How to Help Your Cat Drink More (Especially in Dubai)

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. Their ancestors lived in dry regions and got most of their water from their prey. That’s why many indoor cats simply don’t drink enough on their own, and why Dubai’s heat makes hydration worth a little extra attention.

How cats stay cool

Cats only sweat through their paw pads, so they can’t cool down the way we do. They rely mostly on grooming (the saliva evaporating from their fur cools them) and on finding cool, shaded spots to rest.

Panting is not normal for a cat at rest. If your cat pants, especially in the heat, contact your vet straight away.

The most effective way: wet food

Wet food contains around 75–80% water, compared with about 10% for dry food. Studies show that cats eating more moisture take in more water overall and produce more dilute urine, which supports urinary health. Even replacing part of the dry food with wet food can make a real difference.

Other simple ideas

Offer several water stations. Place a few bowls in different rooms, in quiet spots, away from the food bowl and the litter box.

Try a fountain. Some cats love it, others ignore it: studies comparing fountains and bowls show mixed results. It’s worth testing with your own cat.

Keep water fresh and cool. Refresh bowls often in hot weather, keep them out of direct sunlight, and try adding an ice cube: some cats enjoy playing with it.

Choose the right bowl. Many cats prefer wide, shallow bowls in ceramic, glass or stainless steel.

Add a little water to wet food. It’s an easy way to increase intake. Avoid broths sold for humans: they often contain onion, garlic or salt, which are harmful to cats.

Helping your cat stay cool

• Keep cool, shaded resting spots available, away from direct sun
• Keep the air conditioning on when you’re away during the hot months
• Never leave your cat in a parked car or a room that traps heat, even briefly

Warning signs: call your vet promptly

• Panting or breathing with the mouth open
• Lethargy or unusual weakness
• Reduced appetite
• Dry or sticky gums
• Less urine in the litter box, or straining to urinate

Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so early attention makes a real difference.

How The Velvet Nest can help

When I look after your cat, I check water levels, appetite, energy and litter box output at every visit. If something seems different, you’ll know the same day.

Going away? Book your visits online, or send me a message on WhatsApp.

Written by Ségo, ACACED-certified cat sitter · The Velvet Nest, Dubai

Sources: ACACED training (Attestation de Connaissances pour les Animaux de Compagnie d’Espèces Domestiques), French Ministry of Agriculture. · Buckley C.M.F. et al. (2011). Effect of dietary water intake on urinary output, specific gravity and relative supersaturation for calcium oxalate and struvite in the cat. British Journal of Nutrition. · Robbins M.T. et al. (2019). Quantified water intake in laboratory cats from still, free-falling and circulating water bowls. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.