Food safety
Can Kittens Drink Water? Yes, and Here's How
Yes, kittens can and should drink water. Fresh water should always be available to a kitten, and it matters most once they start eating dry food, which usually begins during weaning at around four weeks. Until then, a kitten gets its fluids from its mother's milk or from a kitten milk replacer. Milk is not a water substitute, and a very young kitten that is not eating needs a vet.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
When kittens start drinking water
Newborn kittens do not drink water from a bowl. Mother's milk meets all their needs for roughly the first four weeks, according to the ASPCA, and VCA Hospitals says kitten milk replacer should be the sole source of nutrition for orphaned kittens until three to four weeks of age. Water is still a critical nutrient at every stage, and the milk or replacer is what supplies it in those early weeks.
Weaning usually starts at around four weeks and is typically finished by eight to ten weeks. As kittens begin to nibble solid food, set a shallow dish of fresh water within easy reach. Merck Veterinary Manual says kittens begin eating solid food at about three and a half to four and a half weeks, so that is a sensible time to introduce a water dish.
Water, milk and weaning
Milk is not the same as water. The ASPCA warns against cow's milk for kittens because it can upset their stomachs, and VCA Hospitals notes that cow's milk is not ideal for orphaned kittens because it is lower in protein, calories and fat than mother's milk. Merck Veterinary Manual also says goat's milk is not recommended. A commercial kitten milk replacer is the right choice when a kitten needs more than its mother provides.
During weaning, the ASPCA suggests starting with milk replacer in a shallow dish, then moving to a gruel of kitten food and replacer, gradually adding more food. By five to six weeks, kittens should be eating moistened food. Plain water goes alongside this, in its own dish, so the kitten learns that both are available.
How to set up a water bowl for a kitten
Choose a shallow, stable bowl that will not tip when a kitten climbs on it. Place it close to the food but not directly beside it, and away from the litter box. Never push a kitten's nose into the bowl, which the ASPCA warns can cause inhalation pneumonia; let the kitten find it on its own, or dip a clean finger in the water for the kitten to lick.
For kittens that are steady on their feet and eating solid food, some owners like a gravity-fed design, such as an automatic water dispenser with a food bowl or a double drinking bowl. Whichever you choose, watch the first few days to confirm your kitten can reach the water comfortably and is actually drinking. Browse our cat bowls to compare shapes and sizes.
Keeping water fresh
The ASPCA advises changing water daily and cleaning bowls every day. Kittens often kick litter, paw at the water or drop food in it, so check it a few times a day in the early weeks. Wash the bowl with hot soapy water rather than just topping it up, because a film of saliva and food builds up quickly.
Some cats prefer moving water, and a fountain can encourage older kittens to drink more. Our cat water fountains are worth a look once your kitten is a bit older, and our guide to how much water a cat should drink explains daily intake. For bowl styles in general, see our guide to cat bowls.
Signs your kitten is not drinking enough
Watch for a kitten that is unusually sleepy, weak, not eating, has dry or sticky gums, or has not passed urine in a day. Diarrhea or vomiting can dry a kitten out quickly because kittens are small. These are reasons to call your vet the same day, and not to try to fix it with extra milk or home remedies.
Also call your vet if a very young kitten refuses to eat or drink, fails to gain weight, or cries excessively. Merck Veterinary Manual says failure to gain weight may point to a problem needing veterinary care. Kittens can decline fast, so do not wait.
Wet food, dry food and water
Kittens on canned food take in a good share of their water from the food, while kittens on dry food depend much more on a water dish. The ASPCA says fresh water is especially important when you feed dry food. A mix of moist and dry food is common, but either way the dish should always be full.
Feed a food made for kittens until about a year old, as the ASPCA advises, and ask your vet about how much to feed. This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can a 4 week old kitten drink water?
At around four weeks kittens begin weaning, so a shallow dish of fresh water can be offered alongside solid food. Their mother's milk or a kitten milk replacer still supplies most of their fluids.
Can kittens drink tap water?
In most homes, clean tap water is fine, and the key is that it is fresh and always available. If you are unsure about your local water, ask your vet whether it is suitable.
Can kittens drink milk instead of water?
No. The ASPCA says cow's milk can upset a kitten's stomach, and milk is not a water substitute. Use a kitten milk replacer if a kitten needs milk, and offer water separately.
Why won't my kitten drink water?
Young kittens may not notice a bowl. Try a shallow dish, move it near the food, or let the kitten lick water from a clean finger. If it still refuses and seems weak or sleepy, call your vet.
How often should I change a kitten's water?
Change it at least daily, as the ASPCA recommends, and wash the bowl each time. Check it more often in the early weeks when kittens kick litter or drop food into it.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
