When we start to live with a cat one of the first things, if not the first, that we have to do is provide him with a drinking bowl with clean water. Make sure it's always filled with clean, fresh water. To stay hydrated and, consequently, alive, this precious liquid is essential for all of its bodily functions: kidneys, heart, digestion, joints, skin, fur… However, it's important to keep in mind that whether it drinks little water as if it does in excess, could have serious health problems.
In this article I'm going to tell you everything in detail. how to hydrate cats, Why do they sometimes drink so little?What signs indicate dehydration, what diseases are related to improper hydration, and what you can do at home to ensure your cat drinks the right amount every day.
The cat drinks little water
This must always be kept in mind: This feline is not a big drinker of water naturally. Being native to hot deserts and descended from species such as Felis lybicaHe is used to not finding it available in abundance. His body has adapted to to preserve every drop as much as possible and to concentrate the urine a lot.
So how does it stay hydrated in nature? The answer is actually quite simple: thanks to the animals it huntsFresh prey (rodents, small birds, reptiles) contains between 60% and 80% water, so the wild cat gets most of its hydration directly through food and hardly needs to drink additional water.
While it's true that it's not always successful, being a rather small cat, it doesn't need to eat (or therefore drink) large quantities. What has happened in recent decades is that we've gone from keeping cats in the countryside where they could hunt, to living with them inside our homes. Furthermore, their diet has also changed: If you hunted before, now you get in most cases all the proteins you need thanks to a feed, which can be wet or, more commonly, dry.
Food or cans were a great invention for us: they just have to be opened and served. But it is not the most natural food for a cat; not even the best quality feed It could be compared to prey hunted by the animal itself in terms of moisture and complete nutritional structure. Obviously, nobody (or almost nobody) wants to keep fresh mice in the refrigerator, but that doesn't mean you can't give them other types of fresh meat suitable for human consumption, such as chicken, which is sold in butcher shops, always following the veterinarian's guidelines.
Giving him a homemade and natural diet A well-formulated diet, or one that combines good quality dry food with quality wet food, will ensure your cat ingests the amount of water it needs in a way that is much closer to what it would do in the wild. However, not all owners can or want to opt for a homemade diet, and many cats are very accustomed to dry food.
So what happens if he's very used to kibble, or if we don't want to (or can't) give him homemade food? How do we keep him hydrated in a home environment where his diet is mainly based on... I think dry And it doesn't seem very thirsty?
How much water should a cat drink per day?
The cat You need to drink between 50 and 100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day to stay properly hydrated. This figure includes both water directly from the drinking fountain and the one you get through food.
- 3 kg cat: needs around 150 to 300 ml of water per day.
- 4 kg cat: needs around 200 to 400 ml of water per day.
- 5 kg cat: needs around 250 to 500 ml of water per day.
During periods of higher temperatures or if the cat exercises a lot (for example, if it is very playful), it should approach the higher amounts in the range, with it being highly recommended that it reaches at least about 70-80 ml/kgCats that eat exclusively dry food will need drink more water from the drinking fountainwhile those who eat a lot of wet food will get much of that amount through food.
The problem is that some cats show little predisposition to drink Their fastidious nature and direct access to water mean that any detail of the drinking fountain, its location, or even the taste of the water influences their consumption. Therefore, you'll often have to be creative to ensure they drink all the water they need. And this can be quite challenging. You can find out why this happens in [link to relevant article/section/etc.]. My baby cat won't drink water..
Tips for keeping your cat hydrated
To keep your feline well hydrated, it's important to act on different fronts: kind of food, water presentation, environment y RoutinesBelow you have a very complete guide with effective strategies that you can combine with each other.
Give him wet food regularly
This is the first piece of advice I'll give you, and one of the most effective. wet food (cans, sachets or pouches) usually has around a 70-80% humidityWhile dry feed (dry food) typically contains around 8-10% water. The difference is significant, so at least during the summer it is highly advisable to give it one or two cans a dayalways adjusting the total amount of food to their caloric needs to avoid being overweight.
This way, they will stay properly hydrated, and many cats also show a increased appetite Thanks to the juicy textures and intense aromas of wet food, this change can make a significant difference to the well-being of cats prone to urinary or kidney problems.
Combine dry and wet food in a planned way
Dry food is practical and usually well accepted, but it contains very little waterA good strategy is to use dry food as a base, especially if your cat tolerates it well, and supplement daily with a portion of quality wet food to increase their fluid intake.
You can, for example: simple practices.
- Offer I think in the morning y wet food at night.
- Distribute small portions of canned food or pouches throughout the day if your cat is very greedy.
- Use wet food as “extra moisturizing” on particularly hot days or if you have been more active.
Soak your food with water or broth
Given that canned goods can be expensive, if you want to save some money you can Soak their feed in water or even with homemade chicken or fish broth without salt or seasonings (and without bones or fish bones). Like this:
- The smell intensifies and it becomes more appealing for many cats.
- you increase the amount of liquid that he ingests without radically changing his food.
- Extra hydration helps protect kidneys and urinary tract.
Start with a small amount of water, just enough to dampen the surface, and increases gradually to help your cat adjust to the new texture. Some cats prefer crunchy food, so you'll need to find the right balance for them.
It offers suitable homemade soups and broths.
Another very useful alternative is to prepare light broths Use chicken, turkey, or fish without salt, onion, garlic, or spices, as all of these ingredients can be harmful to cats. Once strained and cooled, you can:
- Serve a small bowl of warm broth as a hydrating award.
- Mix a small amount with their wet food to increase moisture.
- Use it to to flavor the water if your cat is a very small drinker.
It's important not to overindulge in these preparations and to always maintain a balanced diet. Broth is a financialnot a substitute for a complete and balanced diet.
Hydrating snacks, gelatin, and crushed ice
There are snacks and jellies for cats on the market specially formulated with a high water contentThese products, provided they are of good quality and suitable for your age and health condition, can help you add some extra hydration.
At home you can also use simple options such as:
- Ice chipsCrushed or grated ice that the cat can lick gradually, very useful on hot days.
- Small cubes of frozen homemade stock, always without salt or seasonings, that dissolve slowly.
It offers these options with moderationAlways observe your cat's reaction and avoid sudden temperature changes in very sensitive animals.
Change your drinking fountain for a fountain
Cats don't usually like to drink stagnant water. A very effective way to get them to drink is buy him a cat fountainMany felines instinctively prefer the moving waterbecause in nature running water is usually safer than stagnant water.
Modern cat fountains:
- They retain the water in constant circulation, which keeps it fresher and more oxygenated.
- They usually incorporate filters that retain hair, dust and particles.
- They provide a visual and auditory stimulus that attracts the cat's attention and encourages it to drink more.
They come in many shapes: waterfall, flower-shaped, with adjustable jets… and their price isn't as high as you might think (the cheapest ones cost around 20-25 euros). With the water constantly moving, it's very common for the cat to… clearly increase your consumption of water. However, you should clean the fountain and pump regularly to prevent limescale or bacteria buildup.
Are there any alternatives to fountains? If you can't spend that money right now, what you can do (and in fact, should) is change the water frequentlyAt least once a day. If you have more than one cat or if it's very hot, it's recommended to change it two or even three times a day.
Don't throw that water away: you can refill bottles and use it for watering plants, clean the floor and/or furniture, or to refill if you have an aquarium or fish tank (after removing any dirt that may have fallen in while it was in the drinking bowl).
Choose the container and its material carefully.
Another aspect that may motivate their resistance to drinking water is associated with the drinking trough material. Some cats reject plastic bowls because they can retain smells and tastes that they easily detect.
The best options are usually:
- Stainless steel: very hygienic, easy to clean and does not retain odors.
- Ceramic or porcelainIt tends to maintain temperature better and is pleasant for many cats.
- Thick glass, if it is well fixed and does not break easily.
Besides the material, the size and shapeMany cats prefer wide, shallow bowls where their whiskers don't touch the edges too much, as this can be uncomfortable for them. Try to find a bowl wide enough so they can drink without their whiskers barely touching the sides.
Water placement in the house
La location The type of water bowl greatly influences water consumption. To encourage your cat to drink more, keep these points in mind:
- Put several drinking troughs in different rooms, especially where he usually spends the most time.
- Avoid placing the water next to the sand tray, since many cats consider it unhygienic.
- Don't always put the water bowl in place. attached to the feederSome cats prefer to drink in a different place than where they eat.
- Make sure the drinking fountain is in a quiet, without constant foot traffic or loud noises.
- Keep the water away from direct sunlight to keep it fresher.
Water quality and type
In general, the type of water is not as relevant as its qualityMany cats enjoy running water, as evidenced by their habit of jumping onto the sink to drink the dripping tap water. If your tap water has a strong chlorine or mineral taste, you can try the following:
- Tap water left to stand for a few hours in a clean pitcher.
- Water filtered using domestic filters.
- Bottled water, if the veterinarian deems it appropriate.
The most important thing is that the water is safe, clean and freshChanging the water daily and washing the drinking bowl regularly prevents the buildup of biofilm (a layer of bacteria and dirt) that can alter the taste and safety of the water.
Stimulate their thirst through play and routine
Physical activity can also increase the need to drink. Play with your cat daily using wands, balls, or interactive toys:
- It helps that it has more thirst after the gaming session.
- Helps maintain a Healthy weight, reducing the risk of associated diseases.
- It allows you to observe its up close hydration habits and any noticeable change.
Many cats also have peak consumption times For drinking, such as after meals or upon waking from a nap. Take advantage of these moments to offer them very cool water and, if it is hot, add a couple of ice cubes to keep the temperature pleasant (without it being excessively cold).
How do I know if my cat is dehydrated?
Dehydration is a very serious problem that requires urgent attention. Especially during the hot season, you have to keep a close eye on your cat so you can act in time. Detecting it isn't always easy, because cats are experts at... hide the discomfortBut there are clear signs and some simple tests you can do at home.
If you have drunk little water or have lost fluids through vomiting, DiarrheaIf your pet has a fever or heatstroke, they may show the following symptoms:
- Dry gums and sticky to the touch, with less shine than normal.
- Low skin elasticityIf, when you gently lift the skin on the back of the neck (the area between the neck and shoulders) slightly (no more than 3 or 4 cm), it takes more than two seconds to return to its normal position, it's because the cat is dehydrated. In older or obese cats, this test may be less reliable, but it's still a useful guideline.
- Hollow eyes and somewhat dry. In advanced cases, they may have a visible third eyelid.
- Cold feet to the touch and lower than normal body temperature in serious situations.
- Lethargyapathy and less interaction with the environment.
- Decreased urine production or highly concentrated urine and with a strong smell.
To assess the severity, you can also observe if the cat:
- Eat less or refuse food altogether.
- He vomits or has diarrhea, which accelerates fluid loss.
- Breathe with the open mouth and it seems overheated.
If you show any of these symptoms, you should Take him to the vet as soon as possible.There they will be able to perform more precise tests (blood tests, urine tests, electrolyte measurements) and determine the degree of dehydration.
What to do if my cat is dehydrated
If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, the first thing to do is assess the severity And whether it is a mild or serious situation:
- In cases levesIf there is no constant vomiting and the cat can still drink on its own, immediately make fresh water available and offer it as well wet food in small amounts, to gradually add liquid.
- In cases moderate or severe (marked lethargy, vomiting, very dry gums, sunken eyes, breathing with the mouth open), the priority is to go to the vet urgently.
Never try to force large volumes of water into a dehydrated cat at once, as this could cause additional vomiting and worsen their condition. The professional will decide if it is necessary to administer it. intravenous or subcutaneous serum and what additional treatment is needed (antiemetic drugs, gastric protectors, analgesics, antibiotics, etc.).
Kidney failure in cats, a problem caused by improper hydration
If a cat is not kept properly hydrated, it is more likely to suffer from renal problemsFeline kidney failure is very common. Although it can occur due to other causes (such as old age, infectious diseases, toxins, or immunological disorders), if a cat doesn't drink enough, the kidneys work constantly to process the fluids. highly concentrated urine and they can start failing at any moment.
This is a disease characterized by progressive deterioration of these organs. A healthy cat's kidneys remove toxins from the blood, regulate water and electrolyte balance, and help maintain proper blood pressure. When they begin to fail, you may see your furry friend exhibit these symptoms:
- He drinks and urinates more than usual (polyuria and polydipsia).
- Misses appetite and weight Gradually
- He vomits, first sporadically and then more frequently.
- Presents lethargyHe sleeps more than usual and reduces his activity.
- Can have bad breath, oral ulcers and dull coat in advanced stages.
Unfortunately, any of these symptoms usually appear after kidney failure has already begun, so it's crucial to be very attentive to any changes in the cat and its routine (amount of urine in the litter box, thirst, appetite, weight, etc.). Proper hydration from an early stage helps to reduce the risk that these pathologies develop or progress rapidly.
Diagnosis and treatment of kidney failure
If you suspect your cat has a kidney problem, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible for a checkup. blood and urine testsThese tests allow the assessment of indicators such as urea, creatinine, phosphorus, and urine density, among other parameters, and confirm whether kidney failure exists and at what stage it is.
If the diagnosis is ultimately confirmed, then we must change her dietgiving them food that is low in salt and phosphorus, and also rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Many brands offer kidney-specific diets formulated to reduce the workload of the kidneys.
This at-home treatment should be combined with the veterinary treatmentwhich may consist of:
- Management fluids (serum) periodically to maintain hydration.
- Medications for control blood pressure if it is high.
- Drugs to reduce blood phosphorus if required.
- Appetite stimulants, antiemetics, and vitamin and mineral complexes.
Kidney failure cannot always be cured, but with good management, adequate hydration, and regular checkups, many cats can maintain a healthy kidney. Good life quality for long periods.
As you can see, it's very important to keep our friend properly hydrated. Their short- and long-term well-being will largely depend on it: a cat with constant access to clean fresh waterWith a proper diet and an environment adapted to their preferences, they will have a much greater chance of enjoying a long, active, and healthy life.
