Some of the signs that your cat isn't drinking enough water are dry gums, decreased skin elasticity, being lethargic (although with cats that's a tough one to notice, since they sleep so much), loss of appetite, and peeing less than normal. If you notice any of these signs take them to the vet because there's lots of consequences for not drinking enough water! They could get heat stroke, have diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection.
I'm not just saying this, I know from experience. About 7 or 8 years ago we noticed our Vicktor peeing on our papasan chair. He slept on it all the time, but then out of the blue he started urinating on the cushion. That was very out of place for him. We took him to the vet and found out he had urinary crystals. We were told it's very common in male cats because of the way their internal urinary tract is curved. I'm so glad we caught his infection in time, better safe than sorry, (but we weren't able to save the chair ~ it was comfy too!). Ever since then, we give Vicktor a prescribed Cosequin caplet in his food daily to prevent bladder irratation. We also started adding water to his wet food to help him pee more and keep things moving. So yes, cats definitely need water too.
Some tips to get your cat to drink water...
1. Put out one bowl of water per cat. Most prefer shallow bowls that fit their whiskers, although some like sticking their head in a glass of water, so put out a couple different sizes and see what works.
2. The bowl should be glass, ceramic, or stainless steel because plastic can harbour bacteria and make the water smell funny to cats. Plastic bowls can even cause feline acne. They have tons of cute options out there that aren't plastic.
3. Speaking of smell funny, if you give them tap water, the fluoride might smell and taste funny so try filtered water.
4. If that doesn't work, get a running water fountain bowl like this one, or keep water running from a faucet. Cats can hear it and some that are used to be outdoors, instinctively they think running water is safer than stagnant water. (Funny story, Ginger hopped up on my lap one day and the top of her head was wet. We found out she stands under the tap that drips in the utility sink in the basement and takes a "shower".)
5. Add water to wet food for even more moisture. We do this with Vicktor and it helps.
6. Try adding low-fat and low-sodium broth, or tuna juice from canned tuna to their water dish. Even though it's not water, it fluid.
7. Make broth ice cubes and add them to their water or even regular ice cubes might peak their curiosity and encourage them to drink more.
8. Try cold water, some cats don't like it room temperature.
9. Make sure the bowls aren't tucked in a corner where your cat can feel vulnerable and has to have it's back to the space or can't get out. It helps to place several around.
10. Always make sure the water bowl is filled and clean. Wash it at least daily. (Vicktor likes to stick his paw in the water first and lick it to test it, so the water can sometimes get dirty quickly. Always check. He'll also do that if you leave a glass unattended too!)
Find a good method for hydrating your cat, in the long run you'll be glad you did!
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