Why Cats Don't Drink Enough in Summer – And How to Fix It

As temperatures rise, dehydration becomes one of the most overlooked health risks for indoor cats. Unlike dogs, cats have a naturally low thirst drive — they evolved as desert animals who got most of their moisture from prey. But domestic cats eating dry kibble need to drink significantly more water to stay healthy, and in summer heat, the stakes are even higher.

Why Cats Are Prone to Dehydration

Cats simply don't feel thirsty the way humans or dogs do. By the time a cat shows obvious signs of thirst, they may already be mildly dehydrated. Add summer heat to the equation and the risk increases quickly — especially for senior cats, kittens, and cats with kidney issues who are already more vulnerable.

Signs Your Cat May Be Dehydrated

• ✓ Dry or tacky gums
• ✓ Sunken eyes
• ✓ Loss of skin elasticity (skin doesn't spring back quickly when gently pinched)
• ✓ Lethargy or reduced activity
• ✓ Dark, concentrated urine or reduced urination
• ✓ Loss of appetite

How Much Water Does a Cat Need?

A healthy adult cat needs roughly 50ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. A 4kg cat needs around 200ml daily — more in hot weather. Cats on wet food get a significant portion of this from their food, but cats on dry food need to drink much more actively.

Why Cats Avoid Still Water

Here's something many cat owners don't know: cats are instinctively suspicious of still water. In the wild, still water is more likely to be contaminated. Moving, flowing water signals freshness and safety. This is why so many cats ignore their water bowl but are fascinated by a dripping tap — and why a water fountain can be a game-changer.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Cat Hydrated This Summer

1. Switch to a Water Fountain

A circulating water fountain mimics the flowing water cats instinctively prefer, encouraging them to drink more throughout the day. The Petzrella Automatic Circulating Pet Water Fountain keeps water fresh and oxygenated 24/7, and the Petzrella Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain with Filter adds an extra layer of filtration to remove impurities — ideal for cats that are particularly fussy about water quality.

2. Place Multiple Water Sources Around the Home

Don't rely on a single bowl. Place water sources in different rooms, away from the food bowl and litter box. Cats are more likely to drink when water is conveniently located near where they already spend time.

3. Add Wet Food to Their Diet

Wet food is 70–80% water, making it one of the easiest ways to boost your cat's daily fluid intake. Even replacing one dry meal per day with wet food makes a meaningful difference in summer.

4. Keep Water Cool and Fresh

Change water at least once a day in summer — warm, stale water is unappealing to cats. In very hot weather, add a small ice cube to the bowl to keep it cool longer.

5. Try a Fountain with Visual Appeal

Some cats are drawn to water by sight as much as sound. The Petzrella Rock Waterfall Cat Fountain with RGB LED & Mist creates a gentle waterfall effect with soft lighting — irresistible for curious cats and a beautiful addition to any home.

When to See a Vet

If your cat shows multiple signs of dehydration, is vomiting, or hasn't urinated in over 24 hours, contact your vet immediately. Severe dehydration in cats can escalate quickly and requires professional treatment.

Don't wait for your cat to show signs of thirst — make hydration easy and appealing before problems start. Explore our range of cat water fountains and give your cat the fresh, flowing water they instinctively crave, all summer long.