Introduction
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common condition in cats that can cause painful urination, blood in the urine, and blockages in the urinary tract. FLUTD is often caused by the formation of crystals or stones in the bladder that irritate the lining. By increasing water intake, cats can help dilute their urine and dissolve these crystals, making the urine less concentrated and less irritating to the bladder. Adequate water intake also helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and keeps cats well hydrated. According to one study, increasing water intake and decreasing urine concentration can be beneficial for cats with FLUTD and idiopathic cystitis (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20005758/). Providing cats with appealing, fresh water sources is an important way to help prevent urinary problems.
Understanding Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) refers to a variety of conditions that affect a cat’s lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. Some of the most common disorders that cause FLUTD symptoms include:
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – Also known as interstitial cystitis, FIC is the most common cause of FLUTD in cats under 10 years old. It causes recurring inflammation of the bladder wall that leads to pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. The exact cause is unknown. (Source)
Urolithiasis – This condition, also called urinary stones or bladder stones, occurs when crystals form in the urine and create solid masses that can block the lower urinary tract. It’s often caused by metabolic issues, infections, or bladder inflammation. (Source)
Urethral plugs – These are solid accumulations of material, like crystals or mucus, that obstruct the urethra. They can completely block urine flow and cause a life-threatening situation.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Bacterial infections in the bladder or urethra can cause FLUTD symptoms like frequent urination, blood in urine, and inability to urinate.
Urinary tract cancers – While rare, cancers of the bladder, urethra or ureters can lead to lower urinary tract signs in cats.
Proper diagnosis from a veterinarian is important, as treatment depends on the specific disorder causing FLUTD.
Importance of Increased Water Intake
Increasing water intake is crucial for cats prone to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). FLUTD is characterized by issues like inflammation, infections, crystals, and stones in the bladder and urinary tract. Studies show that increased water intake helps dilute the urine and prevent the formation of crystals and stones. Concentrated urine allows for the minerals to crystallize and clump together into stones.
With increased water consumption, cats produce a larger volume of urine that is more diluted. This makes it harder for crystals and stones to form and may even help dissolve existing crystals. According to research, feeding canned food, which has higher moisture content, increased daily water intake and resulted in increased urine volume and dilution. Keeping your cat well-hydrated is key to promoting urinary tract health.
Factors Affecting Water Intake
There are several factors that can affect a cat’s water intake and lead to decreased hydration:
Taste – Cats have a strong sense of taste and smell. The taste and odor of their water is very important. They tend to prefer fresh water and may reject sources that have an off-putting taste or smell.
Temperature – Cats prefer cool, fresh water. Water that is too warm or has been sitting out too long may deter drinking.
Location – The location of the water bowl matters. Cats prefer water bowls that are away from their food and litter box. Having multiple water bowls in quiet, convenient locations can encourage drinking.
Health Issues – Dental disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and other conditions may cause cats to drink more or less. Medications may also impact thirst. Any significant change in water intake warrants a veterinary visit.
Ensuring fresh, cool water is easily accessible and tastes appealing to your cat can go a long way in maintaining proper hydration. But health problems should be ruled out if you notice increased or decreased water consumption. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
Types of Water for Cats
There are several different types of water that cat owners can provide for their cats:
Tap Water – Tap water often contains minerals, chlorine, fluoride, contaminants, and has a less ideal pH for cats. The levels of these can vary by geographic location. Tap water is generally not recommended for cats prone to urinary issues. Hard Water and Your Cat’s Urinary pH
Filtered Water – Using a water filter for cats can help remove some contaminants and minerals from tap water that may contribute to urinary problems. Look for a filter designed to balance pH for pets. Not all filters are created equal so research options thoroughly first.
Bottled Water – Some bottled waters marketed for pets can be a good option as they are pH balanced and mineral reduced. However, not all bottled waters are the same either. Check the source and quality standards of any bottled water before feeding it to cats.
Distilled Water – Distilled water has had almost all its minerals removed through the distillation process. This makes it a good option for urinary and kidney health. But long term use of strictly distilled water could lead to mineral deficiencies. Ask a vet before using long-term.
Best Water Options
There are several types of water that may be beneficial for cats with FLUTD to help increase water intake and urinary health:
- pH balanced water – Water that has been pH adjusted to be slightly acidic around 6.5 can help prevent the formation of struvite crystals. Products like CATWATER or pH adjusted water fountains can provide pH balanced water.
- Purified/distilled water – Purified water that has been stripped of minerals may also help reduce stone formation. However, distilled water lacks important minerals cats need so should not be the sole source of water.
- Additives – Products like CATWATER add beneficial extracts that support urinary tract health.
- Fountains – Fountains provide a continuous flow of fresh, oxygenated water. This encourages cats to drink more. Using a fountain with purified or pH balanced water is ideal.
A combination approach is usually best. Providing a fountain with pH balanced purified water and urinary health additives can help maximize water intake and support urinary health in cats prone to FLUTD.
Transitioning Water Types
When introducing a new water type such as a cat drinking fountain, it’s important to transition your cat slowly over 1-2 weeks. Cats can be very particular about their water sources, so an abrupt change may cause stress and refusal to drink.
Start by placing the new water source, such as a cat fountain, next to the old one. Keep them close together so your cat doesn’t have to go far to check out the new option. Over several days, move the old water source slightly farther away each day. This gradual process allows your cat to get accustomed to the presence, sound, and location of the new water.
Try enticing your cat to the fountain with treats or catnip placed around or in the water flow. Sprinkle some of their dry food around the fountain so they associate it with something positive. Give lots of praise and affection when you see them drinking from or investigating the new fountain.
After about 1-2 weeks, you should be able to remove the old water bowl entirely and have your cat drinking happily from the fountain. Remain patient during this transition period and allow your cat to adjust at their own pace. The long-term benefits of increased water intake are worth the gradual introduction.
Other Tips to Increase Water Intake
There are a few other helpful tips cat owners can try to encourage their cats to drink more water:
- Wet Food Diet – Feeding wet or canned food can significantly increase a cat’s water intake. Canned foods contain around 75% water versus only 10% for dry kibble. Replacing some or all of the dry food with wet food is an easy way to increase hydration.
- Cat Fountains – Many cats prefer running water and are naturally drawn to fountains. The sound and movement of the water entices them to drink more. Cat fountains keep the water fresh and filtered as well.
- Location of Water Bowl – Placing multiple bowls around the house, especially in places the cat frequents like the kitchen or living room, can promote drinking. Avoid placing near the food bowl or litter box. Bowls located on an elevated surface may be more appealing to some cats too.
Making water easily accessible through fountains and thoughtfully placed bowls can go a long way in getting cats to drink up. Switching to a wet food diet is one of the most effective ways to increase hydration for cats prone to urinary problems.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is showing signs of urinary problems like straining to urinate, bloody urine, or frequent trips to the litter box with little urine passed, it’s time to take them to the veterinarian for evaluation (Source). These symptoms could indicate a urinary tract infection or other medical issue that requires treatment.
Straining while urinating is a telltale sign of FLUTD or a UTI. Your cat may cry or vocalize when trying to pass urine. You may notice them squatting frequently in the litter box but only passing tiny amounts of urine. Bloody urine is an emergency red flag requiring immediate veterinary attention. It indicates inflammation, crystals, stones, or a bladder infection.
Frequent trips to the litter box with little to no urine passed is another warning sign. Typically healthy cats urinate 2-3 times per day. If your cat is urgently going to the litter box over and over with no results, a medical problem is likely at play. Prompt veterinary care is crucial to determine the cause and initiate treatment before a dangerous blockage occurs.
Your vet will run tests on a urine sample like a urinalysis or urine culture to check for signs of infection, inflammation, crystals, etc. They may also do an abdominal ultrasound to look for bladder stones. Treatment may include antibiotics for infection, increased fluids, prescription food, and monitoring at home. With proper care guided by your vet, most cats recover well from urinary tract issues.
Conclusion
Increasing your cat’s water intake is crucial for supporting urinary tract health and preventing recurrent FLUTD episodes. Cats with a history of urinary issues should ideally take in more water every day from various sources. The best options are wet food with high moisture content, cat fountains with fresh flowing water, distilled water in bowls changed frequently, and canned cat foods. Transition cats gradually to the new water types and make the water easily accessible around the home. Providing a variety of water options, paying attention to individual preferences, and monitoring daily intake can all help to optimize hydration. Adequate hydration helps dilute the urine, flush bacteria from the urinary tract, and prevent crystal formation. Stay vigilant about changes in litterbox habits, discomfort, or any signs of a UTI, and see your vet promptly if problems recur.