Can I Give My Cat Aquafina Water?
Cats need access to clean, fresh water at all times. As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to provide our feline friends with adequate hydration. But when it comes time to fill up their water bowl, what type of water should we use? Many cat owners have wondered if it’s okay to give their cats purified bottled water like Aquafina.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at whether or not Aquafina is safe for cats to drink. We’ll examine the ingredients and nutritional profile of Aquafina to understand how it differs from tap water. We’ll also explore some signs of dehydration in cats, look at better water choices for our feline companions, and provide tips on keeping your cat properly hydrated.
Background on Cats and Water
Cats need to consume water daily in order to stay properly hydrated. Water comprises a significant percentage of a cat’s body weight, and a cat’s water intake supports bodily functions like digestion, circulation, and waste removal. According to veterinarians, the average cat requires between 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day 1. This equates to about a half cup of water for a 10 pound cat. Cats obtain water from both their food and drinking water sources. While cats that eat wet food consume more water from their food, it is still important they have access to fresh, clean drinking water as well 2.
About Aquafina Water
Aquafina is a brand of purified drinking water that is produced by PepsiCo. According to the Aquafina website, Aquafina water originates from public water sources and then goes through a rigorous seven-step purification process called HydRO-7 [1]. This intensive process removes solids, filters water to remove potential contaminants, and adds trace amounts of minerals for taste.
The main ingredient in Aquafina is purified water. The water purification methods used allow Aquafina to meet FDA bottled water standards [2]. Aquafina does not contain any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors [3]. Overall, Aquafina provides clean, refreshing tasting water in a convenient bottled format.
Aquafina’s Safety for Cats
Aquafina is purified water that has been filtered to remove potential contaminants. However, this purification process also removes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium that are important for cats’ health [1]. Minerals help regulate fluid balance and nerve and muscle function in cats.
While an occasional drink of Aquafina won’t harm cats, it lacks the minerals found in tap water or spring water that are beneficial for feline health. Relying solely on mineral-deficient purified water like Aquafina can lead to mineral deficiencies over time. It’s best to provide cats with water that contains essential minerals for their health.
Some better options than Aquafina include filtered tap water, cat-safe bottled spring water, or cat fountains with filtered water. These provide hydration without stripping away the minerals cats need.
Better Water Choices for Cats
There are several water options that are safer and healthier for cats compared to bottled water like Aquafina. Many cat experts recommend filtered tap water as the best source of water for cats. Using a water filter can remove potentially harmful contaminants like heavy metals, minerals, chemicals and bacteria that may be present in regular unfiltered tap water.
Specialized cat-formulated water is also designed to promote optimal hydration and urinary tract health. These types of water have added minerals and nutrients tailored for a cat’s needs. For example, Hill’s Science Diet makes a veterinarian-recommended bottled water for pets that is low in magnesium and fortified with antioxidants.
In general, it’s best to avoid unfiltered tap water for cats and instead choose filtered water or a cat-specific bottled water. This helps reduce the risks of urinary crystals and other health issues that can arise from drinking water with too many minerals and contaminants.
When Tap Water is Unsafe
While tap water is generally safe for cats, sometimes it can contain contaminants that are harmful. The most concerning contaminants in tap water for cats include:
Chlorine – Added to tap water to kill bacteria, chlorine can irritate cats’ skin, eyes, and mucous membranes at high concentrations.
Heavy metals like lead and mercury – These toxins have been linked to kidney and liver damage in cats when ingested.
Pesticides and herbicides – Runoff from agriculture and lawns can introduce these chemicals into tap water supplies.
Bacteria and parasites – Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and other contaminants can make cats ill if the tap water supply becomes contaminated.
Fluoride – While added to tap water for dental health in humans, fluoride is toxic to cats at high levels.
The risk varies by location, but testing tap water and using a filter certified to remove contaminants can help ensure your cat’s drinking water is safe.
Serving Aquafina Occasionally
While veterinarians don’t recommend giving cats Aquafina water as their main water source, it is generally safe to serve it in moderation or as an occasional treat according to experts. Some cats enjoy the taste of purified or bottled water over tap water, so a small amount of Aquafina can be given to cats as a special treat from time to time (Reddit). However, Aquafina should only comprise a very small portion of your cat’s overall water intake.
Since Aquafina water lacks important minerals found in tap water, it does not provide optimal hydration for cats according to vets. Giving cats Aquafina water sparingly or on special occasions is fine, but it should not completely replace tap water which contains essential nutrients. Providing just small amounts of Aquafina here and there can satisfy a cat’s taste preferences while still ensuring they get proper hydration from better water sources the majority of the time.
Signs of Dehydration in Cats
Dehydration can be a serious issue for cats, so it’s important for cat owners to watch for key signs and symptoms. According to PetMD, some of the most common signs of dehydration in cats include:
Dry mouth – One key way to spot dehydration is by lifting up your cat’s lip to check their gums. Healthy moist gums should be pink and wet. Dry, sticky gums often indicate dehydration.
Loss of appetite – Dehydrated cats frequently lose interest in food and water. This compounds the issue, as eating provides key hydration. Loss of appetite paired with lethargy is a worrying combo.
Lethargy – Active cats turn lethargic when dehydrated. They may sleep more, move less, and lack energy. Lethargy indicates the body lacks sufficient fluid levels.
Other symptoms include sunken eyes, weakness, rapid breathing and heart rate, and skin that lacks elasticity. Dehydration requires swift vet attention to restore fluid levels through subcutaneous or intravenous fluids (PetMD). Don’t delay if your cat shows these concerning signs.
Providing Adequate Hydration
There are several ways to ensure your cat is getting enough water to stay properly hydrated:
Using a cat fountain or filtered water dispenser can encourage drinking by providing continuous flowing water, which mimics natural water sources in the wild. Cats often prefer moving water as it seems fresher. Top recommended cat fountains include the Drinkwell Pagoda and Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Fountain.
Offering wet or canned cat food can significantly boost your cat’s water intake. Wet foods are around 75% water, whereas dry kibble only contains around 10% moisture. Feeding wet food a few times per week can help hydrate your cat. Top recommended wet cat food brands include Instinct and Tiki Cat.
Placing multiple water bowls around your home encourages drinking by making water easily accessible. Bowls should be washed frequently and refilled with fresh water daily. Ceramic and stainless steel bowls are best as they inhibit bacterial growth.
Conclusion
To summarize, Aquafina bottled water is not ideal as a regular water source for cats but can be given occasionally or when necessary. Bottled water lacks the minerals and nutrients typically found in tap or filtered water. Cats with kidney disease or certain health conditions may have increased water requirements and be prone to dehydration. Owners should monitor hydration levels and watch for signs like tacky gums, weight loss, and lethargy. With clean, fresh water always available, most healthy cats will drink adequate amounts. Consider using a water fountain to encourage drinking. When in doubt, speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s specific hydration needs. With attention to proper nutrition and hydration, your feline companion can enjoy excellent health.