Discover six essential tips to ensure your cat drink enough water throughout the day. From providing fresh water and incorporating wet food to offering multiple water bowls and interactive fountains, these strategies help promote optimal hydration levels for your beloved feline friend. Regular monitoring ensures their well-being and longevity.
As you know when it comes to drinking, most dogs aren’t very picky. Slimy water bowl, muddy puddle — even an open toilet bowl will do in a pinch. But cats, on the other hand, are typically much more particular. Some won’t drink out of a water bowl if it’s near their food bowl. Others prefer a fountain or even the kitchen sink. Some picky kitties won’t sip from plastic or metal containers. Some of these preferences harken back to their ancestors and survival instincts. But in some cases, it’s just cats being … well, cats.
Here’s a look at the quirkiness of feline beverage preferences and what you can do to make sure your kitty gets enough to drink.
Importance Of Water for Cats
Among the many aspects of feline wellness, one fundamental yet often overlooked element is hydration. Water is essential for cats’ overall health and plays a vital role in various physiological functions. In this article, we’ll explore why hydration is crucial for cats, signs of dehydration to watch for, and practical tips to ensure your feline friend stays adequately hydrated.
Risks Of Dehydration in Cats
Dehydration in cats can lead to several serious health problems. It can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even chronic kidney disease, a commonality among older cats. Dehydration can also affect the cat’s overall energy level, leading to lethargy and a decrease in appetite. Recognizing the signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, lethargy, and concentrated urine, is crucial for cat owners to prevent these risks. So lets know about the ways to make your cat drink more water.
Cats Love Running Water
You put a lovely, fresh bowl of water in front of your cat and it just sits there untouched. But turn on the tap and your kitty lap up the dripping water. There might be several reasons that your cat won’t touch unmoving water. Instinctively, your cat might know to be suspicious of still water, realizing that stagnant water isn’t always safe, veterinarian Dr. Deb Greco tells “Their wild DNA tells them that still water can be contaminated, so they know that running water is safer.
Another reason they might not like being hunched over a bowl is the precarious position it puts them in.
“It’s hard for cats to get water, because they can’t really see still water well, and they may feel vulnerable sitting at a bowl, especially if it’s in a corner, so they have their back to other cats who might jump on them,” Greco says.
The dripping or running water from the tap — or the swirling water from a kitty recirculating water fountain — probably tastes better too because it’s cooler and oxygenated. Plus, the movement makes the water more attractive, as you likely notice if your cat paws or splashes at the water.
Where To Put Cat Food and Water Bowls
Some cats won’t touch water if it’s too close to their food bowl. The theory is that in the wild, cats would keep their food far away from water sources in order to keep those water sources free of bacteria and other possible contamination. Keeping their food and water close can risk pieces of food falling into their water when they eat. Cats also have a strong sense of smell and many don’t like smelling their food when they drink.
Cats Don’t Like ‘Old’ Water
Cats are very sensitive to taste, says cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett.2 Be sure to refill your cat’s bowl every day with fresh water or it will taste stale to your cat, she suggests. Food and dirt can accumulate in a water bowl, making your cat’s daily beverage not only taste unpleasant, but also become rife with bacteria. If your kitty plays in his water, there’s also the icky stuff from his paws (think litter box) that is transferred into his water.
Clean your pet’s bowl once a day with gentle soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Soap residue can taste bad and even burn your cat’s tongue or use water fountain so that they can drink fresh water every time
Cats Need Wet Food
Canned food helps hydrate your kitty. correct pictures/Shutterstock
Because today’s domestic cat evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors, they have a low thirst drive, according to WebMD.3
“We know that a cat’s sensitivity to thirst is blunted compared to a dog,” Linda P. Case, M.S., author of “The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health,” tells the website. “They don’t [all] voluntarily drink water like a dog would.” And because some cats don’t always drink enough and cats naturally produce very concentrated urine “we’re setting them up for urinary tract problems when their diet is low in liquids.”
The experts recommend preventing problems by feeding at least some canned cat food.
In the wild, cats eat prey like mice, which are made of about 70 percent water, says Donna Solomon, D.V.M. Most canned foods contain at least 75 percent water, while dry foods contain only about 10 percent. Eating canned food does the double duty of giving your cat nutrition while keeping him hydrated.
Cats fed canned food also have a lower risk of illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, constipation and obesity.
Bowl Size and Shape Matters
You may want to try different kinds of water bowl for cats see which type your cat prefers.
Cats have sensitive whiskers. If a bowl is too narrow, your kitty may have to unpleasantly squish her whiskers to get a drink, leading to a condition called “whisker fatigue.” Try out several different sizes and shapes to see which your pet seems to prefer. You may also want to try bowls made out of different materials. It’s easiest to keep ceramic and stainless steel bowls clean, but often cats seem to prefer shallow, glass bowls. Or you can just visit our website we are offering some cool water fountain just for your furry friend.
Have Several Water Bowls for Your Cat
Cats can be fickle things. A little unexpected activity can keep them away from their normal hangouts. That’s why it’s a good idea to have water fountain at your home your home. Put them in out-of-the-way places and other locations where she likes to spend a lot of her time. Just make sure they’re filled with fresh water.
Use Good Cat Water Filter
A cat water filter is designed to improve the quality of the water your cat drinks by removing impurities, chemicals, and contaminants. It’s an excellent solution for pet owners who want to ensure their cats have access to clean and safe drinking water. Use ADOV cat water filter Cat water fountain filters that contain Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange Resin. 3-stage filtration helps to get rid of Chlorine that ensures water quality so that you can stay tension free.
Personal Experience
A few years ago, I noticed that my cat, Luna, wasn’t drinking enough water. I tried various methods to encourage her to drink more, like changing her water bowl frequently and adding ice cubes to her water, but nothing seemed to work effectively. Concerned about her health, I decided to try a cat water fountain after hearing positive reviews from other cat owners.
I purchased a ADOV Cat Water Fountain designed specifically for cats. Setting it up was straightforward, and within minutes, Luna was curious about the new addition to her environment. As soon as I turned it on, she approached cautiously and began investigating. It didn’t take long for her to understand that the flowing water was meant for drinking.
To my surprise and relief, Luna started drinking from the fountain almost immediately. It seemed like the continuous flow of water intrigued her and made drinking more appealing than from a stagnant bowl. Over the next few days, I noticed a significant increase in her water intake. She would often visit the fountain multiple times a day, taking sips here and there.
Conclusion
Keeping your cat hydrated is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can ensure that your fluffy friend always has access to fresh water and remains engaged and interested in staying hydrated. Whether it’s through multiple water sources, incorporating wet food into their diet, or even appealing to their playful nature with water-dispensing toys, there are numerous ways to encourage your cat to drink more water. Remember, a hydrated cat is a happy and healthy cat. Stay observant of their water intake and consult a vet if you notice any concerning changes. Your effort in keeping your cat hydrated is a beautiful testament to the bond you share with your feline friend.
Frequently Asked Question
The technical point of dehydration is when fluid in the body drops by five percent. Loss between five and ten percent is considered moderate, while any loss over ten percent is deemed severe. A cat cannot live with a water loss of fifteen percent.
If you notice that your cat isn’t drinking any water then it’s time to look into why. There may be an underlying health condition, the water may not be fresh enough or the location of the bowl could all be potential reasons why your cat isn’t drinking enough.