Many cat owners worry that their cats are not getting enough water, especially those fed primarily on dry food. Dehydration in cats can lead to constipation, and in more serious cases, may contribute to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), bladder crystals, and chronic kidney disease.
In this article, we'll break down how to calculate your cat's daily water requirements, share practical hydration tips, and recommend 5 popular hydrating cat food brands available at Q-Pets to help your feline friend stay happy, healthy, and properly hydrated every day.
Why Are Cats Prone to Dehydration?
Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and are naturally not inclined to drink large amounts of water. Instead, they rely heavily on moisture from their food to maintain hydration.
Modern indoor cats often consume mainly dry kibble, making them more susceptible to dehydration.
Long-term inadequate water intake may increase the risk of:
- Highly concentrated urine
- Urinary tract issues
- Bladder crystal formation
- Increased kidney stress
How Much Water Does a Cat Need Per Day?
Cats generally require approximately 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily.
Daily Hydration Formula: Cat's Weight (kg) × 50 ml = Recommended Daily Water Intake
(For example, a 4 kg cat needs about 200 ml of water per day.)
4 Practical Ways to Increase Your Cat's Water Intake
1. Add Wet Food to Their Diet
- Broth-rich complementary foods and soup-style cans can significantly increase daily moisture intake.
- Can be served on their own or mixed with dry food and complete meals.
- Particularly beneficial for cats that dislike drinking water or are prone to constipation.
2. Use a Water Fountain
- Cats are often more attracted to moving water than stagnant water. A pet fountain can encourage more frequent drinking throughout the day.
3. Make Drinking Water More Fun
- Add ice cubes or floating water toys to the bowl.
- Experiment with different bowl materials (ceramic or stainless steel).
- Feed smaller meals more frequently to create additional drinking opportunities.
4. Monitor Hydration Levels
- Keep an eye on urine colour and urination frequency.
- Adjust the amount of broth, soup cans, or wet food as needed.
Top 5 Popular Hydrating Cat Food Brands in 2026
When using wet food to improve your cat's hydration, choosing products with high moisture content and excellent palatability is essential. Here are five highly recommended complementary food and soup-style cat food brands that are popular among Q-Pets customers.
Brand Highlights
Originating from Italy, Schesir is renowned for its natural ingredients and premium-quality meat. Made with real chicken and fish, Schesir preserves visible meat fibres and combines them with natural broth to support both hydration and palatability.
Key Benefits
- Natural broth helps increase daily water intake
- Visible real meat shreds and fibres
- Wide variety of meat and fish recipes
- Free from artificial colours and preservatives
Best For：Picky eaters ・ Cats that don't drink enough water ・ Households seeking long-term hydration support ・ Pet parents who prefer minimally processed ingredients
🔹 Featured Products
Brand Highlights
The Pure Broth Series from DogCatStar is specifically designed to support feline hydration. Formulated with a high proportion of fish or chicken broth, these products allow cats to consume more water in an easy, drinkable format.
Key Benefits
- 99% broth formula with exceptionally high moisture content
- Can be served as a dedicated hydration meal
- Selected low-phosphorus options available
- Helps increase water intake when mixed with dry food
Best For：Cats with low water consumption ・ Senior cats ・ Households feeding primarily dry food ・ Cats needing extra hydration support
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Brand Highlights
Known for its nutritional pastes, German brand GimCat also offers a range of broth-based hydration products. These recipes focus on aroma and taste, encouraging cats to eat and drink more willingly.
Key Benefits
- Rich, savoury broth enhances appetite and hydration
- Highly palatable recipes
- Effective moisture supplementation
- Ideal as a snack or meal topper
Best For：Picky eaters ・ Cats with reduced appetite ・ Families looking to add variety to feeding routines
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Brand Highlights
Applaws is known for its natural ingredients and high meat content. Featuring real chicken and fish, the recipes contain visible chunks of meat and natural fibres that many cats love.
Key Benefits
- High-meat recipes with naturally moist texture
- Visible real meat pieces
- Simple, natural ingredient list
- Excellent palatability
Best For：Cats that enjoy chunky meat textures ・ Households seeking higher-protein diets ・ Daily meal supplementation
🔹 Featured Products
Brand Highlights
Also from Italy, Almo Nature is one of the leading brands in the natural complementary wet food category. The brand focuses on high-quality meat and fish ingredients while preserving their natural flavours.
Key Benefits
- Naturally sourced ingredients
- High levels of animal protein
- Flavourful broth helps increase moisture intake
- Transparent and simple formulations
Best For：Owners who prioritise ingredient quality ・ Families embracing natural feeding philosophies ・ Cats that prefer simple recipes
🔹 Featured Products
Conclusion
- Keeping your cat hydrated is essential for supporting urinary tract and kidney health. Adding moisture-rich wet food, broth-based toppers, and providing fresh flowing water can significantly improve daily water intake.
- Choose high-moisture foods made with quality ingredients, and tailor your cat’s hydration routine based on their age, lifestyle, and drinking habits.
- Explore Q-Pets’ range of popular wet food and soup-style cat foods to help your cat stay healthy, hydrated, and happy every day. 🐱💧
