Short answer: No. Don’t ditch the water bowl. Wet food is about 75-80% water, which is fantastic for urinary tract health, but your cat still needs access to fresh water. Think of wet food as a delicious glass of water with chicken chunks thrown in. You wouldn’t replace your own water intake with soup forever, right? (Or would you? No judgment.)
Here’s a fun irony: some cats who eat only dry food actually drink less water overall, leading to chronic dehydration. It’s like they’re on a hunger strike against their own survival. Feeding wet food at least once a day can reduce the risk of kidney disease, bladder stones, and—brace yourself—urinary blockages, which are as awful as they sound.
Wet Food Feeding For Cats: How Often Is Optimal? | PetShun
What if your cat is a food snob who turns up their nose at wet food?
Oh, you’ve met my cat. Some felines are addicted to kibble like I’m addicted to bad reality TV—it’s a tough habit to break. Try mixing a tablespoon of wet food into their dry food, or warming it slightly to release the stinky aroma they find irresistible. If they still refuse, don’t panic. Just know that a diet of 100% dry food is not ideal, and you might want to consult your vet about adding a moisture supplement.
And for the love of all that is fluffy, don’t leave wet food out all day unless you want to host a bacteria party in your cat’s bowl. Most wet food goes bad after two hours at room temperature. I learned this the hard way when Mochi gave me the stink-eye and meowed at the fridge. “Really, human? You thought I’d eat that?”