What are the best ways to encourage a cat to drink more water?

Cats are notoriously finicky about water consumption. Their natural instinct is to derive hydration from their prey in the wild, which is why domesticated cats may not drink as much water as they should. But ensuring your furry friend stays adequately hydrated is crucial for their overall health. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to encourage your pet cats to drink more water.

To help your beloved pet maintain a healthy lifestyle, we bring you a comprehensive guide on making sure your cat stays hydrated. We will focus on practical ways to ensure your cat drinks more water, such as offering wet food, using cat fountains, and keeping the water bowl clean.

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Offering Wet Food

Cats naturally derive most of their water intake from the food they eat. In the wild, cats prey on rodents and birds, which are comprised of nearly 70-75% water. This is a stark contrast to the dry food that is commonly fed to domestic cats, which only contains about 10% moisture.

Feeding your cats wet food can significantly increase their water intake. Wet food closely resembles the moisture content of their natural prey, with a water composition of about 75-78%. This high moisture content in wet food helps prevent dehydration and urinary tract diseases.

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If your cat is a staunch dry food eater, do not worry. Gradually introduce wet food into their diet. Start by mixing small amounts of wet food into their regular dry food. Over time, increase the proportion of wet food until they are eating it consistently.

Using Cat Fountains

Getting cats to drink water from a bowl can sometimes be a challenge, mainly if they are used to drinking running water. Cats are instinctively drawn to running water because it signifies freshness in nature.

This is where cat fountains come into play. They provide a constant stream of running water that cats find irresistible. Cat fountains are designed to keep the water clean and oxygenated, making the water taste better and encouraging your cat to drink more.

There are different types of cat fountains available in the market, such as stainless steel, ceramic, and plastic. Choose one that suits your cat’s preferences and your home decor.

Remember to keep the fountain clean and refill it regularly to ensure the water remains fresh and appealing to your pet.

Keeping the Water Bowl Clean

Cats are fastidious creatures. If they find dirt or food particles in their water bowl, they might refuse to drink from it. Therefore, keeping the water bowl clean is crucial in encouraging your cat to drink more water.

Ideally, the water bowl should be cleaned daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and algae, which can not only deter your cat from drinking water but can also lead to health issues.

Consider using a stainless steel or ceramic bowl instead of a plastic one, as they are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria. Also, avoid using detergents or strong-smelling cleaning agents to wash the bowl, as residual smells can put off your cat.

Changing the Location of the Water Bowl

Although it might seem trivial, the location of the water bowl can significantly impact your cat’s drinking habits. Cats prefer not to drink water near their food, as in the wild, water near food sources is likely to be contaminated.

If your cat’s water bowl is currently next to their food bowl, consider moving it to another location. Preferably, the water should be placed in a quiet, calm spot where your cat feels comfortable.

Another tip is to have multiple water bowls throughout your house. This not only ensures your cat always has access to water but can also encourage them to drink more as they come across the bowls during their daily exploration.

Remember, our feline friends have a unique approach to water and hydration, and understanding their instincts and behaviors will help us better cater to their needs.

Providing Flavored Water

Just like humans, cats can also prefer flavored water over plain water. Introducing flavored water can increase your cat’s water intake, encouraging them to drink more. Common flavors that cats tend to enjoy include tuna and chicken. You can prepare flavored water by boiling a piece of chicken or tuna in water and letting it cool down before serving it to your cat.

However, be cautious about the sodium content in the flavored water you give to your cats. Sodium is an essential nutrient for cats, but too much can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and not serve flavored water as the primary source of hydration.

Moreover, make sure to store the flavored water in the fridge, and don’t leave it out for too long, as it’s more likely to spoil compared to plain water. It is also essential to keep the water bowl clean to prevent bacterial growth, which can deter your cat from drinking the flavored water.

Regularly Changing Water

Cats have a keen sense of taste and smell. They can tell if the water in their bowl is stale and will likely refuse to drink it. To encourage your cat to drink more, it’s important to change the water regularly so it stays fresh.

Ideally, you should change the water in the bowl at least once a day. If you have a cat water fountain, ensure that it’s topped up with fresh water daily. Additionally, if you notice that the water has particles in it or it looks cloudy, replace it immediately.

Conclusion

Ensuring your cat is properly hydrated is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While cats can be notoriously picky about their water intake, by offering wet food, using a cat water fountain, keeping the water bowl clean, changing the location of the water bowl, providing flavored water, and regularly changing the water, you can encourage them to drink more.

Remember, every cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, it’s necessary to experiment with various methods until you find what your cat prefers.

Finally, always keep an eye on your cat’s drinking habits. If you notice any sudden changes or if your cat is drinking significantly less or more water than usual, it’s essential to consult with a vet. This could be a sign of underlying health issues, like urinary tract diseases, which require immediate attention.

With patience, understanding, and love, we can ensure that our feline friends stay hydrated and healthy.