Cat Hydration Calculator
Find out how much water your cat needs daily and how diet affects their hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a cat need per day?
Cats need approximately 50-60ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily. A 4kg cat needs about 200-240ml total. However, cats on wet food get 70-80% of this from their diet, while cats on dry food need to drink almost all of it. This is why diet significantly affects drinking requirements.
Why don't cats drink enough water?
Cats evolved as desert animals with a low thirst drive—their ancestors got most moisture from prey. Domestic cats retain this trait and may not drink enough, especially on dry food diets. They also prefer running water over still water and dislike bowls near food (which could "contaminate" water in the wild).
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Check for skin tenting (gently pinch neck skin—it should snap back immediately), dry or tacky gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and decreased appetite. The skin test is most reliable: if the skin stays "tented" for more than 2 seconds, your cat may be dehydrated. See a vet promptly for persistent signs.