{"id":62783,"date":"2025-01-20T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/?p=62783"},"modified":"2025-01-19T17:59:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T22:59:49","slug":"is-your-cat-a-water-hater-here-are-8-ways-to-keep-them-hydrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/is-your-cat-a-water-hater-here-are-8-ways-to-keep-them-hydrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:80.75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Cats might be adorable, purring enigmas, but let&rsquo;s face it&mdash;they&rsquo;re not exactly known for their love of water. If your feline friend treats their water bowl like it&rsquo;s filled with kryptonite, you&rsquo;re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hydration is super important for cats, especially since they&rsquo;re not always great at realizing they&rsquo;re thirsty. Dehydration can lead to health issues like kidney problems or urinary tract troubles, and nobody wants that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? You don&rsquo;t need a degree in cat psychology to trick your whiskered buddy into sipping more H2O. With a few clever tweaks to their daily routine, you can make hydration both easy and enticing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From sneaky bowl placement hacks to the magic of running water, these eight tips will have your cat happily lapping up water in no time&mdash;and maybe even turning into a hydration pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Use a Cat Water Fountain<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-8.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20300%20300'%3E%3Crect%20width='300'%20height='300'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" loading=\"eager\" data-src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-8.jpeg\" class=\"eager-load\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pineapplepets.ph\/p\/CyCy3AevbZ2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; pineapplepets.ph<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Cats are naturally drawn to moving water&mdash;something about it just screams &ldquo;fresh&rdquo; to their instincts. Enter the cat water fountain, a magical device that not only keeps the water flowing but also piques your cat&rsquo;s curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The gentle sound of trickling water can be irresistible to some cats, turning hydration into a fun activity rather than a chore. Plus, fountains often come with built-in filters, ensuring the water stays clean and odor-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your cat seems skeptical at first, give them some time to warm up to it&mdash;they might just surprise you by becoming a fountain enthusiast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Add Water to Their Food<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62784\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4.png 800w, https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4-640x517.png 640w, https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4-768x620.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62784 lazyload\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4.png 800w, https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4-640x517.png 640w, https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4-768x620.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 48px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/dS93493hP1M84gt4.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/442267625911350629\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&copy; its_overflowing<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If your cat&rsquo;s a little too good at ignoring their water bowl, why not sneak the hydration into their meals? Wet food already has a higher water content, but you can take it a step further by adding a splash of water to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cats who prefer kibble, let the dry food soak in water or broth for a few minutes&mdash;it creates a soft, hydrating snack they&rsquo;ll love. Just be sure to use water that&rsquo;s room temperature and avoid salty or seasoned broths unless they&rsquo;re specifically cat-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Provide Multiple Water Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-9.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-9.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/petsafeanz\/p\/C2mJg3ksTwM\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; petsafeanz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>One water bowl in the corner of the kitchen isn&rsquo;t going to cut it for the average cat. Cats are finicky creatures who like options, so try placing several water sources around your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The more accessible the water, the more likely they are to stop and take a sip. Position bowls in places your cat already frequents, like near their favorite lounging spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you&rsquo;ve got multiple cats, it&rsquo;s even more important to spread the hydration love&mdash;no one likes waiting in line for a drink!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Use Ice Cubes for Play<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Use-Ice-Cubes-for-Play-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Use Ice Cubes for Play\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Use-Ice-Cubes-for-Play-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Use Ice Cubes for Play\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/95068242114599891\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; Cjohansen84<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Who knew hydration could double as entertainment? Tossing a couple of ice cubes into your cat&rsquo;s water bowl can make drinking more exciting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The movement of the cubes as they bob around the bowl can intrigue your cat, encouraging them to take a closer look&mdash;and maybe even a sip. For an extra treat, try freezing a bit of tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth into the cubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your cat will love the added flavor and fun, and you&rsquo;ll love seeing them hydrated and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Flavor the Water<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-10.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-10.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/trilogycatfood\/p\/CkfUehRjNq-\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; trilogycatfood<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Plain water might not always do the trick for picky felines, but adding a hint of flavor can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A splash of tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth (be sure it&rsquo;s free of onions or garlic!) can transform an ordinary bowl of water into a gourmet beverage. Start with small amounts to ensure your cat likes the taste, and watch as they lap it up like it&rsquo;s a Michelin-starred creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just remember to switch back to plain water after a while to avoid dependency on flavored drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Experiment with Bowl Types<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Experiment-with-Bowl-Types-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Experiment with Bowl Types\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Experiment-with-Bowl-Types-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Experiment with Bowl Types\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/in.pinterest.com\/pin\/cat-keeps-flipping-over-water-dish--364017582385546838\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; chewy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Cats are connoisseurs of, well, everything&mdash;including their drinking vessels. If your cat&rsquo;s ignoring their water, it might be the bowl&rsquo;s fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cats dislike plastic bowls because they can retain odors, while others might not like the way their whiskers touch the sides of the bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try switching to stainless steel, ceramic, or even a shallow dish to see what your cat prefers. You&rsquo;ll be amazed how a simple bowl upgrade can turn your cat into a hydration champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Keep the Water Fresh<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-11.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Is-Your-Cat-a-Water-Hater-Here-Are-8-Ways-to-Keep-Them-Hydrated-Without-the-Drama-11.jpeg\" alt=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Is Your Cat a Water-Hater? Here Are 8 Ways to Keep Them Hydrated Without the Drama\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/catsgramoftheday\/p\/DCQ7vd5N23g\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; catsgramoftheday<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Would you want to drink from a dusty, stagnant bowl? Neither does your cat. Keeping their water fresh is one of the easiest ways to encourage drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Change the water daily (or more often if it&rsquo;s hot), and make sure the bowl is washed regularly to avoid any buildup of bacteria or slime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For extra freshness, fill the bowl with filtered water&mdash;it&rsquo;s often more appealing than tap water, which can have a strange taste or smell that turns picky cats off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Monitor Your Cat&rsquo;s Drinking Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Monitor-Your-Cat-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Monitor Your Cat's Drinking Habits\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Monitor-Your-Cat-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Monitor Your Cat's Drinking Habits\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/448319337906368506\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">&copy; cutenessinc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Every cat is unique, so it&rsquo;s important to keep an eye on their drinking habits to ensure they&rsquo;re staying hydrated. Note how often they visit their water bowl or how much water seems to disappear throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re not sure how much they&rsquo;re drinking, try measuring the amount of water you put out each morning. If your cat isn&rsquo;t drinking enough or suddenly changes their habits, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, so don&rsquo;t hesitate to consult your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying in tune with your cat&rsquo;s hydration needs ensures a happy, healthy furball for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats might be adorable, purring enigmas, but let&rsquo;s face it&mdash;they&rsquo;re not exactly known for their love of water. If your feline friend treats their water &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":62811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62783"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63312,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62783\/revisions\/63312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/catschef.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}