How much water should a cat drink?

cat-tech said:

 
Normal water consumption for healthy cats is around 20-30 ml per lb per day. (or, 2 T. per lb per day).

Urine output in a healthy cat would be around 12-24 ml per lb per day (because she's absorbing water through stomach, intestines, colon etc)

Water consumption beyond 40+ ml per lb per day would be excessive (depending on the cat, weight, etc).  Excessive water consumption would also cause excessive urination with renal disease or diabetes.

When you see a kitty hovering over the water dish several times a day and drinking a great deal for about a full minute or so, and urinating shortly after, and/or several times a day beyond normal, then you have cause for concern.  The urine would be very dilute (slightly yellow turning to very clear).  Normal urine is yellow tinged and concentrated.

Your kitty is gorgeous!  Let's hope she remains healthy!

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cat-tech said:

 
Did she recently have blood work done and your vet is concerned about her renal levels?

Also check her hydration level on a regular basis:  gently pinch her skin just below the center of her shoulder blades -with skin pinched gently in your fingers, lift up slightly, then release the skin.  If it snaps back immediately, she is most likely hydrated fine.  If it takes more than 1 second to snap back, she could be dehydrated.  Another way is to check her gums - gently press a finger on her gums, if they are sticky or tacky, she could be dehydrated.  Renal disease cats tend to be dehydrated a great deal of the time (thus the need for sub-q fluid support, canned food, good nursing care).

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