Introduction
Cats need to stay hydrated in order to maintain healthy bodily functions. However, there is some debate around whether cats should drink water or milk. This article will examine the role of hydration in cats, looking at their natural instincts, health considerations, and best practices for providing water. Proper hydration is essential for a cat’s kidney function, digestive system, and overall wellbeing. Understanding a cat’s hydration needs can help ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Milk and Kittens
Mother’s milk is the sole source of nutrients for newborn kittens. Kittens are born with the ability to digest the lactose in their mother’s milk, which contains around twice the lactose of cow’s milk (1). Kittens will nurse frequently, stimulating milk production and allowing them to grow quickly in the early weeks. Mother’s milk contains the perfect nutritional profile to support development, including proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals (2, 3).
Kittens will begin the weaning process as early as 3-4 weeks of age, gradually transitioning from nursing to eating solid food over the next few weeks. By around 8 weeks old, kittens no longer need milk from their mother and are able to get all required nutrients from solid food (4). While mother’s milk is essential for newborn kittens, within 2 months kittens lose the ability to properly digest lactose as they mature.
(1) https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/feeding/can-cats-eat/can-cats-drink-milk
(2) https://icatcare.org/advice/the-weaning-process/
(3) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care
(4) https://www.thesprucepets.com/weaning-kittens-5551825
Lactose Intolerance in Adult Cats
Most adult cats, around 95%, are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance occurs when their bodies stop producing lactase – the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without lactase, lactose passes through the gastrointestinal tract undigested. The undigested lactose causes digestive upset and symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain in lactose intolerant cats.
When an adult cat drinks milk containing lactose, their body is unable to properly break it down. The undigested lactose travels to the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment it, producing gas and acids that draw fluid into the colon. This leads to diarrhea, dehydration, and an upset stomach.
According to experts, the gastrointestinal signs of lactose intolerance in cats tend to occur 12-24 hours after ingesting milk. The severity depends on the individual cat and amount consumed. Even small amounts of milk can cause issues in lactose intolerant cats.
Some studies indicate that certain cat breeds like Siamese have lower rates of lactose intolerance, however most adult cats cannot properly digest the lactose in milk. It’s best to avoid giving milk to adult cats, especially cow’s milk, to prevent digestive upset.
Health Risks of Milk
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest the lactose found in milk [1]. When cats drink milk, the undigested lactose travels to the large intestine where it is fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and causing diarrhea [2].
Consuming milk can give cats an upset stomach, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases it may even cause dehydration if the diarrhea is severe. The lactose and fat in milk can also put extra strain on your cat’s digestive and immune systems [3].
Over time, regularly consuming milk could lead to inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or other gastrointestinal problems in cats. The lactose may also have a laxative effect and cause loose stool or diarrhea. Overall, milk provides no nutritional value for cats and poses unnecessary health risks.
Water Requirements
Water is extremely important for cats to maintain proper hydration and kidney function. Cats have a low thirst drive compared to other mammals, so they don’t always drink enough water on their own to meet their needs. Dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues in cats.
Most experts recommend that the average 10 lb adult cat needs about 1 cup or 8 oz of water per day. The general guideline is that cats need about 4 oz of water per 5 lbs of body weight daily. However, water needs can vary based on factors like age, activity level, diet, and environmental temperatures. Kittens and lactating cats require more water, while cats eating canned food may require less since the food has high moisture content. Cats who are more active or live in hot climates may need more water as well 1.
It’s important to always provide fresh, clean drinking water for cats in a bowl that is washed and refilled daily. Monitor your cat’s water intake and watch for any signs of dehydration, which could indicate an underlying health issue requiring veterinary attention.
Providing Fresh Water
It’s important to provide cats with a constant supply of fresh, clean water. Stale or dirty water can deter cats from drinking enough. Here are some tips for making sure your cat always has access to fresh water:
- Use a cat fountain. Moving water is more appealing and mimics natural drinking sources. Cat fountains continually cycle and filter the water. Popular fountains include the Drinkwell Pagoda and PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum.
- Wash and refill water bowls daily. Use soap and hot water to fully disinfect food and water bowls.
- Place multiple bowls around your home. Cats prefer having access to water in multiple rooms.
- Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowls. Plastic can harbor bacteria.
- Add extra bowls near food, windows, or favorite nap spots. Make water easily accessible where cats spend time.
- Consider bottled or filtered water if your tap water has an odor or chemical taste.
Providing fresh, appealing water encourages cats to drink. Stay vigilant about refilling, washing, and replacing water sources regularly. Proper hydration supports your cat’s health.
Wet Food Diets
Wet or canned cat food has high moisture content, typically containing around 75-85% water (1). This makes it an excellent way to increase fluid intake for cats. Cats have a low thirst drive and do not drink enough water on their own, putting them at risk of chronic dehydration (2). It’s recommended that cats get the majority of their moisture from food, and should get around 2.4-3.6 oz of water per pound of body weight per day (2). An all-dry diet does not provide nearly enough water. Even for cats also drinking water, a diet of only dry food leads to mild dehydration for most cats (3). Feeding wet food, like canned tuna or pâtés, helps cats get closer to their ideal daily water intake and prevent issues associated with dehydration like UTIs and kidney disease.
(1) https://www.purina-arabia.com/articles/cats/feeding/guides/wet-and-dry-food
(2) https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/wet-cat-food-vs-dry-cat-food-which-better
(3) https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/feeding/guides/do-cats-need-wet-food
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can be serious if left untreated, so it’s important to watch for signs that your cat may not be getting enough fluids. According to PetMD, some symptoms that your cat may be dehydrated include:
- Lethargy and weakness – A dehydrated cat may seem extremely tired and lack energy.
- Dry mouth – Check your cat’s gums and make sure they are moist. Dry or sticky gums can indicate dehydration.
- Sunken eyes – Dehydration causes the eyes to appear more sunken in.
- Loss of appetite – Your cat may not want to eat or drink much when dehydrated.
- Reduced skin elasticity – Gently pinch the skin on the back of your cat’s neck. If it stays tented or takes longer to snap back, dehydration may be present.
- Dry nose – The nose may feel dry to the touch if your cat is dehydrated.
- Fever – Dehydration can sometimes cause a fever in cats.
- Constipation – Not getting enough fluids can lead to constipation.
According to WebMD, dehydration happens when a cat loses too many bodily fluids. Some other symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of urine production, and rapid breathing. If your cat shows multiple signs of dehydration, contact your vet right away.
When to See a Vet
Dehydration can quickly become a life-threatening emergency in cats, so it’s important to monitor your cat closely and know when to seek veterinary treatment. Some scenarios that require prompt veterinary care include:
- Your cat is showing multiple symptoms of dehydration like lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, etc.
- Your cat is not improving with increased water intake at home.
- Your cat is unable to drink on their own or is vomiting frequently.
- Your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or another condition that increases dehydration risk.
- Your cat is a kitten or senior cat who are more prone to dehydration.
- Your cat has bloody vomit or diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dangerous fluid loss.
- Your cat’s gums are tacky or pale instead of moist and pink.
Veterinarians can assess your cat’s hydration status through physical examination and bloodwork. They can provide IV fluid therapy to restore hydration and electrolyte balance. IV fluids deliver fluids faster than your cat can absorb them through drinking and bypass vomiting or diarrhea. Seek emergency veterinary treatment if your cat is unresponsive, having seizures, or showing signs of shock.
Conclusion
In summary, while milk may seem appealing, adult cats should not drink cow’s milk or milk substitutes due to lactose intolerance. Milk and milk-based products can cause digestive upset and other health issues in cats. Instead, cats should drink fresh, clean water every day to stay properly hydrated. Kittens need milk from their mother at first but can transition to plain water after weaning. As cat owners, we must make sure fresh water is always available and monitor for signs of dehydration like lethargy or dry gums. With a healthy water intake, most cats can thrive without any milk in their diet. Proper hydration supports digestion, kidney function, and overall wellbeing. By understanding cats’ true water needs, we can help keep our feline companions healthy and happy.