Did you know that an average 11 pound domestic cat requires 250mL of water a day? With a chronic lack of intake of water, cats can become dehydrated which puts them at risk for developing serious health complications like chronic kidney disease. Don’t worry though. I am going to make a quick and easy layout of some ways to keep your kitty healthy and hydrated!
Cats who consume dry food will drink more water than cats who have a wet food diet. Some environmental conditions make an impact, too. All cats require more water and hydration if the weather is warmer rather than the winter. It’s also important to look out for any other symptoms your cat may be displaying alongside not drinking water such as poor quality in color of coat, showing apathy or depression, a lack of elasticity in their fur, and troubles or lack of urination.
If these signs continue it is best to visit your local veterinarian for further diagnosis. Another side note is to pick up on whether your cat is drinking too much water also known as polydipsia. This can be an indication that your cat is suffering from other health-related issues.
Let’s check out some reasons why your cat may not be drinking enough water throughout the day and solutions to these problems. Cats can stop drinking water because of lack of hygiene, health problems, or behavioral problems. The size, type, and material of your water bowl can also be a reason they may not be getting enough water. Cats have a very sensitive sense of taste so if you have a plastic bowl the plastic taste can be off-putting to them. Try stainless steel bowls. There is also a theory out there that a bowl too small in size can be irritating to the cat’s whiskers. Constant pushing upwards of their whiskers may be a reason they aren’t as enthusiastic about drinking.
So if you have a plastic bowl the plastic taste can be off-putting to them. Try stainless steel bowls. There is also a theory out there that a bowl too small in size can be irritating to the cat’s whiskers. Constant pushing upwards of their whiskers may be a reason they aren’t as enthusiastic about drinking.
Be sure to clean and refill your cat’s bowl once a day. They prefer freshwater. The longer the water sits out the less likely they are going to drink it. However, be sure not to wash their bowls with any type of soap. The residue of the soap can be off-putting for your cat. Boiling hot water is just fine.
Stick with filtered water or water bottles to fill your cat’s water bowl up. Tap water contains a lot of chemicals that your cat will not enjoy. Chemicals like fluoride and chlorine are harmful and not necessary for your animal.
Additionally, cats love running water streams. This is due to their ancestral habitats. There are a copious amount of running water filters made for cats. This is always the go-to drinking spot. Be sure to separate your cat’s food bowl and water bowl away from the litter box area. Cats are clean by their own nature so be sure to keep the two areas separated.
If these tips still don’t seem to get your cat drinking enough water here are a few extra tips. Because wet food contains 80% water and dry food contains only 10%, try putting your cat on a wet food diet for a while to encourage them to take in more water.
Another useful tip is to add tuna juice to your cat’s water. It will provide them flavor while drinking and encourage them to drink more. Cats do enjoy colder water over warmer water so try to keep a bowl in the fridge.
Lastly, if your cat shares a household with other cats the rule of thumb is to have one more bowl than there are cats in the house. So if you have 3 cats be sure to have 4 bowls of water. Be sure to spread them throughout the house. This will encourage your cat to drink more.
If you have any questions, please stop in Fins and Feathers and let us help you with all your feline needs!