Helping Your Cat Stay Hydrated: What Every Owner Should Know

Cats are creatures of habit, and as a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed that they can be quite selective when it comes to their water intake. While they may seem indifferent to their water bowl, hydration is essential to your cat’s overall health. Paying attention to their drinking habits and environment can make all the difference in ensuring they stay properly hydrated.

Although cats don’t often display a strong need for water, keeping them hydrated is vital for their kidneys, digestion, and urinary health. Cats are descendants of desert-dwelling felines, and as such, they’ve evolved to require less water than other animals. However, in a domestic setting where food isn’t always rich in moisture, it’s important to help them drink enough water to maintain their well-being.

Did you know that cats are not efficient drinkers? They only consume around 3% of a teaspoon of water per lap! This means it’s up to us as their caretakers to ensure they have easy access to fresh, appealing water sources to promote healthy hydration.

Dehydration can sneak up on your cat, so it’s essential to recognise the signs. Some common indicators include:

• Dry or tacky gums
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced skin elasticity
• Increased heart rate

A quick test for dehydration is the “skin tenting” method. Gently pull the skin on your cat’s neck or back. If it doesn’t quickly snap back into place, your cat may be dehydrated. If you notice this or any other signs, consult your veterinarian right away. Dehydration can escalate into serious health issues.

Your cat’s daily water intake depends on several factors, including diet. Cats eating wet food, which contains about 70% water, will naturally consume less water from their bowl than those on a dry food diet. If your cat drinks more than 50mls of water per kilogram of their body weight each day, it could indicate an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease or diabetes.

To keep an eye on your cat’s hydration, measure their water intake over a 24-hour period. Any significant increase or decrease in water consumption warrants a conversation with your vet.

Some cats need a little extra encouragement when it comes to drinking water. Here are five tips to make water more appealing to your feline friend:

1. Choose the Right Bowl: Wide, shallow bowls are more comfortable for cats, as they prevent their whiskers from touching the sides. Some cats even prefer drinking from a glass.
2. Good Bowl Placement: Cats prefer to drink in a calm and secure area, so place the water bowl in a quiet location where they feel safe.
3. Separate Water from Food: Cats don’t like their water near their food, as it can become contaminated with food particles. Having multiple water sources around the house can encourage more drinking.
4. Keep It Fresh: Clean your cat’s water bowl daily and refill it with fresh water. Cats are sensitive to taste and smell, and they’ll avoid water that’s stale or dirty.
5. Try a Fountain: Cats are often drawn to running water. A water fountain can encourage more drinking by providing a source of fresh, moving water that mimics a natural stream.

It’s not uncommon for cats to drink less water, especially if they’re eating wet food. Cats have highly efficient kidneys that help them conserve water, so it’s normal to see minimal drinking. However, if your cat has a health condition such as kidney disease, you may want to add extra water to their food to help them stay hydrated.

Hydration is key to your cat’s health. Keep an eye on their water intake, provide fresh water daily, and consult your vet if you notice any changes in their drinking habits.