Cats are fascinating creatures with unique hydration needs. Unlike dogs, they often don’t drink much water on their own, which can lead to health issues if not monitored. Here’s why hydration is critical for cats and how you can encourage your feline friend to drink more water.
Why Hydration for Cats is Crucial
Cats’ Unique Hydration Needs
Cats are descendants of desert-dwelling felines, so they naturally have a low thirst drive. Wild cats typically get most of their hydration from their prey, which is about 70-80% water. However, domestic cats often consume dry kibble, which contains only 10% water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
In my home, most of my cats enjoy wet food as part of their diet, which helps meet their hydration needs. But Mercy, my picky eater, refuses wet food and only eats dry kibble. For her, I ensure plenty of access to fresh water throughout the day, and I keep an eye on her water intake.
The Benefits of Proper Hydration for Cats
Keeping your cat hydrated is essential for the following important functions:
- Urinary Health: Reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and crystals.
- Kidney Function: Supporting overall kidney health and preventing chronic kidney disease.
- Digestive Health: Promoting smooth digestion and preventing constipation.
- Overall Wellbeing: Keeping your cat active, alert, and healthy.
The Risks of Dehydration for Cats
Dehydration can lead to serious health problems in cats. Symptoms can include the following:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Lethargy
- Reduced skin elasticity
If your cat shows these signs, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian promptly.
How to Tell if Your Cat is Dehydrated
One simple way to check for dehydration is the skin elasticity test: gently pinch the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. If the skin doesn’t snap back quickly, your cat may be dehydrated. You can also check their gums—healthy gums should be moist, not dry or sticky.
Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water
If your cat isn’t drinking enough, try these strategies to boost their water intake:
1. Make Water Easily Accessible
- Place water bowls in multiple locations around your home.
- Keep water bowls separate from food bowls. In my home, I ensure water bowls are placed a short distance away from the food bowls. This setup encourages more drinking, as I’ve found that when water and food are next to each other, cats may focus on eating and neglect drinking water.
2. Use a Water Fountain
Cats are naturally attracted to running water, which mimics the streams their ancestors drank from. I prefer the stainless steel versions over plastic fountains, which can harbor bacteria and leach harmful chemicals into the water source over time. The continuous fountain keeps water fresher and encourages my kitties to drink more often. I own and recommend the Veken Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain for picky drinkers, because it has a flower waterfall that entices my pets to drink.
3. Add Flavor to Water
If your cat is reluctant to drink, try adding a splash of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to their water. Just ensure these are cat-safe and free of harmful additives. One viable option is Primalvore Free-Range Bone Broth. This item is pet-safe as well as beneficial for senior pets, since it contains collagen to aid digestion, skin and coat, and hips and joints.
4. Offer Hydration Through Food
- Incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet when possible.
- For cats like my Mercy who prefer dry food, consider adding a small amount of water to kibble to increase its moisture content.
5. Experiment with Different Temperatures
Some cats prefer cold water, while others like it at room temperature. Observe your cat’s preferences and adjust accordingly. While extremely cold water might discourage drinking, some cats do prefer water that is cooler than room temperature.
6. Enrichment and Fun
- Place floating toys in a water bowl to make drinking more interactive.
- Try a fountain with adjustable flow settings to see what your cat enjoys most.
FAQs About Hydration For Cats
How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Daily?
Cats should drink approximately 50-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, a 4 kg (9 lb) cat should drink 200-280 ml (around 1 cup) of water per day. Remember, cats eating wet food get most of their water from their meals.
Can Cats Drink Milk?
No, milk (cow’s milk) is not a suitable substitute for water. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause digestive issues. Stick to fresh, clean water.
What Type of Water is Best?
Filtered water is a great choice to remove impurities that might deter your cat from drinking. Always ensure their water is clean and fresh, as some cats are sensitive to odors.
What to Do if My Cat Refuses to Drink?
If your cat consistently refuses water, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues. You might also need to experiment with different bowls, fountains, or flavored water.
Tools and Products to Keep Your Cat Hydrated
- Water Fountains: Another great option besides the stainless steel fountain from Veken is the cat water fountain by Neareal. It’s larger size might be a better choice for multi-cat households.
- Wide, Shallow Bowls: Choose stainless steel or ceramic to avoid bacterial buildup.
- Hydrating Treats and Supplements: Cat-safe broths or hydration gels can provide an extra boost.
When to See a Vet
Recognizing dehydration in your cat is crucial, as it may signal a more serious health concern. If your pet shows signs of severe dehydration, seeking immediate veterinary care is essential to address potential underlying issues and ensure your cat’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
Hydration is vital for your cat’s health and wellbeing. From preventing kidney disease to supporting digestion, proper water intake is a cornerstone of feline care. Most of my cats get a lot of their hydration from wet food, but for dry food lovers like Mercy, I ensure they always have fresh water and encourage drinking with tools like fountains.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance your cat’s hydration, try the tips above and experiment to see what works best for your feline friend. Aries and I are here to help! Share your experiences and let us know if you try the Veken Cat Water Fountain or any other methods to keep your cat happy and hydrated.
For more cat care tips, check out some of our other blog posts!
