Cat Hydration Matters: Wet Food vs. Water Fountains

Wet Food: Hydration Through Diet

One of the simplest ways to get more water into your cat is through their food. Wet cat food (cans, pouches, etc.) is typically about 75-80% water. That’s similar to a prey-based diet in moisture content​. Feeding wet food basically “tricks” your cat into drinking water in the most natural way for them – by eating it.

Benefits of Wet Food for Hydration:

• As mentioned, a cat eating all wet food can often meet their entire daily water requirement through food alone​. For example, if a cat eats 250g of wet food which is ~75% moisture, that’s ~187 mL of water just from the food. They might still drink some on top of that, but even if they don’t, they’re probably in a safe zone. In contrast, a cat on dry kibble (10% moisture) eating, say, 70g of kibble, only gets 7 mL of water from that food – basically nothing. They’d have to drink a lot to make up the difference, which many cats simply won’t do.
• Wet food typically leads to a higher total water intake and more dilute urine​. This is great for the urinary tract. More urine volume means they’ll pee more often, flushing the bladder. There’s evidence that cats on canned diets have significantly more water intake (food+drinking combined) than on kibble​. In one study, cats on dry food had to drink water but still ended up with lower overall intake than those fed wet food who barely drank from the bowl but got it from the food​.
• Helps with weight management: Because wet food is mostly water, it’s less calorie-dense. Cats can eat a larger volume for the same calories, which can help them feel full and satisfied. This is a side benefit – hydrated cats with proper weight often have fewer health problems (obesity is another risk for diabetes and such). One source notes that wet food’s high moisture means fewer calories per bite, which can aid in weight control​.
• Natural for cats: Many cats simply prefer the taste and texture of wet food (it’s closer to real meat). If your cat loves their canned food, that’s a win-win: tasty meal and hydration in one. Picky drinkers often are enthusiastic wet food eaters, meaning they hydrate themselves without even knowing it.
• Can add even more water: You can actually add a tablespoon or two of water to canned food to make a “gravy” if your cat will tolerate a slightly soupier meal. Some cats love lapping up the extra diluted gravy. I do this for my cat on hot days to sneak in extra fluids. It increases hydration further and slows down fast eaters.
• Important for cats with certain health conditions: As mentioned earlier, if your cat has a history of urinary crystals or stones, or has early kidney disease, vets will almost always recommend increasing wet food or even feeding exclusively wet or a special urinary diet (which often is wet form). It’s one of the first lines of defense in urinary tract health – keep that urine flowing. For diabetic cats, many owners and vets prefer wet food as well, partly because of hydration and also typically lower carbs than dry.

Are there any downsides to wet food? Generally not in terms of the cat’s health (in fact, from a pure hydration standpoint, wet food is ideal). The considerations are more practical:

• Cost: Wet food can be more expensive per day than kibble.
• Convenience: You have to deal with opening cans, refrigerating leftovers, and your cat expecting meals at set times rather than free-feeding.
• Dental health: Some say dry food helps keep teeth clean (though the effect is minimal unless it’s a special dental diet). Wet food doesn’t provide any abrasive action, so you’d need to ensure dental care in other ways (tooth brushing, etc.). However, plenty of wet-fed cats have fine teeth if cared for.
• Some cats are stubborn kibble addicts and switching them can be a challenge (they exist, I had one!). But with patience, many can transition at least to a mixed diet.

In my view, the pros far outweigh the cons. Many cat owners feed a mix: wet food morning and evening, dry for grazing or treats. But the more wet food, the better the cat’s hydration.

Now, what about water itself? Wet food or not, cats should always have access to fresh water. And one way to entice them is with a water fountain.

Water Fountains: Encouraging Your Cat to Drink

Cats can be quite particular about water. Ever seen your cat drink from a dripping faucet or insist on sipping your glass of water instead of their bowl? Cats in the wild prefer running water sources – instinct tells them running water is fresher and less likely to be contaminated than stagnant water. Standing water could harbor bacteria in nature, whereas moving water from a stream is oxygenated and tastes fresh​. These instincts linger in domestic cats.

A pet water fountain is basically a recirculating water bowl that provides a constant flow, often with a filter. The water flows like a little waterfall or bubbling spring, which can attract cats to drink more.

Benefits of Water Fountains:

• Encourages Drinking: Many owners (myself included) find that their cats drink noticeably more when a fountain is introduced. The moving water catches the cat’s attention both visually and aurally. Cats can see the shimmering surface and hear the gentle burble, which can pique their curiosity and encourage them to take a sip​. It’s like providing a mini-stream in your living room. Most animals prefer running water – one source confirms that to animals, the sound of running water signals freshness, whereas stagnant water may seem suspect​.
• Fresher, Filtered Water: Fountains typically have filters (charcoal/carbon filters and sometimes foam filters) that remove impurities, fur, and debris. The constant circulation also helps inhibit bacterial growth and keeps the water cooler and more oxygenated​. This means cleaner water for kitty without you having to change it multiple times a day. Many fountains only need a weekly change (plus topping up) and a filter change maybe monthly, depending on the model. Fresh tasting water can entice cats who might otherwise ignore a bowl that’s been sitting a few hours. Ever noticed cats like very fresh bowl water? A fountain provides that “just refreshed” state all the time.
• Larger Capacity & Convenience: Pet fountains often hold more water than a small dish. Some can hold 2-3 liters or more. This is great if you’re away for a weekend – your cat won’t run out of water. It’s also useful for multi-cat households to ensure enough water for all. As long as the fountain is maintained, cats have access to water 24/7 without it going stale. As PetAssure notes, fountains give pets a constant supply of fresh, cool water, useful if owners are out for long hours​.
• Fun & Enrichment: Some cats actually play with their fountains, patting at the stream. It can provide a bit of mental stimulation. My cat likes to lick the stream and sometimes bats the water for fun. It’s not messy – just a little engagement that a boring bowl doesn’t provide.
• Temperature: Moving water tends to stay slightly cooler than room temp due to circulation and exposure to air. Many cats prefer cool water. Some fountains even have stainless steel bodies or ceramic that keep water cooler. Cooler water = more refreshing for the pet​.
• Less Bowl Scrubbing: With a regular bowl, you should wash and refill daily because saliva and food bits can make bacteria flourish (ever feel that slime in a bowl? That’s biofilm – ick!). Fountains still need cleaning, but the filter and constant movement mean you can go longer between thorough cleanings (maybe once a week)​. The filter catches fur and bits, keeping the water cleaner for longer​.

Potential Drawbacks of Fountains:

• Cleaning and Maintenance: They aren’t totally hands-off. You must clean the fountain parts regularly to prevent slime build-up (which can happen especially with plastic fountains – slime can develop in the pump if not cleaned). Filters need replacement on schedule to ensure water stays clean​. It’s a bit more effort than just rinsing a bowl, but not too bad if you set a routine. Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, others require hand washing.
• Noise: Some fountains make a humming noise from the pump, or trickling water sounds. Quality fountains are pretty quiet, but cheaper ones can be noisy especially when low on water. If you’re sensitive to noise, read reviews to pick a quiet model. My fountain has a slight hum that I find pleasant white noise, and the water sound is minimal (you can sometimes adjust the flow to reduce sound). If a fountain gets loud, often it means it needs more water or a clean.
• Power Source: Fountains plug into an outlet. So you need an outlet nearby and manage the cord. And in a power outage, the fountain becomes a bowl (not an issue unless out for days, but something to note).
• Cat Preference: Believe it or not, not all cats like fountains. Some are cautious of the water flow initially. Typically, given a bit of time, they approach and try it. It’s good to leave a regular bowl out as well when introducing a fountain, so they have a choice until you know they’re using the fountain. Most cats come around and end up preferring it, but a rare few might ignore it or be scared if it’s noisy.
• Cost: A decent fountain ranges maybe $25 to $100 depending on size and material. Plus filter replacements. It’s an investment compared to a simple bowl. However, it can be well worth it if it saves vet bills by keeping your cat healthy.

Wet Food vs. Water Fountain: Which is Better?

Well, they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, I use both for my cat: she eats wet food twice a day and I have a water fountain. This covers all bases.

But let’s say you have a kibble-fed cat and you’re concerned about hydration. Should you add wet food or get a fountain?

• Wet Food Impact: Will add significantly to water intake via diet, as described. This is almost guaranteed to improve hydration because the cat literally consumes water with the food. If your cat will eat wet food, this is one of the best ways to hydrate them. Especially critical if they have or are prone to urinary/kidney issues. Even one can of wet food a day can make a difference, with the cat perhaps drinking a bit less water because they got it in the food (and that’s fine).
• Fountain Impact: Will encourage more drinking from the water itself. It addresses those cats that are reluctant to drink from a plain bowl or only want faucet water. If your cat primarily eats dry, a fountain can be a big help to boost how often they lap water. However, if a cat is on dry and not inclined to drink, a fountain might increase drinking somewhat, but perhaps not as dramatically as switching to wet food would. Still, many owners see noticeable improvements (e.g., cat is seen drinking more frequently or peeing more).

One interesting note: Some people find after moving to wet food, their cat almost stops drinking from a bowl because they don’t need to. This can be okay as long as the cat is indeed getting enough water from food. But having a fountain as well can provide a backup source if they do get thirsty or on hot days, etc.

So which to choose? Ideally, do both – feed some wet food for guaranteed hydration and use a fountain to make any supplemental drinking appealing. But if I had to prioritize: for a cat that only eats dry and has urinary issues, I’d push wet food introduction first (because that’s a more direct hydration fix). For a cat that already eats some wet or won’t accept wet at all, or if you want to keep feeding mostly dry for some reason, then a fountain is a great next step.

Also consider, even with wet-fed cats, a fountain ensures they still drink if needed. My cat eats mostly wet but still likes her fountain – she often drinks after a play session or if it’s warm. It doesn’t hurt to have it.

Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated (Wet Food and Beyond)

• Mix Wet and Dry Feeding: If your cat is stubborn about wet food, try mixing a small amount into their dry food gradually. Or start with wet food as a treat and increase frequency. Often cats who “hate” wet just haven’t been given a variety or a slow intro. Keep trying different flavors and textures – pate vs shreds vs mousse, etc. Warming it up can coax them. Once they find something they like, you can slowly reduce dry. Even a 50/50 wet-dry diet is much better than 100% dry in terms of water intake.
• Provide Multiple Water Sources: Cats can be quirky. Some like a bowl in one spot but not another. Try placing water in a couple of different locations around the house. Sometimes a quiet corner is preferred, or far from their food (cats in nature wouldn’t drink water near their kill due to potential contamination, so some cats don’t like water next to food). Having multiple bowls or a bowl plus fountain gives them options. My cat has a fountain upstairs and a plain bowl downstairs. I’ve seen her use both, though fountain is primary.
• Use Glass, Ceramic, or Stainless Bowls: Material of the water bowl can matter. Plastics can impart taste or harbor odors; some cats are repelled by that or get chin acne from plastic. Ceramic, stainless steel, or glass keep water tasting neutral. Fountains too come in stainless or ceramic which I recommend over plastic for cleanliness and taste (they also are easier to clean and less likely to get slimy). If you notice your cat avoiding their plastic bowl, switch materials and see.
• Keep Water Fresh: If not using a fountain, change the water at least once or twice daily. Cats have a keen sense of taste and may avoid water that’s been sitting. Clean the bowl daily to remove any biofilm. Filtered or bottled water could taste better if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or has a smell – worth trying if your cat is picky.
• Add Flavor to Water: If your cat doesn’t drink plain water, you can try adding a little bit of tuna juice (the water from tuna, unsalted), low sodium chicken broth, or clam juice to the bowl. This creates a “broth” that some cats will lap up eagerly. Obviously, refresh it daily and ensure it doesn’t spoil. There are also electrolyte supplements for pets you can add, but usually just a hint of flavor from an animal source works. Just be sure any broth doesn’t contain onion/garlic which are toxic to cats.
• Ice Cubes in Water: Some cats are intrigued by ice cubes clinking in the water and like really cold water. Dropping an ice cube in the bowl can prompt play and drinking. There are even pet-safe ice cube toys (made of hard plastic) you can freeze and let them bat around and lick.
• Cat Popsicles: This is more of a treat than a hydration strategy, but you can freeze tuna water or goat milk into ice cube trays and give the cat a cube to lick. Or make homemade cat-friendly frozen treats with pureed chicken and water. It’s another way to get water in, especially in hot weather.
• Monitor Output: One way to gauge hydration is to observe your cat’s urine clumps (if clumping litter). A well-hydrated cat will produce larger clumps of urine, and urinate maybe 2-3+ times a day. Small, infrequent pees could mean not enough water (or possibly a urinary issue). With good hydration, you’ll scoop some decent sized clumps. Also, a cat should ideally have pale yellow urine (though you won’t see color in litter, a vet can assess if they test a sample). Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine can indicate concentration and dehydration. Noting these can tell you if your hydration efforts are working.
• Signs of Dehydration: In case you’re concerned, a quick test is the skin tent test: Gently pull up the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades – if they’re well hydrated, it should snap back quickly. If it stays tented or goes back slowly, that’s a sign of dehydration. Another sign: tacky (sticky) gums. The gums should be moist. If you suspect any dehydration, encourage fluids and consult a vet if severe.

Final Thoughts

Wet food vs water fountains is not an either/or battle – both are excellent tools in the quest to keep your cat hydrated. Wet food directly addresses the root of cats’ low thirst drive by putting water into their diet. Water fountains entice cats to drink more by appealing to their love of fresh, flowing water. Together, they form a one-two punch that can vastly improve your cat’s hydration status.

I can say from personal experience, after switching my cat to mostly wet food and adding a fountain, I saw positive changes: her coat improved, she vomited hairballs less (because she’s better hydrated and on wet food, fur moves through), and her litter clumps are larger and healthier-looking. Preventatively, I feel I’m doing my best to ward off kidney and urinary issues. And she LOVES her fountain – sometimes she drinks straight from the spout, which is adorable.

So, if you haven’t already, consider introducing some wet meals into your cat’s routine or investing in a water fountain(there are many affordable options). Keep an eye on how much water your cat is (or isn’t) getting and take steps to improve it. It might take a bit of trial and error (some fountains or foods may be snubbed at first), but once you find what your cat likes, it’s smooth sailing.

Your cat might not ask for more water (if only they could!), but their body will thank you for it. Hydration truly is the cornerstone of feline health – mastering it will go a long way to ensuring your kitty lives a long, comfortable life. So whether it’s adding an extra can of food to the shopping list or hearing the gentle hum of a fountain in your home, remember: cat hydration matters!

Go ahead and make a splash (figuratively, please) in your cat’s routine – they may soon be happily lapping away and you can have peace of mind knowing you’re supporting their health from the inside out. Cheers (with a glass of water) to that! 🐱💧