Can cats with urinary problems still have treats?

Generally yes, but choose carefully — moisture-rich, plain treats are a gentler choice than dry, mineral-heavy ones. If your vet has prescribed a specific urinary diet, check that any treats fit alongside it rather than working against it.

Does water intake really affect a cat's urinary health?

Yes, it is one of the biggest factors. Cats who drink relatively little and eat mostly dry food tend to produce more concentrated urine, which is linked to a higher risk of urinary problems. A water fountain or wet food can help increase how much a cat actually drinks.

What treats should I avoid for a cat with urinary problems?

Avoid treats with a lot of added minerals or ones that clash with a vet-prescribed urinary diet, if your cat is on one. A plain, moisture-rich, single-ingredient treat is a safer everyday choice for a cat with a history of urinary issues.

My cat is straining to urinate — is that something a treat change can fix?

No. Straining, frequent attempts to urinate, or blood in the urine are signs to see a vet promptly rather than something to manage through diet changes alone, since they can point to a blockage or infection that needs proper treatment.

Cat treats for urinary problems

A cat with a history of urinary problems does not need to give up treats altogether, but the choice matters more than it does for a cat without that history — moisture content and mineral balance count for more than flavour, and encouraging your cat to drink more is often just as useful as the treat itself.

Why moisture matters more than the treat itself

Urinary problems in cats are strongly linked to how concentrated their urine is, and cats who eat mostly dry food and drink relatively little are more prone to issues than cats getting plenty of moisture through their diet. That makes hydration, not any single treat, the biggest lever most owners actually have.

A soft, moisture-rich treat is a gentler choice than a dry, crunchy one for a cat with a urinary history, simply because it adds a small amount of moisture rather than none. It is not a substitute for the water your cat needs to be drinking through the day, which is where a water fountain can genuinely help — some cats drink more from moving water than from a still bowl.

What to check on a treat label

If your vet has recommended a specific urinary diet, check that any treats you give fit within it rather than undoing the point of the food — a vet-prescribed urinary diet is carefully balanced, and treats outside that plan can matter more than they would for a cat without a urinary history.

For a cat with a past urinary issue but no current prescribed diet, a plain, single-ingredient treat with no added minerals or unnecessary extras is a reasonable everyday choice. Keep treats to a small proportion of your cat's daily food regardless, since urinary problems are also linked to being overweight.

Making water more appealing

Many cats naturally drink less than would be ideal, and some show a clear preference for moving water over a still bowl, which is where a pet water fountain earns its place alongside a treat and diet strategy rather than instead of one. Placing water bowls away from food and litter trays, and offering more than one source around the home, can also encourage a cat to drink more.

Wet food itself carries far more moisture than dry kibble, so shifting even part of a cat's diet towards wet food is one of the more reliable ways to increase overall water intake without relying on a cat choosing to drink more from a bowl.

What we stock

Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.

304 Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain 3.2L

A 3.2L 304 stainless steel fountain that automatically circulates water through a gooseneck spout to keep it fresh. A visible side window shows the water level, so cats and dogs always have clean water.

£36.99

Sensor Cat Water Fountain 2.5L

A 2.5L cat fountain that flows when your cat approaches, keeping water fresh and tempting. A clear level window shows when to refill, and the generous tank meets one cat's needs for several days.

From£43.99

Automatic Cat Water Fountain

A clear automatic pet water fountain with a tap-style spout that circulates fresh, filtered water to encourage your cat to drink. The near-silent pump and large transparent tank let you check water levels at a glance.

£44.99

4L Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain

A large-capacity stainless steel pet water fountain with an ultra-quiet pump and gentle spout that keeps water fresh and flowing. The circulating stream encourages cats and dogs to drink more and stay hydrated.

From£35.99

Automatic Cat Water Fountain with Filter

A USB-powered water fountain with a near-silent pump and a gentle waterfall spout that encourages cats to drink more. The clear tank lets you check the level at a glance, and the built-in filter keeps water fresh and clean.

£24.99

Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain

A stainless steel pet fountain that keeps water fresh and flowing to encourage your pet to drink more.

From£31.99

Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain 3.2L

A 3.2L stainless steel drinking fountain with a quiet gooseneck spout that keeps water circulating and fresh. The clear side window makes refilling easy, helping cats and dogs stay hydrated.

From£39.99

Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain with Gooseneck Spout

A rounded stainless steel drinking fountain with a rose-gold gooseneck spout that keeps water flowing and aerated. Hygienic and easy to clean, encouraging cats and dogs to drink more often.

From£48.99

Ceramic Cat Water Fountain 3L

A 3L ceramic cat fountain that recirculates and filters water to keep it fresh and flowing.

From£64.99

Self-Refill Cat Water Fountain 3.5L

A quiet fountain with a food-grade stainless steel bowl and a 3.5L reservoir that tops the drinking area up automatically; the maker advises filling to 3L to avoid spills.

£89.99

Ceramic Cat Water Fountain with Stainless Steel Spout

A quiet circulating water fountain with a ceramic basin and arched 304 stainless steel spout. The flowing stream stays fresh and tempting, encouraging cats to drink more throughout the day.

From£37.99

Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain 3.2L

A 3.2L stainless steel water fountain with dual arching spouts and a water-level window, ideal for multi-pet homes. The ultra-quiet pump circulates fresh water to encourage cats and dogs to drink more.

£39.99

Browse all of Cats →

Common questions

Can cats with urinary problems still have treats?: Generally yes, but choose carefully — moisture-rich, plain treats are a gentler choice than dry, mineral-heavy ones. If your vet has prescribed a specific urinary diet, check that any treats fit alongside it rather than working against it.
Does water intake really affect a cat's urinary health?: Yes, it is one of the biggest factors. Cats who drink relatively little and eat mostly dry food tend to produce more concentrated urine, which is linked to a higher risk of urinary problems. A water fountain or wet food can help increase how much a cat actually drinks.
What treats should I avoid for a cat with urinary problems?: Avoid treats with a lot of added minerals or ones that clash with a vet-prescribed urinary diet, if your cat is on one. A plain, moisture-rich, single-ingredient treat is a safer everyday choice for a cat with a history of urinary issues.
My cat is straining to urinate — is that something a treat change can fix?: No. Straining, frequent attempts to urinate, or blood in the urine are signs to see a vet promptly rather than something to manage through diet changes alone, since they can point to a blockage or infection that needs proper treatment.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.