Why your cat’s drinking habits matter

Water is just as important for cats as it is for humans. It keeps their organs working, supports the kidneys, and helps to prevent urinary problems. Many cat owners worry because they rarely see their cat at the water bowl. This is not unusual. Cats are experts at hiding their needs, and often drink less than they actually should.

If the water intake is too low, health issues can develop over time. In a hot place like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where summer temperatures are extreme, keeping an eye on hydration is even more important.

The origin of cats and their instinct

Cats have inherited much of their behaviour from their ancestors, the African wildcat. These wildcats lived in dry regions and got most of their fluids through prey. Because of this, our domestic cats do not feel a strong urge to drink. Their natural thirst drive is low.

In the wild, this was never a problem because a mouse or bird provided both food and water. But in a modern home, especially if the cat eats mainly dry food, the lack of drinking can quickly turn into a risk.

How much water does a cat need?

The exact amount depends on size, weight, food and activity level. As a guideline, a healthy adult cat should take in around 50 millilitres per kilogram of body weight per day. That means a cat weighing 4 kilograms needs about 200 millilitres of water every day.

A bigger or more active cat will need more, and cats in hot climates will also have a higher need. Unlike dogs, cats rarely drink large amounts at once. Instead they prefer to sip small portions many times throughout the day.

The exact amount depends on several factors:

Body weight – about 50 ml per kilogram per day

Example: a 4 kg cat needs around 200 ml daily

Type of food – wet food provides much more moisture than dry food
Activity level – active cats and outdoor cats need more water
Climate – in hot places like Dubai, the need for fluids is higher

Water intake of cats through food

Not all water comes from the bowl. Cats also take in fluids through their diet. Wet food contains up to 80 percent water and helps to cover most of the daily need. That is why cats that eat mainly wet food are often seen drinking very little.

Dry food, on the other hand, contains less than 10 percent moisture. A cat that eats only dry food must drink much more on top, otherwise the urine becomes too concentrated and this can lead to urinary problems or kidney issues.

Some owners therefore choose mixed feeding, offering both dry and wet food, or they add a little warm water to the food to increase the moisture.

Signs of dehydration in cats

It is not always easy to notice when a cat is dehydrated. They often hide discomfort. Still, there are some clear warning signs you can look for:

Loss of appetite
Tiredness and weakness
Dry or sticky gums
Vomiting or diarrhea
Heavy breathing or fever

You can also try the skin tent test. Gently lift the skin at the back of the neck. If it stays up or moves back very slowly, your cat may be dehydrated. In this case it is important to see a vet quickly, because dehydration can become dangerous.

Health risks of not drinking enough

Even one day without enough water can harm a cat. The urine becomes concentrated, which increases the chance of urinary infections, bladder stones, or kidney damage. In the worst cases, a lack of fluids can lead to multiple organ problems. This is why daily water intake is not just a small detail but a key factor for your cat’s long-term health.

Tips to encourage your cat to drink more

Cats are picky, but small changes can help a lot. Try these ideas and see what your cat prefers:

Place several water bowls around your home, not only near the food bowl.
Keep water bowls away from the litter box.
Offer different bowls (glass, ceramic, metal) and see which one your cat likes best.
Change the water daily so it is always fresh and clean.
Try a cat fountain. Many cats love flowing water.
Add flavour with a few drops of unsalted broth, a little tuna water, or a splash of cat milk.
In summer, give ice cubes to play with — some cats lick them and take in extra water.

The key is patience and variety. Each cat has its own taste.

Special considerations in hot climates such as the UAE

In hot countries such as the UAE, indoor cats face special challenges. Apartments can heat up quickly, especially on higher floors with large windows or strong afternoon sun.

Air conditioning helps, but it can also make the air dry, which increases the need for water (see Air Conditioning and Cats). Cats lose fluids when they groom themselves and through their paws, and in warm weather this adds up.

For cats living indoors in Dubai, it is important to create a safe and cool environment:

Provide shaded and quiet resting places away from windows
Place bowls of fresh water in several rooms so your cat can drink whenever it wants
Use a fountain or wide bowl placed away from direct sunlight
Offer smaller meals with more wet food to naturally increase fluid intake

Even if your home feels comfortable to you, remember that cats are more sensitive to heat and cannot cool themselves like humans. They will not go for a swim, so hydration and a cool, calm home are the best ways to keep an indoor cat healthy and happy during the summer.

More Information: Tips for Keeping Cats Cool in Dubai’s Summer Heat.

Special situations

Sometimes a cat’s need for water changes depending on age or health.

Kittens: Until they are about four weeks old, kittens get all the fluid they need from their mother’s milk. After that, they should always have access to fresh water.
Pregnant or nursing cats: They need extra fluids because they are also feeding their kittens.
Older cats: Senior cats may drink less but actually need more to keep their kidneys healthy.
Illness: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) often increase the need for fluids. Cats with urinary issues especially benefit from more water and wet food.

Each cat is different, so watching their habits and consulting your vet is important.

When to see a vet

Both too little and too much drinking can be a warning sign. Go to the vet if:

Your cat shows clear signs of dehydration
Your cat suddenly drinks much more than usual
You notice frequent urination or accidents outside the litter box
There are signs of pain when urinating

These can all point to medical problems that need quick attention. A vet can test urine and blood to check kidney health, sugar levels, and other important functions.

Summary and key takeaways

Water is life — for cats just as much as for humans. While their desert ancestry explains why many cats drink little, modern life means they often need our help to stay hydrated. Remember these key points: