I'm new here and was wondering how I can get my cat to drink more water during this heatwave? He only eats dry food and usually drinks his fair share of water under normal circumstances. Now that it's really hot, I haven't noticed him drinking any more than usual. What can I do? Thanks!
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I completely agree with the previous comment, especially about water fountains. I’d even say you don’t necessarily have to buy a water fountain specifically designed for cats. Mine actually came from a home and garden shop; it’s just a bamboo 'zen' fountain, but my cats absolutely love drinking from it.
Otherwise, I’d recommend adding things like rice or courgettes to their food—basically, any foods that are full of water and safe for cats. On the other hand, make sure to avoid anything that could give them diarrhoea, so no milk or dairy products during hot spells. You should also avoid anything too salty, like tuna, ham, or other foods meant for human consumption; even if they're obsessed with them, they're really not recommended in the summer.
I’d suggest a helpful, natural response that provides real value without being too long:
With the hot weather, you can encourage them to drink more in several ways:
💧 Place more water bowls around the house, away from their litter tray and dry food.
🚰 If you can, a water fountain is a hit with many cats as they love running water.
🧊 Add a few ice cubes to their water to keep it cool for longer.
🥣 You could also supplement their diet with a bit of wet food or add a spoonful of warm water to their dry food to increase their fluid intake.
As long as they seem themselves, are eating normally, and are toileting properly, there isn't necessarily cause for concern. However, if they become lethargic, refuse food, or show signs of dehydration, a trip to the vet is recommended.
Hi there,
With these temperatures, it’s only natural to wonder about this. For a cat on an exclusively dry food diet, the main goal is to make water easily accessible and monitor their hydration, rather than trying to force them to drink at all costs.
The first thing to do is set up several water stations around your home, making sure to change the water regularly: it needs to stay fresh, clean, and available at all times of the day. You could also try a water fountain if your cat likes running water (some cats love drinking straight from the tap!). Finally, you could add a bit of wet food as a supplement to their dry food ration for some extra hydration.
Of course, if your cat is eating normally, toileting normally, and seems fine in themselves, the fact that you don't see them drinking more isn't necessarily a cause for concern.
Best of luck,
Inès
With the hot weather, many cats drink less than you might think. If your cat only eats dry food, you could try a few simple tricks:
• Put several water bowls in different spots around the house. • Change the water a few times a day so it stays nice and fresh. • Move the water bowl away from the dry food bowl; some cats prefer it that way. • Add a little warm water to the dry food if your cat will take it. • If possible, offer some wet food from time to time, as it contains a lot of water and helps with hydration.
If he still drinks very little, especially during a heatwave, or if he becomes lethargic, it's best to ask a vet for advice.
