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Cats descend from desert animals that got most of their water from prey. Many house cats still drink little, which matters because good hydration supports the kidneys and urinary tract.
Key figures
- 4 ounces Total daily water per 5 pounds, lean weight
- one cup Example: total daily water for a 10-pound cat
How much a cat needs
Cornell’s Feline Health Center says cats need about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of lean body weight per day. For an average 10-pound cat that is about one cup. It counts water from food as well as from the bowl.
- 5 lb catabout 4 oz
- 8 lb catabout 6.4 oz
- 10 lb catabout 8 oz (1 cup)
- 12 lb catabout 9.6 oz
Calculated from Cornell Feline Health Center's guide of about 4 ounces per 5 pounds of lean body weight per day, from food and drinking combined.
Ways to raise intake
- Feed some wet food. Canned food is mostly water.
- Add water to food, a spoonful at a time.
- Offer several water stations around the house, away from the litter box and food.
- Try wide, shallow bowls. Some cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides.
- Try a fountain. Cornell notes some cats drink more from one.
- Change water daily and clean bowls often.
When drinking changes
A cat that suddenly drinks much more than usual may be showing signs of kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid disease. A cat that stops drinking may be ill. Either change is worth a vet visit.
Bigger or more frequent urine clumps are often the first clue that a cat is drinking more. Daily scooping makes that easy to spot.
The fountain running-cost guide prices filters, power and cleaning for one water option. The wet versus dry food guide covers a different contribution to the feeding routine.
Questions people ask
How much water should my cat drink a day?
About 4 ounces per 5 pounds of lean body weight, from food and drinking combined, according to Cornell.
Do cats on wet food need to drink water?
They drink less because the food supplies much of their water, but fresh water should always be available.
Are water fountains good for cats?
Some cats drink more from a fountain. Keep it clean and see whether your cat uses it.
Why is my cat drinking so much water?
Increased thirst can signal kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid disease. See a vet.
Where these figures come from
- Hydration Cornell Feline Health Center · vet.cornell.edu
- Feeding Your Cat Cornell Feline Health Center · vet.cornell.edu
Figures last checked September 2026.
