Getting Nala to drink more

Nala is turning 16 this month and I am worried about her intake. She has arthritis in her hips and back, so bending down to the bowl is getting harder. I moved her water to the same room as her food, but she still seems to drink less than she used to.

I read that older cats often lose the thirst drive, but I want to make sure I am not missing something. Has anyone had success with specific placement strategies for cats who cannot bend down easily? I am looking at a raised stand, but I worry it will be unstable if she bumps it.

I tracked Willow's intake last year when she had allergies that made her dry mouth. The data showed that proximity mattered more than height. If the bowl is within a 2-foot radius of where she sleeps, she drinks more frequently.

You might look at Fountain placement for arthritis. Walter tested three heights. The 4-inch raised bowl had the highest volume per day, but only because it was in the hallway, not because of the height itself. I would measure the distance from her resting spot to the water first. If it is more than 10 feet, move the water, not the food.

I work with Bella, who is 14 and arthritic. We tried the raised bowls but she knocked them over twice, so I stopped. Instead, I focused on the content of the bowl. I dilute her wet food with warm water to make it soup-like. This adds significant hydration without her having to lift her head as much to drink from a dry bowl.

Check out Wet food vs dry food hydration. The consensus there was that for cats with mobility issues, the texture of the food matters more than the water station design. If she is eating dry food, switching to a gravy-style wet food might help more than a fancy fountain.

Kim, please be careful about assuming it is just the arthritis. I lost Sandy to EOD in 2023, and in her last few months, she stopped drinking even though she was not in pain. It was kidney-related.

Before you change the setup, check for dehydration signs. Checking for dehydration at home has a good guide on skin tenting and gum moisture. If her gums are tacky or the skin snaps back slowly, call the vet today. Do not wait to see if a new bowl helps. It is better to rule out medical issues first.