How much water should a cat drink?
How much water should a cat drink depends on weight and diet, because wet food is mostly water. This cat water intake calculator shows a normal daily range and the point where drinking a lot becomes a reason to see your vet.
Free calculator · Based on vet sources
When is it too much?
Drinking more than about 100 ml per kg a day, refilling the bowl much more often than usual, or bigger clumps in the litter box can be early signs of kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Read why your cat is drinking a lot of water.
Signs of dehydration in cats
Too little water is also a problem. Dehydration in cats shows as lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes and skin that stays tented at the scruff. It often follows vomiting or diarrhea and needs a vet.
Helping your cat drink more
- Feed some wet food: it’s 75–80% water.
- Try a water fountain; many cats prefer moving water.
- Keep bowls wide and shallow, away from the food and litter box.
How much water should a cat drink a day?
Most cats need about 40 to 60 ml of water per kg of body weight a day in total, which is roughly 1 cup for a 4.5 kg (10 lb) cat. Cats on wet food get much of that from their food and drink far less from the bowl.
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in cats include lethargy, dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes and skin that stays tented when gently lifted at the scruff. Dehydration needs a vet, especially with vomiting or diarrhea.
Estimates for healthy adult cats. Kittens, nursing mothers and cats with medical conditions have different needs.
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