How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated: Tips for Healthier, Happier Cats

As pet parents, we know our cats can be a little fussy at times—especially when it comes to water. But making sure your cat stays hydrated isn't just a good idea, it’s absolutely essential. From supporting kidney function to preventing urinary tract issues, hydration is key for your cat’s health. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to spill the tea (or rather, the water bowl) on why hydration really matters and how you can help your whiskered mate sip more water each day.

Why Hydration Matters For Cats

Cats have a low thirst drive by nature—something they’ve inherited from their desert-dwelling ancestors. This means they often don’t drink enough on their own, especially if they’re eating dry food. Proper hydration is crucial for:

Kidney function: Adequate water helps your cat’s kidneys filter waste more efficiently.
Urinary tract health: Dehydration can lead to urinary crystals and infections, which are unfortunately common in Kiwi cats.
Digestion: Water supports digestive flow and helps prevent constipation.
Temperature regulation: Cats can overheat, particularly in the warmer months, and hydration helps regulate their body temperature.
Overall wellbeing: Hydrated cats are generally more energetic, playful, and happy. Who wouldn’t want that?

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Dehydrated

Since cats don’t always show clear signs when something’s wrong, knowing what dehydration looks like is important. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

Dry gums: Gums should be moist and pink, not dry or tacky.
Lethargy: A tired or unusually quiet cat may be lacking fluids.
Loose skin: If you gently lift the skin between their shoulder blades and it takes time to fall back, they might be dehydrated.
Sunken eyes or lack of grooming: Two subtle but important red flags.

If you're concerned, it’s always best to consult your local veterinarian—early intervention can prevent more serious health problems down the track.

Ways To Encourage Your Cat To Drink More Water

Water may not seem very exciting, but there are ways to make it more appealing to your feline friend:

Wet food wins: Feed high-moisture meals like wet cat food to sneak in extra hydration.
Invest in a water fountain: Flowing water mimics a natural stream and is irresistible to curious cats. Explore cat water fountains or check out our full range of hydration-supporting products.
Offer multiple water sources: Place bowls in several locations around the house (especially in quiet, low-traffic areas).
Use wide, shallow bowls: Cats often dislike having their whiskers touch the sides of deep bowls—hello, whisker fatigue!
Keep it clean: Change water daily and wash bowls regularly to ensure it stays fresh.

The Role Of Diet In Keeping Your Cat Hydrated

As obligate carnivores, cats get much of their moisture from their food. If your feline is fed mostly dry food, it's a good idea to boost their water intake in other ways. Consider mixing in a hydrating meal topper or switching to wet food options. Food brands like ZIWI, Feline Natural, and Trilogy all offer moisture-rich meals that support hydration and nutrition in one.

Want to give your cat the complete health boost? Browse our supplements range, including formulas designed to promote urinary health and general wellbeing.

Stay On Top Of Hydration With Smart Solutions

In today’s tech-savvy world, why not let smart pet gear help? Our range of automatic water fountains and smart feeders ensure your cat always has fresh water and nourishing food available. You can also make routine hydration easy with our Autodeliver service—putting a steady flow of essentials on repeat.

Hydration Is A Health Must-Have

Whether your cat is a lap-loving Ragdoll or a wildly independent Siamese, hydration should be a key part of their care. From supporting organ function to keeping their tail high and energy full, water is just as vital as their daily meals. If you're looking to make hydration a breeze, explore our full selection of hydration-focused pet essentials today. Because at Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to help your cat thrive—one refreshing sip at a time.

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