My stray cat eats dry food but won't drink water. Is she dehydrated?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Female | unspayed | 4.5 lbs
Recently I’ve been feeding a stray cat with mostly dry food and little time can food. She doesn’t drink the water I provided. Does it mean she has her own source of water? Is it safe to feed her dry food on daily bases? I’m afraid she got dehydrated if not consume water. Many thanks!
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 5th, 2017
If the cat is stray, you will probably not be able to know for sure where her water source is. If she looks relatively healthy and is continuing to eat what you offer, I would not be concerned that she is dehydrated. If she is easily handleable, you can check her hydration status by pulling on some of her skin on her back to see if there is appropriate elasticity. Dehydrated animal's skin will often stay in place rather than returning to the normal anatomic location. You can also get a look at her gums and check for pinkness / moisture. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 6th, 2018
This sounds like she has an infection or intestinal parasites. If you are able to catch her I recommend a veterinary exam and to have her checked for feline leukemia and aids as well as a fecal test for parasites. She should be spayed also if she’s healthy. Then she can go back out in your area to live but won’t have unwanted kittens or spread a disease to other cats. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jenny.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 10th, 2018
Cats normally get the majority of their water from their diet (mice), so if a cat is on a canned food or moist diet, they often will not drink water. However, you didn't mention that you had changed Varmit's diet, so if she is on a dry food diet, she should be drinking water. Is it possible that she is getting water from another source? Does she go outside? Does she appear to be swallowing normally when she eats? If there has not been any diet change and she's on a dry food, then it would be abnormal for her to not be drinking water, and it is time to have your veterinarian examine her. They will likely do a thorough oral examination to look for any abnormalities in her mouth, then check blood work just to make sure there isn't anything internally causing a problem. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Varmit is fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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