5 signs your cat isn't drinking enough water (and how to fix it)

An adult cat needs 50 to 70 ml of water per kg of body weight every day. However, most cats do not drink enough — often because stagnant water in a bowl does not naturally appeal to them.

1. They rarely drink, even in front of you

If you only observe your cat drinking once or twice a day, it is not enough. In the wild, felines drink from moving sources, attracted by running water.

2. Their skin lacks elasticity

Gently pinch the skin at the back of the neck: it should snap back into place immediately. If it takes more than a second, your cat may be dehydrated.

3. Their urine is very dark

Concentrated and strong-smelling urine indicates insufficient water intake. In the long term, this increases the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

4. They are less active than usual

Fatigue and a lack of energy can be linked to mild chronic dehydration, which is often underestimated in cats fed with dry kibble.

5. Their litter box is used less often

Less water = less urine. If you are scooping the litter box less frequently, it is a warning sign.

The solution: moving water

Cats are genetically attracted to running water. A ceramic water fountain with a silent pump increases water consumption by 2 to 3 times for most cats. Unlike plastic, ceramic does not harbor bacteria, and the water stays fresh for longer. Our Douce Patte filtering fountain mimics this natural flow with an activated carbon filter that removes limescale and impurities.