Cats need plenty of water, just as people do. Water is very essential to a cats well being. Fresh water should be available at all times. Every day the water should be changed and the bowl should be cleaned to eliminate any bacteria. If you are using a small bowl, be sure to make sure there is water in it at all times. A cat can not drink too much water. The more active the cat or the warmer the weather, the more water the cat needs.

Water is an essential part of a cat's diet

• An average cat requires between 150ml and 200ml of water daily.

Cats can become dehydrated.

How to determine dehydration:
A cat may be dehydrated even when drinking plenty of water due to medical problems, over-activity, heat or stress. One way to easily determine this condition is to check for skin elasticity. On the upper back just below the shoulders, using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the skin gently, lift up and then let go. If the skin returns to normal quickly, your pet is absorbing enough water. If not, encourage your cat to drink more water and call the vet immediately. If your cat is drinking lots of water and not using the litterbox and you are certain she is not urinating somewhere else besides the litterbox, call the vet immediately.