Convincing our cats to do what’s good for them isn’t always easy. But if your cat has a history of bladder stones, or is simply getting a little older, you may want to try these approaches to get him to drink up:
Feed canned foods. Canned foods contain more water than dry food. “It’s not a bad idea to feed older cats canned foods,” says Dr. Berg.
Add flavor. Some cats like a little chicken broth in the water bowl — or, perhaps, a bit of the liquid in a can of tuna. “Try different things,” suggests Dr. Berg.
Keep the kitchen and the bathroom areas separate for your cat. Some owners prefer to keep the food and water bowls near the litter box for the sake of convenience, but many cats prefer them to be separate, and will be more likely to visit the water bowl if it is in a more appealing location.
Provide numerous water dishes throughout the house, especially if your home is more than one level. Make it easy and convenient for your cat to find fresh, clean water in different parts of your home.
Let it flow. “Some cats like running or gurgling water,” says Dr. Berg. You may want to invest in a small fountain made specifically for pets.
