As a cat parent, you’re probably always looking for ways to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. One of the most important aspects of cat health? Proper hydration. But if your cat isn’t a big fan of drinking from their water bowl, you might be wondering: Does wet food hydrate cats?
The short answer is yes — but let’s dive deeper into why wet food can be a great source of hydration for cats and how it compares to dry food.
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Does wet food hydrate cats?
Yes, wet food has enough water in it to provide your cat with much of the hydration they need. The amount of water contained in the food is how it is labeled.
So, wet food containing “high moisture” contains the most water. If you purchase canned dog food from the pet store, you will likely find that this type of kibble has extra water added to keep your dog hydrated.
The ingredients for cat foods also vary, and, as a result, it is difficult to manage cats’ diets based on what they eat.
The water found in canned cat food varies from wet food labeled “low moisture” to “high moisture” in canned cat food. The difference in water is generally 50% or less.
Canned wet cat foods may be a good choice for your cats, but it is essential to ensure you know how much water they need, as cats are not very good at telling us when they are thirsty.
Most dry foods have a very low percentage of moisture and higher levels of carbohydrates than wet foods, which can lead to health problems like diabetes and even liver or kidney failure.
Cats’ kidneys may be forced to work harder when digesting a diet that contains large amounts of carbohydrates. This is because the cat’s body lacks sufficient water to process large amounts of dry food.
The essential ingredients in dry food are still necessary for a healthy cat, but canned wet food provides your feline with more hydration than dry kibble.
Wet cat food is very beneficial because it contains high levels of water, a substance that is quite important for our feline friends. To be healthy, the cats need to drink a lot of water, which can be challenging for husky felines. So, if your cat is struggling with hydration issues and you are looking for an easy fix, consider wet food regularly.
Why Cats Often Don’t Drink Enough Water?
Unlike dogs, cats are naturally low-thirst animals. Their ancestors were desert-dwelling hunters who got most of their moisture from eating prey.
That means our modern housecats still have that instinct — they don’t always feel the urge to drink water, even if their bodies need it.
This is why hydration through food is essential.
How To Keep Your Cat Hydrated? Best 5 Tips
A cat’s body can only process so much food at once. If this is insufficient to maintain the cat’s hydration, they will start to suffer in various ways.
Here are 5 top tips on how to keep your cat hydrated:
1. Drinking fountains:
Although your cat may not care much for water that is kept in a bowl, they are sure to love drinking water from a fountain! A cat drinking fountain is an excellent option because it provides your cat with fresh, moving water that keeps the bowl full.
2. Humidity:
In drier climates, cats can experience dehydration more frequently due to the air’s lack of humidity, making drinks taste stale and wet food harder to consume.
3. Feed Wet Food:
This may seem odd, but cats should still be fed dry food occasionally. Cats can only quickly digest 40% of their wet food, so you shouldn’t have to feed your cat wet and dry food daily.
4. Special Supplements:
Many supplements can help support a feline’s digestive system. Some of these include probiotics, enzymes, and herbs such as catnip, etc. These supplements assist your cat with maintaining healthy digestion through the course of their lives.
5. Make the Water Tastier:
When the water bowl is empty, make it more interesting. Placing a few ice cubes in the water or putting a drop or two of canned cat food will entice your cat to drink.
This way, the cat will get plenty of water without constantly drinking from the bowl, and it will be possible to keep your cat hydrated.
Wet Cat Food Helps to Hydrate Your Cat?
Wet cat food is a great way to help your kitty stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. A study published in Physiology & Behavior in 2008 concluded that cats consume less water when fed dry food. Cats are picky about their food and do not drink enough water when they eat only dry food.
There is no doubt that wet cat food is a great way to help your kitty stay hydrated throughout the day. This is particularly the case during hot weather.
So, please do not be too stingy when supplementing your cat’s diet with wet food daily. This simple step may help to improve your cat’s health and even save your feline friend’s life.
How Wet Food Helps Hydrate Cats?
Wet cat food contains about 70–80% water, which is significantly higher than the 10–12% found in dry kibble. That means every time your cat eats wet food, they’re also getting a healthy dose of moisture — without even realizing it.
This can help:
- Prevent dehydration
- Support kidney function
- Reduce the risk of urinary tract issues
- Promote overall wellness
For cats that rarely drink from their bowls, wet food can be a lifesaver — literally.
Wet Food vs Dry Food: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Wet Food | Dry Food |
| Water Content | 70–80% | 10–12% |
| Hydration Support | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Minimal |
| Shelf Life After Opening | ❌ Short | ✅ Long |
| Dental Benefits | ❌ Few | ✅ Some (crunchy texture) |
While dry food has its benefits, such as convenience and dental support, it doesn’t do much in the hydration department. That’s where wet food shines.
Best Practices for Hydrating Your Cat with Wet Food
To ensure your cat stays hydrated:
- Feed wet food daily (or mix it with dry)
- Offer fresh water at all times
- Try water fountains to encourage drinking
- Consider adding a splash of water or bone broth to wet food for extra moisture
Final Thoughts: Is Wet Food Enough for Hydration?
Yes, wet food can significantly help hydrate your cat, especially if they don’t drink enough water on their own. While it may not completely replace the need for a water bowl, it’s a powerful way to boost your cat’s daily fluid intake naturally.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s hydration, wet food is a smart and simple way to support their health — one tasty bite at a time.
I hope this article was useful and that you learned something new. If you have any other ideas, I would love to hear them in the comments below. I hope that your cat is staying hydrated and feeling great!
FAQs
Can cats get enough water from wet food?
The answer is yes. As long as your cat eats appropriate wet food, it should stay hydrated and get essential nutrients and vitamins that prevent it from getting sick.
How much hydration does a cat get from wet food?
The same amount of hydration as the amount of water you would give by hand. Wet food contains all the water your cat needs.
When should a kitten drink the most water?
Kittens should drink the most water before they become physically mature, somewhere around 6 months. After that, they will start getting most of their hydration from their food. This is true as long as they are eating wet food.
How can I hydrate my cat quickly?
You can squirt a little water onto their tongue, then get them to lick it off. You can also put a little more than normal into their food bowl, and they’ll drink it. You can also use a little honey to dissolve the water and have them lick it off. Consistency is the key to hydration. If you’re not consistent, they won’t know when they’re thirsty.
Do cats need wet food everyday?
Cats need wet food every day because it helps them to stay hydrated. They can’t get enough water from dry food, so ensure that you consistently feed your cat with wet food and always ensure fresh and clean water for them to drink.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.
