Introduction
Many cat owners wonder if it’s okay or beneficial to mix water into their cat’s wet food. This practice of adding water aims to increase hydration, which can be especially important for cats who don’t drink enough water on their own. However, there are also considerations about potential downsides of diluting wet cat food with water. This article provides an overview of the reasons owners mix water and wet food, the possible benefits and risks, veterinarian recommendations, and guidelines for mixing water safely if choosing to try this with your cat.
Reasons Pet Owners Mix Water and Wet Food
One of the most common reasons pet owners add water to canned wet food is to make it last longer and be more economical (1). Canned food can be expensive, especially for multi-cat households, so adding some water allows owners to stretch each can further. The food takes up more volume once water is added, meaning one can of food can be portioned into more meals. This helps reduce the cost per serving of feeding only canned food. Owners trying to manage a tight budget may find adding water an effective way to make wet food more affordable long-term without sacrificing their cat’s nutrition.
Adding a bit of water to wet food can also help transition cats from a dry kibble diet to wet food (2). Cats used to crunchy kibble may be unsure of the texture of canned food at first. Diluting it slightly with water helps ease cats into the new texture. Once they get accustomed to the wet food, owners can gradually reduce the amount of added water over time.
Potential Benefits
One of the main potential benefits of mixing water with wet cat food is to increase hydration. Many cats do not drink enough water on their own and can become chronically dehydrated (1). Adding water to wet food creates a soupier texture that encourages cats to consume more fluid. Studies show that canned food already provides greater moisture content and promotes hydration better than dry kibble. However, adding additional water can increase this benefit even further (2). The additional fluids help cats, especially those prone to urinary problems, stay optimally hydrated.
According to veterinarians, the goal is for cats to take in around 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day (3). Adding water to wet food can help cats reach this target more easily. Keeping cats well-hydrated supports kidney and urinary tract health. It also helps cats with other medical issues like chronic renal failure, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. For some cats, dampening food may be necessary to promote adequate hydration. Just a tablespoon or two of water mixed into each meal can make a difference.
(1) https://www.quora.com/Should-I-add-water-to-wet-cat-food-to-provide-extra-hydration
(2) https://pets.stackexchange.com/questions/23297/should-i-add-water-to-wet-food-to-provide-extra-hydration
(3) https://www.reddit.com/r/catfood/comments/vpf5qb/is_it_bad_if_i_add_water_to_my_cats_wet_food/
Potential Downsides
While adding water to wet cat food may seem harmless, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
Altered texture/palatability – Cats may dislike the altered texture and consistency of the food once water is added. Wet food is formulated to have a certain texture that cats enjoy. Adding water can make it too watery or dilute the flavor. This may cause some cats to eat less. According to one cat owner on TheCatSite, their cat felt fuller faster after water was added to the wet food, resulting in less intake.
Veterinarian Recommendations
Most veterinarians agree that adding a small amount of water to wet cat food is generally safe and can provide some benefits. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, wet food contains approximately 78% moisture, while dry food contains only 10% moisture (source). Adding a bit of water can increase the moisture content even further.
However, veterinarians caution against adding too much water, as it can diminish the nutritional value if the food becomes overly diluted. A good rule of thumb is to add no more than a tablespoon or two of water per serving. Mixing just a small amount can make the food more palatable for picky eaters or cats with dental issues, while still providing balanced nutrition (source).
Overall, most vets agree that adding a moderate amount of water to canned wet food is safe for most cats in moderation. However, owners should follow any specific recommendations from their own vet for their cat’s individual needs.
Guidelines for Mixing
When mixing wet and dry cat food, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines:
Mix small amounts at a time – only make enough for one meal. Leftover mixed wet and dry food can spoil quickly, so don’t save any leftovers. Prepare fresh mixed food at each mealtime.
Add the wet food to the dry food – pour the wet cat food over the dry kibble so that the dry food soaks up some of the moisture.
Don’t microwave mixed wet and dry cat food – this can cause hot spots that could burn your cat’s mouth. Lightly warm the wet food before mixing, if desired.
Consider your cat’s preferences – some cats prefer a soupier texture while others like just a bit of added moisture. Adjust the wet to dry ratio accordingly.
Store properly – keep mixed cat food refrigerated and covered before serving. Discard any leftovers after 30 minutes.
Wash food bowl – wash your cat’s bowl with soap and hot water after each meal to prevent bacteria growth.
If adding water, use filtered water – tap water can contain minerals that may cause the food to spoil faster.
Avoid plastic bowls – stainless steel, ceramic or glass bowls are best for preventing bacteria.
Watch for signs of spoilage – discard any mixed food that smells bad or looks moldy.
Mixing a small amount of wet food into your cat’s dry kibble can add flavor and moisture. But be sure to follow safe handling guidelines to prevent bacterial contamination.
Cats with Special Needs
Some cats with special health conditions like kidney disease may need extra hydration, but adding too much water to their food can also cause issues. According to VC Animal Hospitals, cats with chronic kidney disease often benefit from increased moisture intake to help flush toxins from their kidneys. However, drastically increasing their water intake can put strain on diseased kidneys. As such, veterinarians typically recommend gradually adding small amounts of water or low-sodium broth to their wet food to boost hydration.
Cats with kidney disease should ideally get the majority of their hydration from wet food rather than dry kibble. Adding a spoonful or two of water to each meal can help increase moisture intake. Owners should monitor kitty’s litter box habits and watch for signs of straining or discomfort urinating after increasing their water intake. Work closely with your veterinarian to determine safe hydration goals for your individual cat.
Alternatives for Hydration
There are other methods besides mixing water with wet food that can help encourage cats to drink more water and stay hydrated:
Cat water fountains provide flowing water, which many cats prefer over stagnant water in a bowl. The movement and sound of the fountain makes the water more appealing. Make sure to clean and change the filter regularly.
Offering broths or dilute broth ice cubes made from tuna, chicken, beef, or other flavors can help peak your cat’s interest in lapping up the tasty liquid. Only offer low-sodium versions.
Freeze catnip tea or other “kitty cocktails” into ice cubes or popsicles for cats to lick. The cold treat melts into hydrating liquid.
Adding a few drops of tuna juice, clam juice, or other flavorings into the water bowl can make plain water more enticing. Only add small amounts occasionally.
Letting cats drink fresh water from a dripping faucet provides constant water movement. Be sure to use a cat-safe space and monitor for proper drinking technique.
Offering wet food during the hottest hours of the day maximizes water content when cats need it most. Break up meals to promote regular hydration.
Signs of Dehydration in Cats
Detecting dehydration early is key to treating it quickly and effectively. According to PetMD, some signs of dehydration in cats include:
- Dry or sticky gums – Healthy gums should feel wet or slightly tacky. Dry gums indicate a lack of hydration.
- Lethargy – Dehydrated cats often become less active and more tired than usual.
- Sunken eyes – As cats become dehydrated, the eyes may appear more sunken.
- Loss of skin elasticity – Gently pinch the scruff and see if it stays tented rather than snapping back. Loss of elasticity signals dehydration.
- Not producing tears – A dehydrated cat may not produce normal tears.
- Dry nose – The nose normally feels moist, but dehydration causes it to become dry.
- Fever – Dehydration can sometimes cause a fever.
- Fast breathing and heart rate – As dehydration worsens, cats may breathe more rapidly and have an elevated heartbeat.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian, as professional treatment for dehydration may be needed. Providing easy access to fresh water is also recommended. Catching dehydration early makes recovery faster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while mixing water with wet food can help increase your cat’s fluid intake, it’s not necessarily recommended in all cases. The potential benefits include better hydration, easier chewing and digestion, and increased palatability for picky eaters. However, too much added water can dilute nutrients and calories, lead to an upset stomach, and encourage bacterial growth if leftovers aren’t promptly refrigerated.
Most vets advise starting with a 50/50 mix and adjusting as needed based on your cat’s preferences and health status. Kittens, pregnant and nursing cats have higher hydration needs, while seniors and cats with kidney disease may also benefit from extra moisture. Always monitor your cat’s water intake from all sources to ensure adequate daily hydration. Let your vet know if you’re concerned about dehydration or have a cat refusing water or wet food completely.
In the end, adding a bit of water to your cat’s wet food can be a healthy supplement but not a complete solution. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available and look for other ways to encourage drinking like flavored waters, cat fountains, and wet treat alternatives. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration and check with your vet if your cat has any underlying health conditions. With the proper diet and monitoring, your cat can get all the fluids they need to stay happy and healthy.