Chronic dehydration is an underappreciated issue in domestic cats. In the wild, cats get most of their water from their prey — a wild cat's diet is about 70-75% moisture. Dry cat food, by contrast, is only about 8-10% moisture. Even wet cat food typically has 75-80% moisture. Cats who eat only dry food require significantly more drinking water to compensate.
Why Cats Don't Drink Enough
Domestic cats are descended from desert-dwelling ancestors, which gives them a low thirst drive. They evolved to get most of their water from food, not from drinking. A cat eating only dry food may not feel compelled to drink enough to fully compensate for the moisture deficit, leading to chronically concentrated urine. Over time, this contributes to urinary tract issues including crystal formation and, in some cats, idiopathic cystitis.
Water Bowl Placement
One of the simplest changes: move water bowls away from food bowls and away from litter boxes. In the wild, a cat would not drink water that is near a dead animal (prey) or near their toileting area. Many cats instinctively prefer water that is in a different room from where they eat.
The Power of Running Water
Cat water fountains are one of the most effective hydration tools available. The sound and movement of running water is naturally attractive to cats, and many cats drink significantly more from a fountain than from a static water bowl. The circulating water also stays fresher and does not develop the stale taste of standing water.