Ideal Hydration for Cats: Understanding Correct Water Intake

"My cat just won't drink enough water..." "I'm worried about them getting urinary stones or kidney disease." These are very common concerns among cat owners.

It is true that cats don't drink much water. It's only natural to feel anxious about whether your cat is getting enough hydration, not just in the hot summer, but even during the winter.

In this article, we will look at why cats don't drink much water and think of ways to encourage them to drink properly. We will also explain the daily hydration requirements for cats in detail, so please use this information to help maintain your cat's health.

Why don't cats drink much water?

It is said that the ancestors of domestic cats were African wildcats that lived in the desert. Because of the desert environment, they didn't have much of a habit of drinking water and instead got their hydration from the prey they caught.

To avoid losing moisture from their bodies, they produce concentrated urine with waste products. It is believed that they adapted this way to survive on minimal water intake.

The reason modern house cats don't drink much water is that they have inherited these traits.

It is believed that cats don't really have a strong sensation of "feeling thirsty." Furthermore, they dislike getting their whiskers wet, which are important sensory organs, by dipping their faces into water. Understanding why your cat doesn't drink water should help you implement effective measures.

Hydration is vital for cats

Even though cats don't drink much, they cannot survive without hydration. While a cat can live for about a month without food, they likely wouldn't survive even a week without water.

If water intake is insufficient, it increases the risk of urinary tract diseases such as urinary stones, cystitis, and kidney disease.

Also, dehydration is a common issue. You need to be careful not just in the summer when temperatures are high, but also during the winter.

If your cat suddenly stops drinking water or, conversely, starts drinking a lot, it may be a sign of illness. To ensure early detection, make a habit of observing your cat's hydration, as well as the color and amount of their urine.

Daily water requirements for cats

How much water should a cat drink per day?

While it varies depending on your cat's weight, activity level, and seasonal factors, they generally need the following amounts of hydration:

[Daily water requirements for cats]

Reference: Ministry of the Environment, "Pet Food Guidelines for Owners: Protecting the Health of Dogs and Cats"

That might feel like a large amount, but it doesn't all have to come from drinking water. You can also provide hydration through their food.

While dry food contains about 10% moisture, wet food contains about 75% moisture. You can provide sufficient hydration through mixed feeding, which combines wet food with dry food.

Ways to improve hydration

For your cat's health, it is important to ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.

However, since cats don't have a habit of drinking water, a little ingenuity is required to get them to stay hydrated. If you feel your cat isn't getting enough water, try the following methods.

• Increase the number of water stations

Don't limit water stations to just one location; place several along your cat's path.

• Try mixed feeding

Since you can't get enough moisture from dry food alone, add wet food as a topping. This improves their appetite and provides hydration at the same time.

• Give wet treats

Use wet-type treats, such as "Churu," to help boost their hydration.

• Soak dry food in water or lukewarm water

Some cats will drink the water if it has the scent or taste of their favorite dry food.

• Offer warm water or broth

In winter, some cats won't drink because the water is too cold. Giving them warm water or adding broth to their dry food is also recommended.

Is mineral water safe for cats?

It is best to provide tap water or filtered water for your cat. Human mineral water seems healthy because it doesn't have a chlorine smell, but it can sometimes be unsuitable for cats.

Mineral water contains many minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium, and these are particularly abundant in "hard water." These minerals can increase the risk of urinary stones for cats.

If you give your cat mineral water, make sure you choose "soft water." Also, be sure to check the mineral water you have set aside for emergency supplies.

How to choose a water bowl

To get your cat to drink, the "vessel" is just as important as the freshness, temperature, and smell of the water. If your cat isn't drinking enough, consider reviewing their water bowl.

What kind of bowl is best depends on your cat's preferences. Some cats are picky about the material, such as stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic. Try to discover what your cat prefers.

• Raised water bowls

Sometimes, simply switching to a raised bowl can encourage a cat to drink. It might be easier for them since they don't have to look down.

• Automatic fountain waterers

Many cats will drink from automatic waterers where the water bubbles up like a fountain. Because the water is constantly circulating and filters remove debris, they can always drink fresh water.

• Flowing-water type automatic waterers

You know how some cats love to drink from a tap? Many cats prefer running water because they dislike stagnant or dirty water.

• Shallow plates

Some cats prefer to lap up the water by licking the bottom of a shallow dish. Since these hold only a small amount, you will need to replace the water frequently or place dishes in multiple locations.

Summary

Cats are known to be susceptible to urinary system diseases such as urinary stones, cystitis, and kidney disease.

The root cause is a lack of hydration. Because cats do not naturally have the habit of drinking water,it is up to the owner to support their hydration.

That said, simply leaving a bowl of water out isn't always enough to get them to drink. Try using methods like mixed feeding—adding wet food to their dry food—or using wet-type treats to help them stay hydrated.

It is also possible that your cat simply dislikes their current bowl. Try experimenting with raised water bowls or circulating automatic waterers.

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