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Is it normal for my new stray cat to not drink water from a bowl?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 lbs

Hello! We’ve recently took in a stray cat and he refuses to any water we give him. Just wondering if we should be worried ? We plan on deworming him soon and getting him his vaccinations. But was wondering if this is normal? We add water to his canned food and he drinks it like that but he won’t drink it alone.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2019

I would not worry too much. Still offer Garfield fresh water throughout the day but with him eating canned food and you adding water he is most likely getting enough water. Canned food has a lot of water in it already. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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