Introduction
Proper hydration is critical to a cat’s health and wellbeing. Dehydration can occur when a cat’s fluid intake doesn’t keep up with fluid loss and can lead to potentially serious health issues. Some common causes of dehydration in cats include:
- Not drinking enough water due to lack of access, unclean water sources, or unappealing taste
- Underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or cancer
- Diarrhea, vomiting or drooling that leads to excessive fluid loss
- Hot temperatures or heated environments that cause increased panting and sweating
Ensuring cats consume adequate water every day provides vital hydration for body functions and helps prevent problems associated with dehydration. This article explores tips for encouraging proper water intake in cats.
Food Moisture Content
Wet food, also known as canned food, generally contains much higher moisture content than dry food. Canned foods typically consist of around 75% water, whereas dry food only contains around 10% moisture. This means feeding wet food to your cat is an excellent way to increase their overall water intake.
Cats have a low thirst drive and do not readily drink enough water on their own to meet their hydration needs. Their evolutionary history as desert-dwelling animals means their bodies are designed to get most of their moisture from food rather than drinking water directly. Therefore, feeding a diet high in wet food is the best way to help ensure your cat stays optimally hydrated.
In addition to supporting hydration, wet foods provide many other benefits. The high moisture content allows for higher inclusions of animal protein and fat versus carbohydrate fillers. The canning process also helps retain more nutrients. Plus, the savory aromas and flavors are very palatable for picky cats. For all these reasons, feeding wet food as the main part of your cat’s diet is ideal for their health and water intake.
Water Fountains
Using a pet water fountain has several advantages over traditional water bowls. Water fountains provide continuously circulating water, which many cats prefer over standing water. The motion and sound of the fresh flowing water encourages cats to drink more frequently. According to one source, “Cats and dogs prefer running water. In nature, animals are drawn to moving water sources, like streams and rivers. Pet fountains mimic this movement, enticing pets to drink.” (closerpets.com)
Additionally, the constant circulation keeps the water cooler and helps prevent bacterial growth. Stagnant water in bowls can get warm throughout the day and develop an unpleasant odor or taste, which may discourage drinking. Fountains with filtration systems can remove bad tastes, odors, and sediment that might accumulate in standing water. By providing a steady supply of cool, fresh-tasting water, fountains encourage cats to consume more. (petassure.com)
Water Flavor Enhancers
Adding flavor enhancers to water can make it more enticing and palatable for cats. Some common options include:
Broths: Chicken, beef, or fish broths added to water can add flavor that cats enjoy. Use low-sodium versions and mix just a teaspoon or two into the water bowl.1
Tuna juice: The juice from canned tuna can encourage cats to drink more. Drain the juice from a can into about 1 cup of water.2
Catnip tea: Steep catnip in hot water for 15 minutes, let cool, and mix a small amount into the water bowl. This adds a flavor cats usually love.3
Products: There are also commercial water flavor enhancers for cats like Nulo Hydrate4 that come in flavors like beef, chicken, and salmon. They provide electrolytes and vitamins too.
The key is finding flavors your cat enjoys to make water more enticing. Try different options in small amounts to see which work best. Increased palatability can go a long way in getting cats to drink more.
Sources:
2. Nulo Hydrate Water Enhancer for Cats
3. Nulo Hydrate Premium Water Enhancer for Cats
Water Temperature
Cats tend to prefer drinking cooler water that is around room temperature or slightly chilled. According to The Nest, felines like their water on the “cool side.” Quora users concur that cats generally prefer fresh, cool water for drinking.
You may notice your cat gravitating toward recent fills of its water bowl, when the water is coolest. Allowing water to sit for prolonged periods can result in warming as well as bacterial growth. Plastic bowls in particular can get slimy with biofilm buildup.
When giving your cat a bath, aim for a water temperature around 100-103°F to match their higher body temperature, per Life With Siamese Cats. Cats dislike extreme cold during bathing. But for drinking water access, cooler temperatures are ideal.
Water Bowl Cleanliness
Keeping your cat’s water bowl clean is one of the easiest ways to encourage more water drinking. Germs, bacteria, and mold can build up quickly in a water bowl, making the water unappealing to drink. For optimal freshness and cleanliness, experts recommend washing your cat’s water bowl daily.
The food and water bowls should also be kept separate, rather than sharing the same bowl. This prevents food particles from contaminating the water supply. Wash the water bowl with hot, soapy water or put it through the dishwasher. Be sure to completely rinse off any soap residue before refilling. Allow the bowl to fully air dry before putting out fresh water. Replace plastic bowls frequently, as scratches can harbor bacteria over time. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are better choices for durability and cleanliness.
With daily washing, you can keep your cat’s water bowl in optimal condition. This will remove any tastes, odors or contamination that may discourage drinking. Provide your cat with a clean, refreshing water source every day.
Water Bowl Location
Where you place your cat’s water bowl can impact how much water they drink. Cats prefer having their food and water bowls in separate locations. According to AmericanT Company, cats do not like having their food and water too close together. Keeping the bowls in separate areas prevents the water from getting contaminated by food particles. It also encourages the cat to move away from the food bowl after eating.
Having multiple water bowls placed around the house can also increase water consumption. Cats tend to drink more when there is a water bowl in multiple rooms they frequent like the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. This makes water easily accessible instead of having to travel to one location when they get thirsty. Multiple water bowls reduces competition if you have multiple cats. Each cat can have their own preferred water bowl.
Routine Veterinary Care
Getting your cat checked regularly by a veterinarian is important to ensure there are no underlying health issues causing dehydration. Cats should have a full wellness check at least annually with a veterinarian. During these visits, the vet will do a physical exam and run tests to check for conditions like diabetes and kidney disease that can increase water needs.
Blood and urine tests can identify diseases early before obvious symptoms arise. Problems like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease will make cats drink and urinate more to compensate for imbalances in the body. Treating these conditions can improve hydration status.
Wellness visits also allow tracking weight trends over time. Sudden weight loss in cats can indicate illness, including kidney problems. Reviewing lab work yearly gives the vet a baseline for comparison. Noticing increases in kidney values on blood work can prompt further testing and early treatment if needed.
In addition to screening lab work, the vet will ask about litter box habits, energy levels, appetite, and other factors that give clues into your cat’s health. Routine vet care helps pick up on issues to keep cats hydrated and healthy.
Concerns if Dehydration Persists
If your cat’s dehydration symptoms do not improve after trying home care techniques, it is important to call your veterinarian. According to WebMD, persistent dehydration can have serious health consequences for cats if left untreated. Prolonged dehydration requires professional veterinary treatment.
There are a few different treatment options vets may use to rehydrate a dehydrated cat:
- Fluid therapy or intravenous (IV) fluids – This is the fastest and most effective way to increase hydration levels. Fluids are administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV catheter.
- Subcutaneous fluids – Fluids are injected under the skin, typically the back of the neck or scruff. This is less invasive than IV fluids.
- Oral hydration supplements – Solutions like Pedialyte can help restore electrolyte balance.
Vets will tailor the treatment plan to the specific cause and severity of your cat’s dehydration. Hospitalization for ongoing monitoring and care may be required in more advanced cases. With prompt veterinary treatment, most cats can make a full recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several tips cat owners can follow to encourage their cats to drink more water:
- Feed wet cat food with high moisture content
- Get a cat water fountain
- Add water flavor enhancers
- Serve water at room temperature
- Keep water bowls clean
- Place water bowls in easy-access areas
- Have your vet rule out any underlying health issues
It’s important for cat owners to monitor their cat’s water intake and take action if they notice any signs of dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious health complications in cats, so addressing water consumption issues early on is key. By implementing some of these tips, cat owners can promote good hydration and overall wellbeing for their feline friends.