Hydration tips: how to get your cat to drink more water

(Hint: raw feeding helps!)

If you’re a cat purr-ent (see what we did there?), you’ve probably wondered, do cats drink water as much as they should? The truth is, getting a cat to drink water can be surprisingly difficult. Unlike dogs, who eagerly lap it up, cats are much more selective about their water intake. And that’s a big concern because proper hydration is essential for their kidney health, urinary tract function, and overall well-being.

So, how do you get a cat to drink water? We have some great tips and tricks below, but there’s a more effective solution. The real game-changer? A biologically appropriate raw diet! Let’s dive into why hydration is so important for cats and how switching to raw food can keep your cat happy, healthy, and well-hydrated.

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Why is hydration so important for cats?

Just like dogs, cats do drink water, they just don’t have a strong thirst drive. Cats evolved as desert animals, meaning their ancestors got most of their hydration from their food rather than from a water source. If a cat’s diet is too dry, they may not feel the urge to drink enough water, which can lead to chronic dehydration, kidney disease, and urinary tract issues like crystals or blockages.

Most commercial dry foods contain only 5-10% moisture, while a cat’s natural prey (like mice or birds) is about 70-80% water. That’s a massive difference! When cats eat kibble, they’re often in a constant state of dehydration, which over time can contribute to serious health issues. All of our Big Dog recipes contain more than 70% moisture.

You can try to encourage them to drink more water, but cats rarely make up for the moisture they’re missing out on from dry food. The solution? Feed them food that naturally hydrates them!

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Why raw feeding is a hydration hero

A raw diet is biologically appropriate for cats, it mimics what they’d eat in the wild. Raw meat, organs, and bones contain the perfect balance of moisture, protein, and nutrients your cat needs to thrive.

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Here’s how raw feeding helps with hydration

Moisture refers to the sum of the natural water component of all of the natural healthy raw ingredients that are in any Big Dog recipe. Our unique feeding guide takes the moisture content of our food into account so your dog gets all the energy and nutrition they need, with the benefit of extra hydration.

High Moisture Content – Raw food is naturally around 70-80% water, just like a cat’s natural prey. That means they’re getting hydration directly from their food, reducing the risk of dehydration-related illnesses.

	Better Urinary Health More moisture means healthier kidneys and a lower chance of developing urinary crystals, stones, or infections.
	Supports Kidney Function Dehydration puts stress on the kidneys, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since raw-fed cats get plenty of moisture through their diet, their kidneys stay healthier for longer.
	Encourages Natural Eating Behaviour Raw food is closer to what cats are meant to eat, making them more likely to consume the water they need without needing to be coaxed to drink from a bowl. However, cats still need to drink water on a raw food diet, just not as much, so it's important to keep water bowls accessible.

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Extra hydration hacks for your cat

Even if your cat eats a raw diet, there are still some extra tricks you can try to get your cat to drink water and keep them hydrated.

	Add Bone Broth Nutrient-rich and delicious, bone broth is a fantastic way to hydrate a cat that won't drink water. Just make sure it’s free from onions and salt!
	Use a Water Fountain If you notice your cat not drinking water, it might be due to a preference for running water, an issue with their bowl, or even an underlying health concern. Some cats prefer running water over still water in a bowl. A pet fountain can encourage them to drink more.
	Incorporate Moisture-Rich Treats Freeze-dried raw treats can be rehydrated for cats not drinking water.
	Mix in Extra Water If your cat enjoys raw food, try adding a little extra water to their meals for even more hydration.
	Offer Multiple Water Sources Place water bowls around your home, preferably in wide, shallow bowls to avoid whisker fatigue. If you try these and still notice your cat not drinking water, we’d recommend having a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Meow’s the time to keep your cat hydrated!

If you want to keep your cat hydrated and healthy, feeding a raw diet is one of the best things you can do. It’s not just about hydration, raw feeding supports overall wellness, from better digestion to shinier coats and stronger immune systems.

So, if you’ve been struggling to get your cat to drink more water, consider switching to a moisture-rich raw diet.

The information provided in this article is not meant to replace veterinary advice. Please chat to your vet if you're concerned about your pet's health.

Got a question for our team? Submit an enquiry to friendly Customer Care team. If you're looking for advice from other Big Dog raw feeders, join our community Facebook group!  

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