Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My stray cat eats dry food but won't drink water. Is she dehydrated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Female | unspayed | 4.5 lbs

Recently I’ve been feeding a stray cat with mostly dry food and little time can food. She doesn’t drink the water I provided. Does it mean she has her own source of water? Is it safe to feed her dry food on daily bases? I’m afraid she got dehydrated if not consume water. Many thanks!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2017

If the cat is stray, you will probably not be able to know for sure where her water source is. If she looks relatively healthy and is continuing to eat what you offer, I would not be concerned that she is dehydrated. If she is easily handleable, you can check her hydration status by pulling on some of her skin on her back to see if there is appropriate elasticity. Dehydrated animal's skin will often stay in place rather than returning to the normal anatomic location. You can also get a look at her gums and check for pinkness / moisture. Hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on December 6th, 2018
This sounds like she has an infection or intestinal parasites. If you are able to catch her I recommend a veterinary exam and to have her checked for feline leukemia and aids as well as a fecal test for parasites. She should be spayed also if she’s healthy. Then she can go back out in your area to live but won’t have unwanted kittens or spread a disease to other cats. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jenny.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on January 10th, 2018
Cats normally get the majority of their water from their diet (mice), so if a cat is on a canned food or moist diet, they often will not drink water. However, you didn't mention that you had changed Varmit's diet, so if she is on a dry food diet, she should be drinking water. Is it possible that she is getting water from another source? Does she go outside? Does she appear to be swallowing normally when she eats? If there has not been any diet change and she's on a dry food, then it would be abnormal for her to not be drinking water, and it is time to have your veterinarian examine her. They will likely do a thorough oral examination to look for any abnormalities in her mouth, then check blood work just to make sure there isn't anything internally causing a problem.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Varmit is fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My cat only eats wet food and never drinks water. Is he hydrated?

Wet food does have a higher moisture content, so your cat may be getting enough water from the wet food that he doesn't need to drink anything additional. It's good that you see him drink a lot of water when he eats dry food, and you can add some more water to his wet food if you want just to make sure he is getting enough water :-)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat won't drink water after move. Is wet food enough for hydration?

Congratulations on your new addition! If you haven't previously fed 100% canned food before, you may not be used to how infrequently cats will drink water. My cats are also on a 100% canned food diet, and I rarely see them drink water (maybe once a week). That is because they get almost all the moisture they need from the canned food. It is important to have fresh water available to her at all times, but I would not be worried about not seeing a cat on 100% canned food not drink. If you're concerned, you might consider adding some water to her caned food or adding a running fountain since most cats prefer that to drink from. If Bronte seems stressed otherwise, you could try a couple of things. One option for decreasing stress is to add a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month. I have also had luck with Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ) which can be added to the food. You could also consider calming music specifically for cats ( http://throughadogsear.com/tace/through-a-cats-ear-1-music-for-calming/ ). Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My 3-month-old stray kitten won't drink water. Is this a problem?

In general, cats have adapted to fairly arid climates and do not require much water - generally only a few ounces per day. If Guzu is eating canned cat food, she is likely getting most of her water requirements from the food itself. If you are concerned, you can mix some additional water into the food. However, if she is eating strictly dry food, she will need to drink water. Some cats prefer drinking from running water sources, such as a trickling faucet or a cat water fountain. If Guzu is otherwise eating, active and not showing signs of vomiting or diarrhea, this is not a big concern. However, if she is showing you other issues, such as not eating, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, she should be evaluated by a vet. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat won't eat meat, only dry food, and drinks excessive water?

Some cats prefer dry food (biscuits) and when they eat only dry food they drink much more water. staring is not an uncommon behavior for cats so i don't think this is a problem. If you think her appetites is going down and that she is after all drinking much more than she should, i would recommend taking her to the vet for a checkup and blood test.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat is recovering from dehydration. Does wet food hydrate her?

I'm sorry Lilly has been sick! Wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food, so she is getting some water in her by eating that. Also she is getting fluids, so she is getting water there too. If she wasn't getting fluids, I would be worried about her not drinking water, but in this case, I'm not. When the fluids run out, feed her wet food and add water to it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Cat won't drink water from bowl after vomiting. Is she dehydrated?

This is concerning, and while it's good she will drink the water mixed with the food, you do want her to drink from the water bowl. Give her canned food and add water to it to get more water in her. I'd try getting her a pet water fountain. It provides a constant source of fresh water, and cats tend to love drinking from it. I have one for my cats, and they love it. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why won't my stray kitten eat but drinks a lot with an open wound?

It may simply be a case of him not being hungry, especially if he is stray and hasn't been getting much food. However, I would be concerned about this open wound you mention. It could be infected or causing pain. Ideally I would take him to s vet for an exam and treatment, given the circumstances you may be able to attend a charity clinic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share