Cats are naturally low drinkers. Public advice includes multiple bowls, wide shallow vessels and placing water away from litter, which costs little but needs consistency.

Fountains attract some cats with moving water, but filters need replacing and the pump needs cleaning, or it becomes a bacterial reservoir.

Wet food and rehydrated freeze-dried have far more water than kibble and raise total intake most directly, which helps cats with urinary risk.

A sudden rise or fall in drinking deserves attention as it may signal kidney, endocrine or urinary problems, so see a vet.