Originally Posted by ErbslinTrouble

just for the record... cats don't really retain or gain a significant amount of fluids from 'wet foods' It certainly wouldn't make much of an impact on their kidneys or their hydration. Wet vs dry is really a taste and texture preference with cats. It's also easier to digest for some cats. Some wet diets are TERRIBLE for urinary problems, dental problems and kidneys. (most grocery brands) You may find they are drinking a lot because the food is too rich or full of sodium and electrolytes. Which isn't necessary a bad thing but it can be for some cats. Kitten's do well on rich foods but elderly cats might not. You can still feed a urinary dry diet and get sometimes even better results with cats with renal or urinary problems. Offering fresh water in many different types of dishes and a variety of meals. I feed a mix of Royal Canin Indoor 27, Hills TD and James Wellbeloved for their daily dry diet in a food bin mixed and they get that topped up as needed all day as well as a raw diet from time to time with raw beef, boiled or grilled chicken, raw salmon or smoked salmon, boiled or raw white fish, prawns/shrimp raw or cooked and scallops. Occationally raw rabbit and lamb when we eat it. They also have melon, banana, mango (odd I know but my ocicat loves it!) and sometimes sneak strawberries, cherries or grapes out of the fruit bowl lol which they play with more tbh HA!

I'm a student veterinary nurse so I've been researching diets and animal care for years. My Ocicat drinks heaps more than any other cat I have had. I keep a glass by my bed, by the couch and by her food and fill most of them almost every other day. The only time you should be worried about excessive drinking is if they go off their food, their condition diminishes or they are urinating all over the house or straining in the box. This is usually a sign something is wrong and you should go to your vets immediately. Saying that don't be afraid to ask your vet anything you're questioning. I know these forums can be informative. But most people on here are not likely to have veterinary training and if they do they wouldn't be offering medical advice with out consultation. You're really only getting info from people that have pet/breeding experience and may or may not be dealing with or have dealt with the same problem of you.

Hope this helps