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My 8-week kitten isn't drinking water. Is his intake sufficient? Tips?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 28 days old | 13 lbs

My 8week old ragdoll kitten isn't drinking water at all. I am feeding him boiled chicken 4 times a day making sure he sips in little water through food each time. He's also eating dry food in small quantities every day. Is this water intake sufficient? How can I make him drink more? I have tried different bowls etc.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2017

He likely isn't drinking a ton of water because he is already getting his daily requirements through his food. Boiled chicken retains a good amount of water and if you are making sure he also drinks water run off from the food, then he is probably getting enough already. Cats aren't big water drinkers anyway so don't feel like you are doing anything wrong. I would suggest placing a pet water fountain (from your local pet store) in your home to encourage him to drink more. Also I would not recommend just feeding him chicken alone because this is not a complete diet for a cat and he is likely to become deficient in a lot of vitamins and minerals he needs, especially Taurine. He need a well balanced high quality kitten food such as Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet or Innova. You can go with a wet canned food as well to increase his water intake and he will likely be just fine. Best of luck with your kitty!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Offer a good quality canned kitten food. Mix in some warm water, unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid or low sodium chicken broth to increase fluid intake. You can also try a cat water fountain. Some cats prefer drinking from moving water instead of still water.

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