Whether you’re a new cat parent or you’ve had cats for years, we’ve all seen the old trope about cats drinking (and loving) milk. The truth is, while cats like milk, it’s not very healthy for them. Instead, your cat should drink water and plenty of it. Most cats like to drink running or moving water as it’s generally fresher, cool and not stagnant. You might have wondered, “Why is my cat lying down to drink water?” There are several possible answers to this question, and many of them point to an underlying health problem.
Still, some cats lie down next to their water bowl simply because that’s the way they like drinking water. However, lying down to drink water might indicate your cat has a health issue that causes excessive thirst, such as diabetes or kidney disease. An older cat might lie next to their water bowl because they have painful joints or can’t keep their balance standing up. Not surprisingly, if your cat is dehydrated, they will often lie down next to their water to get as much water as possible, because they are feeling tired and weak.
We have more information below that will be very helpful if you’re trying to figure out why your cat is suddenly lying down to drink water. We also look at what you can do to resolve the situation and give you some actionable tips and advice.
What Are Some of the Health Reasons Cats Lie Down to Drink?
As we mentioned, there are several health reasons your cat might lie down to drink water, and these are the ones we will focus on. We’ll take a close look at some of them below, while more benign causes, which may occur in healthy cats, we’ll leave for last.
1. Your Cat Might Have Diabetes
If your cat is lying down to drink water and is also overweight, feline diabetes is a potential concern. A cat with diabetes will have an abnormally high thirst and hunger and will “beg” for food more often. A trip to your local vet is recommended for a cat exhibiting these signs, so prompt treatment can be started if diabetes or another health issue is confirmed.
2. Your Cat Might Have Kidney Disease
A cat that lies down to drink water could be showing signs of kidney disease. As kidney function declines, cats lose the ability to concentrate urine, which leads to increased thirst and frequent urination. In more advanced stages, dehydration, muscle loss, nausea, and fatigue can make standing uncomfortable, causing some cats to lie down while drinking.
Even well-cared-for cats can develop kidney disease, especially as they age. Also, since the signs start small and gradually worsen, noticing them is difficult initially.
- Gradual weight loss
- Very bad breath that smells like ammonia
- They’re peeing a lot more often
- Variable appetite
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3. Your Cat May Be Dehydrated
Some cats don’t drink enough when they’re feeling unwell or dealing with an underlying health issue, which can lead to dehydration. In moderate to severe cases, dehydration, alongside the original illness, can cause weakness, fatigue, or nausea. When standing becomes uncomfortable, a cat may choose to lie down while drinking water.
- Look at your cat’s gums. If they feel sticky or tacky, dehydration may be present. Pale or very red gums can indicate other serious medical issues and warrant immediate veterinary attention.
- Do the “tent test.” Grab (pinch) a small amount of fur between two fingers. The extra skin between their shoulders is a good place. Lift the skin slightly and let it go. Normally, it will go back immediately as if nothing happened. If it takes longer than 1 or 2seconds, your cat is probably dehydrated. Keep in mind, this test is less reliable in older or overweight cats.
- Look at your cat’s eyes. If they are sunken in, can’t focus, or appear “dull,” your pet might be severely dehydrated.
If your cat is lethargic or seems depressed when they’re usually full of energy, or they’ve suddenly lost their appetite, these may be signs of illness that may, in turn, lead to dehydration.
If your cat is healthy, eating and drinking, but you want to encourage them to drink more water, as cats go by the reputation of not being great drinkers in the first place, a great cat water fountain can be just the thing.
4. Your Cat is in Pain
Any condition that causes pain—especially those affecting mobility, such as sprains, ligament injuries, or osteoarthritis in older cats—may lead your cat to drink water while lying down. Standing can be uncomfortable or unstable, making a lying position easier and less painful.
Cats recovering from surgery or illness may also drink this way temporarily until their strength and mobility return. If your cat is recovering from an illness or surgery, make sure their water and food bowls are easily accessible.
5. Other Reasons Your Cat Lies Down Next to Their Water Bowl
After looking at some of the most common health reasons causing your cat to drink water lying down, it’s important to touch on other, more benign causes. Young and playful cats may get tired after doing zoomies and lie down to drink or eat. Some cats just prefer to drink water this way, but it really depends on their personality. If your cat has been doing it from a young age, it’s normal for them. But if your cat has only just started doing it, it may easily point to a health issue. Reach out to your vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behavior.
Why Is It Important That Cats Drink Water?
Like humans, water is a vital nutrient cats need to thrive and survive. Amazingly, your cat’s body is between 60 and 70% water, and it affects every single cell, organ, and system in their furry little body. Adequate hydration supports heart and brain function, helps maintain healthy skin and fur, aids digestion and nutrient absorption, and allows the kidneys to remove waste products from the body. Simply put, water is essential for their health and survival.
How Much Water Do Cats Need to Drink?
The amount of water a cat needs depends on several factors, including their weight, age, and the amount of water they get from their food. Dry kibble has much less water than wet food. For every 5 pounds of body weight, your cat needs 4 ounces of water. Most cats weigh around 10 pounds and would need at least 8 ounces of water per day, depending on their age, lifestyle, diet, and environment.
What Can You Do to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water?
Cats instinctively need water, but many have a naturally low thirst drive. Complicating matters, cats drink using a unique lapping motion that pulls small amounts of water upward using surface tension. Amazingly, the average water in a single cat “lap” is a measly 3/100 of a teaspoon, hardly enough to wet a napkin, let alone quench their thirst. In other words, a solution is needed for some cats to ensure they get enough water in their diet.
- Freshen their water regularly. Cats, as we know, are picky and are likely to avoid old water that has fur, dust, and other debris in it.
- Feed your pet wet cat food. Wet cat food won’t completely satisfy a cat’s water needs, but it’s a great start. A combination of wet food and dry kibble works well.
- Get your cat a water fountain. As we mentioned, cats like drinking water that’s moving. Buying your feline a cat water fountain might help in maintaining their hydration situation.
- Use a wide, shallow water bowl. Most cats don’t like deep, narrow water bowls because their whiskers get wet.
- Proper water bowl placement is essential. It should be out in the open to allow your cat to see what’s happening, but away from too much traffic and noise.
Why Do Cats Sit Next to Their Water Bowl?
If your cat isn’t lying down but instead sitting next to the water bowl all the time, the same possible health problems and concerns might be affecting them. On the other hand, your cat might enjoy the spot where their water bowl is located and like sitting there watching the day go by.
Why Do Cats Paw at the Floor Before Drinking Water?
Some cats may paw at the floor around their water bowl before drinking, which, while it may look unusual, is actually an instinctive behavior they’ve had for eons. In the wild, cats often paw at water sources to test depth, create movement to better see the surface, or clear debris. In owned cats this behavior can also be related to whisker sensitivity or curiosity.
Do Cats See Their Water?
One fascinating fact about cats is that they have a small blind spot directly in front of their nose. Because of this and because still water has very little visual detail, it can be difficult for them to judge exactly where the surface of the water in their bowl is. That’s why you might occasionally see your cat jump back from their water bowl; they’ve startled themselves by accidentally snorting a noseful of water!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered why your cat is lying down to drink water, now you know! Some cats like where their water bowl sits and will lie around it for preference, or they could be recovering from an illness or injury, or suffering from a health issue, and need to see a vet. A cat’s tongue makes drinking water difficult, and the blind spot in front of its face doesn’t help either. Plus, cats like running water more than standing water.
Hopefully, the tips we gave today will help your cat to get the water they need to stay healthy and happy. They might not be the best drinkers, but, like their pet parents, cats need it to live their best life!
Featured Image Credit: kalyanby, Shutterstock
What Are Some of the Health Reasons Cats Lie Down to Drink?
