Can cats get dehydrated in winter?

Yes, and indoor cats are especially prone. Two things change in winter: indoor heating dries the air, which increases moisture loss through breathing and skin; and many cats drink less when temperatures drop. The result is a slow, easy-to-miss decline in hydration over a few weeks. The same fixes still work. Wet food carries hydration regardless of season, bowl placement still matters, multiple stations still help. A small added move for winter is making sure the water near a heater or fireplace gets refreshed more often, because it evaporates faster and tastes flat. Older cats and cats with kidney disease are particularly worth watching during cold months.

When to call a vet: if your senior cat seems lethargic or eats less in winter, mention it to your vet, since chronic kidney disease can flare in cooler months when intake drops.