Cats don’t hate drinking water; the idea that cats dislike water is just a common myth. While cats may not enjoy being out in the rain (and neither do we!), and they’re not known for swimming like dogs—except for a few rare breeds—they still need to drink water every day. Learn what your cat should be drinking, what to avoid, and more helpful tips in this article.
 
What Do Cats Drink?
 
Adult cats need to drink water daily to stay healthy and active. Water is the only thing your cat needs to drink. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water (even though some cats prefer drinking from puddles or pet fountains available in pet stores).
 
Do Cats Drink Milk?
 
When people think of cats, they often imagine a bowl of milk, but cats don’t actually need milk to stay healthy. In fact, milk can be harmful to your cat. Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning milk can upset their stomachs and cause digestive problems. For your cat’s health and ideal weight, it’s best to stick to water as part of a balanced diet.
 
Lactose-Free Cat Milk
 
You should never give your cat cow’s milk or any milk substitutes meant for humans (like oat milk or nut milk) because they can make your cat very sick. Around one-third of cats can’t digest cow’s milk, and many milk substitutes contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats. There’s special lactose-free milk for cats available in pet stores, which is safe for them to drink.
 
Milk Can Cause Weight Gain in Cats
 
Milk is high in fat, which is why cats like the taste, but it can cause them to gain weight. They may also miss out on essential nutrients if they start drinking milk instead of eating their regular food. Since it’s high in calories, milk should only be given as a treat and must be lactose-free, not as a replacement for water.
 
What Do Kittens Drink?
 
Before being weaned, kittens need milk from their mother. As kittens grow older, they lose the enzyme lactase, which means they can’t digest milk well anymore. During weaning, kittens will start exploring different foods and water, so they begin drinking water at around four weeks old and are fully weaned by about nine weeks. At this stage, they’ll be happy drinking water and eating kitten food and won’t need their mother’s milk anymore.
 
Just like adult cats, a weaned kitten will need to drink water. They don’t need additional milk to stay healthy, as this just adds extra calories that could make them gain too much weight. Again, you shouldn’t give your kitten cow’s milk or any milk substitutes meant for humans, as this can cause health issues.
 
How Much Should My Cat Drink?
 
How much your cat drinks depends on their age, size, diet, and any health conditions. For example, a cat that prefers dry food may need to drink more water than a cat that eats wet food, as wet food contains about 90% water. If you notice your cat suddenly drinking more or less than usual, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up.
 
Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More:
 
 
Use a wide bowl because cats like to drink without their whiskers touching anything.
 
Use a ceramic, metal, or glass bowl, as plastic can affect the taste of the water and may discourage your cat from drinking.
 
Keep the water bowl away from their food and litter box to avoid contamination and prevent parasites.
 
Provide multiple water bowls around the house in different locations.
 
Some cats prefer running water, so you can get special bowls that keep water moving, or let them drink from a running tap (supervise them if they like drinking from faucets).
 
Offer filtered water, as some cats are sensitive to chlorine in tap water.
 
Ensure your cat’s shadow doesn’t block their view of the water surface.
 
If your cat likes drinking from cups, place some “cat cups” around the house, but make sure the area is safe.
 
 
Related Products:
 
 
 
Kit Cat Lactose-Free Milk for Cats, 200ml