stations mean more chances to drink.
Signs of Dehydration
Check with a veterinarian if you notice:
- Lethargy or low appetite
- Tacky or dry gums
- Sunken eyes
- Skin that is slow to settle when gently lifted
Our Routine
We run the fountain all day, serve wet food in the evening, and keep bowls in two rooms. With three cats, the small steps add up. For the heat side of this, read how we keep indoor cats cool in desert summers.
Some links on this site are affiliate or referral links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you, and we only recommend what we use for Bandita, Whitey, and Shempy. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
