Why doesnt my kitten drink water

When is a vet needed for a cat not drinking water?

If you have a cat not drinking water for 48-72 hours, or shows other worrisome symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in urination/defecation, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.1 Your vet will be able to assess your cat’s health to determine if they are suffering from dehydration, any of the illnesses above or another condition which may require medical attention.

Can I feed my cat milk instead of water?

Cats only need one thing to stay hydrated – water. Generally, milk is bad for cats due to the fact that most are lactose intolerant and will become sick (with for example, diarrhea and vomiting) in case they drink milk. So it’s best to avoid feeding your cat milk, unless it is the kind specifically made for cats3.

Due to its high fat content, cats may enjoy the taste of milk. But avoid giving your cat milk – or else you will likely have a sick kitty on your hands.

Instead of feeding your cat milk, follow our recommendations below to get your cat drinking water again.

How to get a cat to drink water

There are several tips and tricks you can try to get your cat to drink more water or increase their water intake. However, if these tips don’t work, remember to consult your vet if the cat does not drink for 48-72 hours.

1. Add some water into their wet food.
2. Wash the water bowl daily – keep it clean.
3. Serve water in a glass, ceramic, or metal bowl – not plastic.
4. Try using a water fountain.
5. Place different water sources around the house – your cat may like some better than others.
6. Be sure to place the food and water bowl away from the litter box.
7. Separate the food and water bowl – some cats will not like these together.
8. Run the tap and see if kitty drinks.
9. Feed wet food in the meantime to ensure your cat does not get dehydrated.
10. Add (unsaltened) tuna or chicken broth or crushed catnip to your cat’s water to tempt them to drink.
11. Try giving your cat bottled water instead of tap.
12. Add ice cubes to the water bowl.

For more information and inspiration about getting a cat to drink water, check out the video below. And don’t forget to monitor your cat’s daily activity with a Tractive GPS Cat Tracker!

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