Your cat’s ancestors were desert dwellers and obtained much of their hydration from eating live prey. While this kept them hydrated in the past, it can lead to health problems for domesticated cats if they do not receive enough water. It is often hard to know if your cat is drinking enough water. This guide offers practical tips to increase your cat’s water intake. There are many medical conditions that could lead to dehydration and cats would greatly benefit from increasing their water intake especially if they have kidney disease, cystitis, urinary stones, diabetes, or are taking NSAIDs.
How to Make Your Cat a Water Enthusiast
Water Bowls:
- Material Matters: Skip the metal or plastic bowls. These can be noisy, cold, scratched, and retain bacteria. Consider glass or ceramic bowls that are wide or shallow so they will not irritate your cat’s whiskers.
- Location is Key: Scatter bowls throughout your house, especially in quiet areas away from litter boxes, food bowls, and busy walkways. Consider raising the bowl for senior cats or those with mobility issues.
- Cleanliness is Crucial: Water should be provided fresh each day. Bowls should be washed regularly with soap and hot water to prevent bacteria buildup (ideally daily, if possible).
- Cater to Multiple Cats: Provide at least one bowl per cat, with an extra one available. If you share your home with other pets, separate bowls are best to avoid conflicts. See more below on the location of the bowls.
Water Preferences:
- Temperature Tune-up: Some cats prefer room-temperature water over chilled tap water. Experiment to see what your feline friend enjoys most.
- Flavor Boosters: Not all cats are drinking enough water. Try offering unsoftened tap water (if safe in your area), filtered water, or non-carbonated spring water. You can also add a small amount of tuna in water (try frozen tuna water cubes to add to their water!), or unsalted chicken broth for a taste boost. Some cats enjoy tuna/fish water or warm water added to liquid treats. Be sure the liquids are not salty and do not contain any onions or onion powder.
- Movement Matters: Consider a pet water fountain that mimics the sound and movement of running water that some cats find appealing. A dripping faucet can also be a source of intrigue, but make sure it’s not a waste of water. For playful kitties, a ping pong ball floating in a wide bowl might add some entertainment and encourage them to drink.
Water Locations:
- Proximity Matters: Water bowls should be in a location where your cat spends time so they do not have to go far to drink, especially in a multi-cat household.
- Each Floor: At least one water bowl should be on each floor of the home (away from doors, noisy appliances, busy areas, litter boxes, etc.).
- Easy Access: Water bowls can be in the same room as food, but not directly next to each other.
Food as a Hydration Source:
- Wet Food Power: Feeding your cat wet food, which is 70-80% water, is a great way to increase their hydration. Just remember to introduce any diet changes very slowly and mixing with the old diet to ensure your cat continues to eat and to avoid digestive upset. Discuss introducing new foods and your cat’s diet with your veterinarian to be sure your cat is getting the right amount of calories each day.
- Water in Food: You could try adding small amounts of warm water to your cat’s food. Gradually increase the amount of water to see how much your cat tolerates.
Conditions that Benefit from Increased Water Intake:
- Kidney Disease: Proper hydration helps flush toxins from the body, which is crucial for cats with compromised kidney function. Dehydration can worsen their condition and lead to other health problems (i.e., constipation, loss of appetite).
- Bladder Inflammation (Cystitis): Dilute urine helps prevent the formation of bladder crystals that can cause inflammation and discomfort.
- Urinary Stones: Increased water intake helps dilute urine and prevents minerals from crystallizing and forming painful stones.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetic cats often drink more due to elevated blood sugar levels. However, ensuring they have easy access to fresh water is vital to prevent dehydration.
- Cats on Certain Medications: Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can affect kidney function. Staying hydrated helps protect your cat’s kidneys from potential side effects.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Drinking
- Signs of Dehydration: These include lethargy, loss of appetite, dry gums, or sunken eyes. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hydration, consult your veterinarian.
- Excessive Drinking: While some cats naturally drink more than others, a sudden increase in water intake could indicate an underlying medical condition. Talk to your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
Every Cat is Unique
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to encouraging water intake. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your cat. Be patient and consistent, and don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. By following these tips and working with your veterinarian, you can create a hydration plan that keeps your feline friend happy and healthy for years to come.