The cat is a furry creature that He doesn't usually spend much time drinkingDuring the summer we can see that he drinks more water, but he's not one of those who gulps down liters of the precious liquid like we do, since Much of the water it needs can be obtained from its food..
However, nowadays what the domestic cat usually eats is I think dry, containing around 8-10% humidityThis is a problem, because if they don't use their water bowl, they could end up with serious illnesses such as... idiopathic cystitis o urinary problemsTo avoid this, it is necessary to know how much water should a cat drink so that you can take action in the event that you drink more or less than you should.
A healthy cat should drink a minimum of 50 ml per kg of weightTaking this into account, if you weigh 6 kg, you will need to ingest about 300mlThere are times of the year, like summer, when it is possible—and advisable—to drink more, but It should not exceed 100 ml per kgFollowing the same example, a 6 kg cat should not exceed 600 ml up to date.
In any case, it's important to know that this data is guidanceIf the cat follows a wet diet It won't need to drink as much water as someone who eats a dry food diet. Furthermore, depending on how active That's how it is, you'll need to take more or less of it.
The importance of water for cats
Water participates in temperature regulation, the transport of nutrients and oxygen, digestion and the elimination of waste products from urineBetween 60 and 70% of a feline's body is water, so a insufficient hydration can lead to dehydration, urinary disordersconstipation or renal insufficiency.
Excessive intake also matters: drinking too much can be a sign of diabetes, hyperthyroidismchronic kidney disease or FLUTD. That's why it's advisable monitor for sudden changes in their drinking pattern.
How much water should a cat drink per day?
As a guide, a cat needs between 50 and 100 ml of water per kg of weight each day. For example, a 4 kg one should weigh around 200-400 ml in total (adding the water drunk and the water obtained from food). With I think dry He tends to drink more; with canned or wet food (75-80% water) usually drinks less because It is already hydrated through food.
Cats can drink 12-16 times a day in small sipsIn a 4 kg cat on a dry diet, it is common to see around 200-220 ml of drinking water; if eating wet food, that amount It can even drop to 30 ml because the rest comes with the food.
Factors that influence intake
- DietDry food contains little moisture; canned food provides much water.
- Time of the yearWith heat and heating, the need to drink.
- Age and size: kittens, senior cats and nursing cats drink relatively more.
- Activity: the cats more active They may require more water.
- Environment: dry interior vs. exterior with higher energy consumption.
Adults, kittens and lifestyle
Los adults They usually remain within the range of 50-100 ml/kg if their diet and environment are stable. kittens Infants who breastfeed get enough hydration from milk; when introducing solids, they need Fresh water always available.
En interior, the lower activity and the environmental dryness (Heating) can alter thirst. In ExteriorBeing more active and having variable temperature, they might require more wateralthough they obtain some of it from dams with 70-75% humidity.
How to make sure your cat drinks enough
- Several water points: duplicating drinking troughs can increase intake by 11%.
- Change the water daily: improves the flavor and reduces bacteria.
- Separation: place the water away from the sandbox and the feeder.
- Bowl material: prioritize stainless steel, ceramic or glassAvoid plastics that alter the taste.
- Adequate width: minimizes the whisker stress using wide containers and, if you can, fill them well.
- Fonts: moving water encourages drinking in many cats.
- More moisture in the diet: add wet food to increase overall hydration.
When to worry and how to measure intake
If your cat drinks less than 50 ml/kg o more than 80-100 ml/kg If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian. Watch for signs such as: more frequent urinationweight loss, lethargy, bad breath, dry skin or constipation.
To measure, fill a graduated drinking trough in the morning with a known quantityNote down what's missing at the end of the day and repeat for several days. This way you'll know if their consumption remains stable or change.
If you drink less than 50 ml per kg or more than 100 ml/kg we will have to take him to the vet to examine him and tell us if you suffer from any disease and how to treat it so that the furry can recover as soon as possible and can lead a normal life.
Thus, he will be the man he once was sooner than we imagine 
