How Often Should I Change My Cat's Water?

Imagine drinking out of an open container that had been exposed to the elements for hours on end. Imagine how disgusting this might feel. Changing your cat's water should be done on a regular basis for the comfort and health of your animal.

  1. Large Water Bowls

    • If you have a large water dish that a cat cannot drink completely in a few hours, the water dish should be changed twice a day, minimum. If the water has particles of hair or dust in it, it should be changed more often.

    Smaller Water Bowls

    • If you have a small water bowl for your cat, it generally will not need to be changed, as a cat will normally consume the amount given. Replace the water as necessary.

    When to Clean A Water Dish

    • In addition to normal refilling of a water bowl, cleaning a cat's water dish should be done once every week, with hot soapy water to prevent and eliminate the growth of bacteria and viruses.

    When to Replace A Water Bowl

    • If you change your cat's water, and wash his dish, and he still does not drink from it, it may be time to invest in a new dish. Over time, plastics can break down and cause an unpleasant taste for the cat.

    Feeding and Watering

    • Fresh water should be available for your cat to drink at all times. If a cat primarily consumes dry food, she will drink more water than a cat that eats wet food.