How much water do cats drink and what to do if the cat does not drink
Like humans, a cat’s body is two-thirds water. Cats need to drink enough water to live and stay healthy. Living in the wild, these animals get water from food. Their prey, such as insects, birds and rodents, contains a large amount of moisture. The domestic cat has a very different diet – she drinks water from a bowl or receives it from soft food.
Dehydration
Because cats can concentrate urine, they require less water than other animals. But their thirst is not so pronounced, so they do not feel the need to drink water too often. Some owners only find out that a cat is dehydrated when they have health problems. Dehydration can lead to bladder problems and urinary tract problems, including kidney disease and feline urological syndrome. Other common conditions that result from dehydration are bladder inflammation (cystitis), tumors, ruptured bladders, and stones. Bladder stones can cause life-threatening urethral obstruction, and cats are at a higher risk of developing it than cats.
There are several ways to determine if your cat is dehydrated.
One of the best methods is to pinch the animal’s skin and gently pull upwards. If the skin does not return to its normal position for a long time, the cat is probably dehydrated. Also look out for symptoms such as shortness of breath, depression, lack of appetite, sunken eyes, dry mouth, lethargy, and increased heart rate.
How to encourage a cat to drink water
How much drinking water should a cat drink per day? It depends on her weight, activity level, health and nutritional status, but is approximately 150 to 300 ml per day. If you are having trouble getting your cat to drink water, use the following reward methods.
The place is very important. Place several water bowls around the house in
places where you and your family members do not go very often. Water bowls should not be placed next to the tray. This can cause discomfort to the cat and lead to refusal of water, food and use of the litter box. She may not even like having her food and water bowls next to each other.
Some cats have a special relationship with drinking. Your pet may prefer cold water, so dip a couple of ice cubes into the bowl. The problem may lie in the bowl itself: maybe the cat does not like it. If she tips over or tries to tip over the drinker, buy a wider bowl with a rubber base. Maybe your furry friend doesn’t like the taste of the water in his drinker, so if he has a plastic bowl, consider replacing it with a metal, ceramic, or glass one. In addition, the water in the bowl should be changed daily so that the cat always has fresh water.
More picky animals won’t even taste the water in the bowl, but rather drink straight from the tap. In the wild, cats usually drink only running water, as they know that it helps not to catch any disease. Therefore, if you see your cat constantly knocking over a bowl of water and drinking water when it spills on the floor, she most likely does not do this because she wants to annoy you, but rather it is more convenient for her to drink water in the “flowing” condition. There are many ways to provide your cat with running water without having to deal with an upside down bowl every time. Consider getting a motion-sensing water fountain that constantly circulates water, or let your cat drink from an open faucet or faucet – just remember to keep the water cool.
You can also add more water to your cat’s diet. Canned food contains much more moisture than dry food. We recommend Science Plan cat food – these are pies or pieces in sauce that your pet will definitely like. If she prefers dry food, you can try adding water directly to the kibble. With the gradual addition of a small amount of water to the food, the cat will more easily get used to the new consistency. You can also combine dry food and canned food.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to encourage your cat to drink water. Many people think that milk is a good substitute for water for a pet, but this is a myth, and besides, milk can cause her digestive problems. Teaching a cat to drink water is just as important as feeding it properly. If you suspect she is dehydrated, check with your veterinarian.
