Large Water Bowls

• If you have a large water dish that a cat cannot drink completely in a few hours, the water dish should be changed twice a day, minimum. If the water has particles of hair or dust in it, it should be changed more often.
  
  

Smaller Water Bowls

• If you have a small water bowl for your cat, it generally will not need to be changed, as a cat will normally consume the amount given. Replace the water as necessary.
  
  

When to Clean A Water Dish

• In addition to normal refilling of a water bowl, cleaning a cat's water dish should be done once every week, with hot soapy water to prevent and eliminate the growth of bacteria and viruses.
  
  

When to Replace A Water Bowl

• If you change your cat's water, and wash his dish, and he still does not drink from it, it may be time to invest in a new dish. Over time, plastics can break down and cause an unpleasant taste for the cat.
  
  

Feeding and Watering

• Fresh water should be available for your cat to drink at all times. If a cat primarily consumes dry food, she will drink more water than a cat that eats wet food.