Do cat water fountains really help?

For some cats, yes — moving water is more attractive and stays fresher. Others ignore them. They need regular cleaning and filter changes to stay hygienic.

Can I give my cat milk?

No. Most adult cats do not digest lactose well and cow's milk adds unnecessary calories. Water is what they need.

Is tap water fine for cats?

In areas with safe drinking water, yes. Some cats prefer it filtered or left to stand, which is easy to test.

Cat Nutrition

How to Get an Indoor Cat to Drink More Water

Low water intake is a quiet risk for indoor cats. Most fixes are about removing small obstacles rather than persuading the cat of anything.

The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 25 August 20266 min read

A cat drinking from a shallow ceramic bowl

Health information on this website is for educational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified veterinarian.

Why cats under-drink

Cats evolved taking most of their moisture from prey, so thirst does not fully compensate for a dry diet. Whiskers touching the sides of a deep narrow bowl and water sitting next to food also put many cats off.

Easy changes that work

Use wide, shallow bowls — ceramic or stainless steel
Place several water points around the home, away from food and litter
Refresh water at least daily; many cats reject stale water
Try a fountain — some cats strongly prefer moving water
Add water or a little plain unsalted broth to wet food

Sudden thirst changes matter

A noticeable increase in drinking and urination can be an early sign of conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid problems. Report it to your veterinarian rather than monitoring it indefinitely at home.

How to tell whether it worked

Measure water into the bowl and measure what remains after 24 hours, or count the number of urine clumps in the litter box each day. Both are rough but useful trends.

Frequently asked questions

Do cat water fountains really help?: For some cats, yes — moving water is more attractive and stays fresher. Others ignore them. They need regular cleaning and filter changes to stay hygienic.
Can I give my cat milk?: No. Most adult cats do not digest lactose well and cow's milk adds unnecessary calories. Water is what they need.
Is tap water fine for cats?: In areas with safe drinking water, yes. Some cats prefer it filtered or left to stand, which is easy to test.

About this guide

We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.

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