Introduction
Water is one of the most vital nutrients for cats, playing a crucial role in their overall health and wellbeing. Proper hydration supports kidney function, digestion, circulation, joint health and more. However, many cat owners wonder whether providing wet food eliminates the need to have fresh water constantly available. With wet food containing significant moisture, it may seem reasonable to assume that cats’ thirst is sufficiently quenched from their meal. But is this actually the case? As responsible cat parents, it’s critical we understand our furry companions’ hydration needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why ongoing access to fresh water is essential, even for cats on wet food diets.
Water Content in Wet Food
Wet or canned cat food contains significantly more moisture than dry food. While dry food is typically about 10% water, wet food contains around 75-85% water (Vetwest). This high water content provides a substantial amount of a cat’s daily fluid needs through their diet.
To give an example, an 85 gram can of wet cat food may contain around 68 grams of water (The Cat Site). So cats that eat only wet food are getting a large portion of their required daily water intake from their food.
How Much Water Do Cats Need
The recommended daily water intake for cats depends on their weight. According to Preventive Vet, cats need between 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. So a 10 pound cat would need around 7-9 ounces or about 1 cup of water daily.
As noted by Vetwest, a 4kg (8.8 pound) cat should drink around 240ml or 1 cup of water per day. PetMD also recommends around 1⁄2 cup of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily for a normal healthy cat.
So in summary, the general guideline is that a cat needs approximately 1⁄2 to 1 cup of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
Benefits of Wet Food
One of the main benefits of wet food for cats is the higher water content compared to dry food. According to Purina, wet foods generally contain 75-78% moisture versus only 6-10% in dry foods [1]. This increased water content helps promote hydration, which is important for urinary tract health. As obligate carnivores, cats have a low thirst drive and often don’t drink enough water on their own. Feeding wet food helps increase their water intake through their diet [2].
The high moisture content in wet foods can contribute to higher water intake and urine production, helping flush out the kidneys and bladder. This helps reduce the risk of issues like urinary crystals and bladder infections. So feeding wet food, even as a supplement if you mainly feed dry, can be beneficial for hydration and urinary tract health.
Provide Fresh Water
While wet food contains more moisture than dry food, it is still important to provide your cat with fresh water daily (even if they seem disinterested). According to the experts at Petsonbroadway, “You can then use a running source of water (like a fountain) to complement their wet food.” Cats fed only wet food may drink less water than those on dry food, but having water available ensures they stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause serious health issues in cats, so providing water every day is a key part of caring for your feline friend.
Signs of Dehydration
There are several signs that indicate your cat may be dehydrated. These include changes in their skin, eyes, energy levels, and more. According to PetMD, some key signs of dehydration in cats include:1
Skin Changes: Dehydrated cats may have dry, tight skin that lacks elasticity. Gently pinch the skin at the back of their neck – if it does not snap back quickly this could signal dehydration.
Sunken Eyes: Cats’ eyes often appear more sunken and dull when dehydrated. The third eyelid may also show more than usual.
Lethargy: Lack of fluids can cause fatigue and low energy levels in cats. They may move around less and sleep more than normal.
Other symptoms can include dry gums that lack moisture, increased heart rate, fever, and not producing much urine. It’s important to watch for multiple signs together rather than relying on one symptom alone. Contact your vet promptly if you suspect your cat is dehydrated.
Tips for Hydration
There are a few simple ways to encourage your cat to drink more water and stay hydrated:
Get a fountain waterer. Cats prefer running water, so a fountain with a continuous flow or circulating water can entice them to drink more. The sound of the flowing water is also attractive to cats.
Add water to your cat’s wet food. Mixing extra water into canned wet food can increase the moisture content. Just add a tablespoon or two of water and mix thoroughly before serving.
Try low sodium chicken or beef broths. The strong smell and flavor can encourage drinking. Avoid broths high in sodium.
Ice cubes are another trick to add interest and extra hydration to your cat’s water bowl.
Place multiple water bowls around your home. Giving cats access to water in several locations makes it more convenient for them to drink regularly.
Use wide, shallow bowls which allow easier access for whiskers and face. Cats prefer wide dishes versus narrow, deep ones.
Risks of Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to serious health problems in cats, especially related to the urinary and kidney systems. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, chronic dehydration is a common cause of urinary tract infections in cats [1]. When a cat is dehydrated, the urine becomes very concentrated. This allows crystals and stones to form in the bladder more easily, leading to painful blockages.
Dehydration also puts major stress on the kidneys. The kidneys rely on adequate fluid intake to function properly and flush toxins from the body. WebMD explains that chronic dehydration causes kidney cells to shrivel, leading to kidney disease [2]. Kidney disease is irreversible, so preventing dehydration is critical.
Veterinarians emphasize staying ahead of dehydration in cats, especially seniors and those with medical conditions. Monitoring water intake, providing abundant clean water sources, and feeding wet food can help keep cats hydrated and avoid serious urinary and kidney complications.
When to Contact a Vet
If you notice signs of dehydration in your cat, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. Dehydration can quickly become dangerous if left untreated. According to PetMD, you should contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat is dehydrated.
Specifically, if signs of dehydration persist for more than 24 hours after trying to increase your cat’s fluid intake at home, take your cat to the vet. Symptoms like lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, weakness, and lack of appetite that don’t improve with increased access to water indicate your cat needs medical attention.
A vet can provide fluids under the skin or intravenously to rehydrate your cat if their dehydration has become severe. They can also determine if an underlying medical issue is causing dehydration and treat the root cause. Don’t wait if your cat isn’t bouncing back after a day of extra hydration at home. Call your vet right away so they can fully assess your cat’s condition.
Conclusion
In summary, wet cat food contains a high amount of moisture which helps cats stay hydrated. The water content in wet food can meet a large portion of a cat’s daily fluid needs. However, it’s still important to provide fresh, clean water at all times. While some cats fed an exclusive wet food diet may drink less water, having constant access to water ensures they can stay hydrated as needed. Monitoring your cat’s hydration status and providing ample fresh water is key to keeping them healthy. Though wet food offers hydration benefits, water should always be available to cats as a supplement.