Pets

The Winter Hydration Guide Every Cat Owner Should Read

July 2, 2025

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Introduction

Winter is associated with warm beverages, comfy blankets, and a desire to stay at home. Our cat buddies experience seasonal changes as we do, yet they cannot inform us when they are unwell. Most cat owners are unaware that cats consume less water during winter, and this can lead to dehydration or urinary issues.

Cats are not known to consume a lot of water. They don’t like cold water when it is cold, and they tend to eat less. That’s why it is important to keepcats hydrated in winter, even if they don’t show any clear signs of being thirsty. A few changes to their routine can make a big difference.

The Reason Why Cats Do Not Drink a Lot of Water in Winter

When the temperature drops, you might notice your cat drinking less water, and that’s completely normal. Cats are desert animals by nature, and they often rely more on food than water to stay hydrated.

In winter, water in bowls can become too cold or unappealing, and your cat may also eat less, especially if they’re less active. Cold weather can dry out their skin and coat, too, making proper hydration even more important, even if your cat doesn’t seem interested in drinking.

These are the tips to keep cats hydrated during winter:

1. Offer hot and wet foodstuffs

Warm, moist food is an excellent method to keep cats hydrated. Wet food is already rich in water (approximately 70-80 percent), and your cat will be hydrated.

In the winter, warm up their food before serving. This makes it smell nicer and more attractive in cold and dry air. One can microwave the food for a few seconds to see its temperature; it should not be hot. You can get help on how to feed a cat wet food here.

In case your cat consumes dry kibble, you can add warm water or broth to make it wetter and tastier.

2. Place water bowls in warm places

Cats are picky about where and how they drink. When their water bowl is placed next to a drafty window, cold floor, or loud place, they do not use it at all. During winter, you can put bowls in warmer and quieter areas of the house, such as close to their bed or favorite resting areas.

It is also advisable to use wide shallow bowls that are ceramic or stainless steel because they maintain fresh water and do not absorb odors.

3. Encourage drinking with a water fountain

Still water can become unappealing to cats, especially in winter. A pet water fountain can assist there. Running water remains fresh, oxygenated, and only a bit warmer than still water. And a lot of cats are naturally attracted to the sound and motion of running water- it appeals to their wild nature.

Drinking water can be more exciting and more frequent, which your cat needs in the cold season, with the help of a fountain.

4. Include Low-Sodium broth in their diet

The other easy tip is to include a small amount of warm, low-sodium chicken or bone broth in the food. This provides flavor and moisture, which makes even dry food more hydrating and delicious. Simply ensure that the broth does not have onions, garlic, or added salt, which are toxic to cats.

A little bit of broth in their food or water bowl can work miracles in hydration, particularly when your cat is a picky eater.

5. Try smart feeders and timers

Cats are creatures of habit, and winter may disrupt them. An automatic pet feeder will be useful in case your cat does not eat or drink at the usual time. Some feeders allow you to provide small wet meals at specific times of the day, and thus your cat continues to eat wet food.

It is convenient when one is busy or has a family with multiple cats, as it prevents overfeeding and makes them drink enough water throughout the day.

Signs of Dehydration

You may be giving your cat food and changing the water bowl daily, yet your cat is not consuming enough water. These are the signs that indicate that your cat is dehydrated:

They have dry gums or mouths
They do not spring back easily when pinched on the skin
Their eyes are slightly sunken or dull
They appear more exhausted or concealing than normal
They have dark urine that smells strongly

If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian to keep your cats hydrated. Dehydration can quickly become a significant problem, particularly in older or ill cats.

If you want to prevent dehydration, check out the full guide on keeping your cat hydrated during winter.

Conclusion

Winter can slow down everything, but your cat’s health should not be among them. A couple of factors, such as offering water, wet food, a water fountain, and including other sources of moisture, can easily keep cats hydrated even during the colder months.

WOpet was born from a moving homecoming one autumn evening in 2015. Our founder returned from a long trip to his eagerly waiting dog, sparking a deep realization about the emotional role he played in his pet’s life. WOpet thus was created to ensure that pets receive not just care but also love and emotional companionship, even when their owners can’t be physically present. Our smart, innovative solutions help strengthen the special bond between pets and owners, ensuring a connection that transcends distance. With WOpet, it’s more than care; it’s about maintaining a heartfelt bond.