Beat the Heat: Simple Tips to Help Your Cat Drink More This Summer
As temperatures climb, hydration becomes more important than ever for your cat. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, which means many of them simply don’t drink enough on their own, even when it’s hot. Here are some easy, practical ways to encourage your cat to take in more water this summer.
Why summer hydration deserves extra attention
Cats don’t sweat the way we do. They regulate their body temperature mainly through panting, grooming, and seeking out cooler spots. That makes adequate water intake especially important during hot spells, supporting healthy kidney function and helping your cat stay comfortable as the temperature rises.
The good news: a few small adjustments to your routine can make a real difference.
Easy ways to boost water intake
Offer multiple water stations. Cats are more likely to drink when water is easy to find and feels “their own.” Place a few bowls in different rooms. Quiet corners away from food bowls and litter trays tend to work best.
Try a water fountain. Many cats are instinctively drawn to moving water. It likely taps into an ancestral preference for fresh, flowing sources over still water. A fountain can genuinely transform a cat’s relationship with its water bowl.
Add ice cubes to the bowl. Some cats enjoy batting at floating ice cubes, turning hydration into a little game and keeping the water appealingly cool for longer.
Lean into wet food. Pouches and tins are often 70-80% moisture, making them a simple, effective way to boost overall water intake. This is especially valuable during the hottest months.
Make a feline-friendly broth. A small amount of low-sodium, plain cooked chicken or fish broth (with no onion, garlic, or seasoning) can be diluted with water and offered as an enticing way to encourage drinking. Always check with your vet before introducing something new, especially for cats with health conditions.
Keep water fresh and cool. In hot weather, water can warm up and go stale more quickly. Refresh bowls more often than usual, and consider placing them out of direct sunlight.
Try different bowl materials and shapes. Some cats are surprisingly particular: ceramic, glass, or stainless steel may be preferred over plastic, and wider, shallower bowls can be more comfortable for cats who dislike their whiskers touching the sides.
Helping your cat stay cool overall
Hydration is one part of the picture. Helping your cat regulate its temperature matters too:
- Provide cool, shaded resting spots away from direct sunlight, especially during the warmest hours of the day
- Keep the home well-ventilated, using fans or light curtains to maintain airflow without creating a draught
- Brush regularly. Removing excess loose fur helps your cat manage its temperature more comfortably
- Never leave your cat in a parked car or a room that traps heat, even briefly. Temperatures can rise dangerously fast
Signs that dehydration or heat may be becoming a problem
Keep an eye out for:
- Lethargy or unusual restlessness
- Panting (uncommon in cats, and worth taking seriously when it happens)
- Reduced appetite
- Dry or tacky-feeling gums
- Reduced litter box output
If you notice any of these, especially during a heatwave, contact your vet promptly. Cats can mask discomfort well, and early attention makes a real difference.
How The Velvet Nest can help
A few small, thoughtful adjustments (fresh water in the right places, a touch more wet food, a cool spot to relax) can make summer a much more comfortable season for your cat.
If you’re heading away during the hotter months, these are exactly the kind of details I pay attention to during every visit: water levels, appetite, energy, coat condition. Nothing gets overlooked. If something feels off, you’ll know about it the same day.
Staying attentive to the little things is what The Velvet Nest is built around. If you’d like to chat about your cat’s care this summer, feel free to reach out on WhatsApp.