If you're wondering what can cats drink besides water, the simplest answer is: fresh, clean water should always be your cat's main drink.
Cats do not need a variety of beverages the way humans do. In fact, many drinks that are perfectly normal for people can be unsuitable or even harmful to cats.
That said, there are safe ways to add moisture to your cat's diet and encourage a cat that does not drink enough. Wet food, water mixed into food, and certain veterinarian-approved options can help increase overall fluid intake without replacing water as the primary drink.
What can cats drink besides water?
For most cats, water is the safest and most appropriate drink. There are a few ways to provide additional moisture, but they should generally complement—not replace—fresh drinking water.
| Drink or moisture source | Generally appropriate? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | Yes | Best everyday drink for cats |
| Wet cat food | Yes | Provides substantial moisture through food |
| Water mixed with food | Yes | Can increase moisture intake |
| Plain, unseasoned meat broth | Sometimes | Must contain no onion, garlic, excessive salt, or harmful ingredients |
| Cat-specific milk/replacement products | Sometimes | Choose products specifically formulated for cats |
| Cow's milk | No | Many cats have difficulty digesting lactose |
| Coffee or tea | No | Caffeine can be dangerous |
| Alcohol | No | Toxic to cats |
| Sugary drinks | No | Unnecessary and unsuitable for cats |
| Fruit juice | Generally no | High in sugar and not nutritionally necessary |
When introducing anything other than water, check the ingredients carefully and consider your cat's individual health needs.
Can cats drink milk?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about cat drinks.
Although cats are often shown drinking milk in movies and cartoons, regular cow's milk is generally not a good beverage for adult cats.
Many cats become less able to digest lactose after weaning. Drinking milk can therefore cause digestive upset, including diarrhea or stomach discomfort.
Milk is also unnecessary for cats that are already eating a complete and balanced diet.
If you want to offer a milk-like treat, use a product specifically formulated for cats rather than regular cow's milk.
Can cats drink broth?
Some cats may enjoy a small amount of plain broth, but the ingredients matter.
A cat-safe broth should be:
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Plain and unseasoned
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Free from onion and garlic
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Low in sodium
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Free from artificial sweeteners
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Free from spices and potentially harmful ingredients
Never assume that human soup or stock is safe simply because it contains meat.
Many commercial broths contain salt, onion, garlic, herbs, or seasonings that are unsuitable for cats.
Broth should also be an occasional addition rather than a replacement for fresh water.
Can cats drink goat's milk?
Goat's milk is sometimes marketed as easier to digest than cow's milk, but that does not make it necessary or universally suitable for cats.
Some cats may tolerate small amounts, while others may experience digestive upset.
If your goal is hydration, plain water or moisture-rich cat food is usually a more straightforward option.
For cats with specific dietary or medical needs, ask your veterinarian before adding milk or other calorie-containing drinks.
Can cats drink juice?
Fruit juice is not a good everyday drink for cats.
Cats have different nutritional requirements from humans, and fruit juice can provide unnecessary sugar without offering meaningful benefits to a typical cat's diet.
Some fruits and fruit products may also contain ingredients that are unsafe for cats.
If you want to give your cat a treat, use a cat-appropriate food or treat instead of fruit juice.
Can cats drink coconut water?
Coconut water is not necessary for cats, and it should not be used as a replacement for fresh drinking water.
It can contain sugars and minerals that cats do not need in beverage form.
For a healthy cat, providing clean water and an appropriate diet is a much simpler approach to maintaining hydration.
If your veterinarian has recommended additional fluids for a specific medical reason, follow their instructions rather than experimenting with human beverages.
What should cats never drink?
Some human beverages can be dangerous to cats and should never be offered.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be toxic to cats and should be kept completely away from them.
Coffee and caffeinated drinks
Coffee, energy drinks, tea, and other caffeinated beverages are inappropriate for cats. Caffeine can be harmful to pets.
Sugary drinks
Soda, sweetened beverages, and other sugary drinks provide no nutritional reason for cats to consume them.
Drinks containing artificial sweeteners
Some human products contain sweeteners or other ingredients that can be harmful to pets.
Always check labels and keep human beverages out of your cat's reach.
Salty soups and broths
High-sodium foods and drinks are not appropriate hydration solutions for cats.
Avoid giving cats leftover soup or seasoned cooking liquids.
How to make a cat drink water
If your cat does not seem interested in drinking, you usually do not need to replace water with another beverage.
Instead, make water easier and more appealing to access.
1. Keep water fresh
Cats can be sensitive to the freshness and cleanliness of their water.
Replace stale water regularly and wash the bowl frequently.
A dirty bowl can discourage a cat from drinking.
2. Try different water bowls
Some cats have strong preferences about their drinking setup.
Experiment with:
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Ceramic bowls
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Stainless steel bowls
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Wide, shallow bowls
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Different bowl locations
A wide bowl may also be more comfortable for cats that dislike their whiskers touching the sides.
3. Place water in multiple locations
If your home is large or has multiple floors, provide water in more than one convenient location.
In multi-cat households, multiple water stations can also reduce competition around resources.
Keep water somewhere your cat can comfortably access it without being disturbed.
4. Try a cat water fountain
Some cats are attracted to moving water.
A cat water fountain can provide continuously circulating water and may encourage certain cats to drink more.
However, individual preferences vary. Some cats prefer completely still water.
If you use a fountain, clean it regularly and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and filter replacement.
5. Add water to wet food
One simple way to increase moisture intake is to add a small amount of water to wet food.
Start gradually and see whether your cat accepts the new texture.
This approach can be especially useful for cats that enjoy wet food but do not drink much from a bowl.
6. Offer more wet food
Wet cat food contains considerably more moisture than dry food.
If your cat currently eats only dry food, discuss appropriate dietary options with your veterinarian before making a major change.
A combination of wet and dry food can also provide flexibility while increasing dietary moisture.
7. Keep water away from the litter box
Cats generally prefer clean and comfortable drinking areas.
Place water away from litter boxes and in a location where your cat can drink without feeling crowded or disturbed.
You can also experiment with placing water at a comfortable distance from the food bowl if your cat prefers separate resources.
How much water does a cat need?
A cat's water needs depend on body size, diet, activity, environment, and health.
A commonly used veterinary guideline is approximately 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of lean body weight per day, counting water obtained from food as well as drinking water.
For example, a 10-pound cat may need roughly 8 ounces of total water per day, but this is only a general estimate. Individual requirements can vary.
This is why a cat eating wet food may appear to drink very little while still receiving a significant amount of moisture from its diet.
Does wet food help cats stay hydrated?
Yes. Wet cat food contains a high proportion of water and can contribute substantially to a cat's total daily fluid intake.
This is one reason cats eating wet food may drink less directly from their water bowl than cats eating mostly dry food.
However, cats should still have access to fresh drinking water unless a veterinarian has specifically advised otherwise.
How can you tell if your cat is drinking enough?
It can be difficult to determine whether a cat is getting enough water simply by looking at its bowl.
Consider the bigger picture:
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What type of food does your cat eat?
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Has your cat's drinking behavior changed?
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Is your cat urinating normally?
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Is your cat eating normally?
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Has its weight changed?
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Is its energy level normal?
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Are there any other changes in behavior?
A sudden change in drinking or urination can be more important than the exact amount your cat drinks on one particular day.
Why is my cat not drinking water?
Cats may drink relatively little from a bowl for several reasons.
A cat eating wet food, for example, may already obtain much of its water through food.
Other possibilities include:
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The water is not fresh
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The bowl is dirty
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The bowl is uncomfortable
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The water location is inconvenient
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The cat prefers another type of water source
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The environment is stressful
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The cat has an underlying health problem
If your cat suddenly stops drinking or shows other signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.
When should you worry about your cat's water intake?
Both drinking too little and drinking substantially more than usual can be worth paying attention to.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice a persistent change, particularly when it occurs with:
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Increased urination
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Reduced appetite
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Weight loss
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lethargy
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Weakness
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Changes in normal behavior
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Difficulty urinating
A sudden increase in thirst can sometimes be associated with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism.
Do not attempt to diagnose the cause based on drinking behavior alone. A veterinarian may need to perform an examination and diagnostic testing.
Can cats drink flavored water?
It is generally better to keep a cat's drinking water plain.
Cats do not need flavored water to stay hydrated, and adding human drink mixes, sweeteners, juices, or other ingredients can introduce unnecessary or potentially harmful substances.
If your cat is reluctant to drink, try changing the water source, bowl, location, or temperature before adding ingredients.
Should you give your cat something other than water to encourage drinking?
Usually, the first approach should be to improve access to fresh water rather than replacing water with another beverage.
Try:
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Refreshing the water more frequently.
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Washing the bowl regularly.
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Offering multiple water stations.
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Testing a different bowl.
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Trying a fountain.
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Adding water to wet food.
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Increasing moisture-rich food when appropriate.
If your cat continues to drink very little or shows signs of dehydration or illness, speak with a veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
What can cats drink besides water?
Fresh water should be a cat's primary drink. Depending on the individual cat, additional moisture can come from wet food, water mixed into food, or small amounts of appropriately prepared plain broth. Cat-specific milk products may also be suitable for some cats, but they are not necessary.
What can cats drink other than water?
Cats generally do not need another everyday beverage. Water is the safest and most appropriate choice. Wet food can provide additional moisture without requiring cats to drink a different beverage.
Can cats drink milk?
Regular cow's milk is generally not recommended for adult cats because many cats have difficulty digesting lactose. It can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea or stomach discomfort.
Can cats drink broth?
Some cats can have a small amount of plain, low-sodium broth as an occasional addition, provided it contains no onion, garlic, heavy seasoning, or other harmful ingredients. Human soup and seasoned stock should not be assumed to be safe.
How do I make my cat drink more water?
Keep water fresh, clean the bowl regularly, provide multiple water stations, try a fountain, experiment with different bowl types, and consider adding water to wet food. If your cat's water intake changes significantly, consult your veterinarian.
Do cats need milk?
No. Cats do not need milk as part of a complete and balanced diet. Fresh water and nutritionally appropriate cat food are sufficient for most healthy cats.
Is bottled water safe for cats?
Plain bottled water is generally safe for cats, provided it is clean and does not contain added flavors, sweeteners, or other ingredients. In most homes, clean tap water that is safe for people to drink is also suitable for cats.
Can cats drink flavored water?
Plain water is preferable. Human flavored drinks may contain sugar, sweeteners, caffeine, or other ingredients that are inappropriate for cats.
Can cats drink juice?
Juice is not necessary for cats and is generally not recommended as a regular drink. It can contain unnecessary sugar and may include ingredients that are unsuitable for cats.
What if my cat refuses to drink water?
First, try making water more appealing by refreshing it, changing the bowl, moving the water location, providing multiple bowls, or trying a fountain. You can also increase moisture through wet food. If your cat is refusing water and also seems unwell, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Final takeaway
When deciding what can cats drink besides water, remember that cats do not need a long list of alternative beverages.
Fresh water should remain the foundation of feline hydration.
If your cat needs more moisture, focus on practical options such as wet food, water added to food, clean water bowls, multiple drinking stations, or a cat water fountain.
Avoid human beverages such as alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks, and seasoned soups or broths.
Most importantly, pay attention to changes in your cat's normal drinking habits. If your cat suddenly drinks much more, drinks much less, stops drinking, or develops other unusual symptoms, consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
