As most cat owners know, cats can have unique and even quirky preferences to almost anything -- even when it comes to having a drink of water! For many cats, providing a fresh bowl of water is not enough.

For a feline's health, it's very important that they drink enough water to stay hydrated. Even though this is true for all cats, it's especially important for older cats.

There are several ways to increase your cat's water consumption. Instinctively cats do not like to drink water that's located next to their dead prey. The reason? Because of the possibility the water is contaminated with bacteria from the dead prey. This is an innate survival instincts in cats. For the domestic house cat their dead prey is the food in their food bowl. Ever wonder why your cat likes to drink out of sinks or your glass? Because to your cat, it's fresh and clean and not located next to it's food bowl. If you locate your cat's water bowl far away from its food source, he will drink more water. In addition to this very important step to increase your cats water, here are some more ideas:

1.) Give your cat wet food (canned food). Many vets are recommending cats be fed wet food instead of, or in addition to, dry food because the added moisture content is very healthy for your cat. I recommend feeding your cats both wet and dry food.

2.) If you already give your cat wet food, stir a little bit of water into it for added moisture.

3.) Have more than one water resource and in different areas of your house. The novelty of having additional water bowls can increase your felines water intake. Also, in a multi-cat household, cats will compete and subtly guard important resources. Water (not just food) is one of them. Having more than one water bowl in different areas of the home will help the cats time-share this important resources easier and decrease the chances of a cat being deterred from the water resource by another cat.

4.) Cats have a distinct preference for running water. Either leaving a faucet running at a small stream or purchasing a cat water fountain that provides a continuous stream of filtered water.

5.) A wider water bowl. Cats do not like their whiskers touching the sides of a bowl.

6.) Cats like fresh water. Change water at least once a day. Be sure to rinse the residue in the bowl that builds up.

7.) Put an ice cube in their water. Many cats enjoy cold water and will drink more if it's cold.

8.) Have the water bowls in an area where the cat has easy access and feels safe drinking. If she's not completely comfortable with the family dog, you should locate one of your water bowls on an elevated surface where the dog can't get to.

9.) Make sure your cat's water bowl (and food!) are not located near the litter box! That is a sure way to not only cause litter box problems, but cause your cat to not drink enough water.

10.) For older cats who may be more sedate, have a water bowl near where they rest and spend the most time.

NOTE: Your cat could have a medical issue if he is suddenly not drinking as much water. It's always a good idea to take your cat to the vet to rule out these issues if you see a change in his food or water intake (increase or decrease).