[Written by a Veterinarian] Is Your Cat Not Drinking Enough Water? 7 Ways to Encourage Hydration and Protect Their Health

Is your beloved cat drinking enough water? Cats' ancestors lived in the desert, so they were accustomed to living with very little water. Because of this, it is believed that cats generally don't drink much water. This article will explain cat hydration.

Why don't cats drink much water?

Drinking behavior characteristic of desert-dwelling animals

The ancestor of the cat is said to be the African wildcat, which lived in the desert. Because water was scarce in the desert, they absorbed most of their moisture from small animals they ate, supplementing the rest with drinking water. It is thought that they developed the ability to efficiently circulate concentrated urine within their bodies with very little water intake. As a result, it is believed that cats do not have a habit of voluntarily drinking much water.

Connection to a dry food-centric diet

Dry food is the main diet for cats in Japan. The moisture content of cat dry food is less than 10%, which is considerably lower than the approximately 80% found in wet food.

Since cats originally absorb moisture from their food, cats that eat dry food will drink more water to compensate for the lack of moisture. However, cats that do not actively drink much water can become dehydrated.

Health risks of dehydration for cats

Cats that do not actively drink much water are prone to dehydration, which can lead to urinary tract problems. For example, urinary stones are a common issue. Imagine water with salt dissolved in it. Salt dissolves up to a certain amount, but if there's too much salt or not enough water, the salt crystals grow large and won't dissolve. This can happen inside the body.

When there is insufficient water in the body, the urine in the kidneys and bladder becomes concentrated, leading to the formation of stones. These urinary stones can then cause urination problems.

Furthermore, in cases of chronic kidney disease, if water intake is low, the impaired kidneys cannot process urine quickly enough, leading to a continuous loss of body fluids.

Cat hydration guidelines and how to check

Ideal daily water intake

The ideal daily water intake for a cat is 50-60 ml per kg of body weight. For example, a 4 kg cat would need to drink approximately 240 ml of water per day.

However, since cats also get moisture from their food, if they are getting enough moisture from wet food, their drinking water intake may be less.

How to measure water intake

To measure a cat's water intake, it is common practice to offer a measured amount of water in a measuring cup and then measure the remaining water after 24 hours. There are also water bowls with measurement markings or devices that measure water intake.

How to identify dehydration

A common way to check for dehydration in cats is the skin turgor test. Pinch the skin on the cat's back and release it, then observe how long it takes to return to normal to assess the degree of dehydration. Normally, it returns within 1 second. If it takes 2 seconds, it's considered 5-6% dehydrated; if it takes 2-3 seconds, 6-8%; and if the skin doesn't return, it indicates 10-12% dehydration.

Dehydration can also be evaluated by checking the gums. When dehydrated, the gums may appear dry or sticky. Gently press your finger on the gums. The pressed area will turn white and then return to its original pink color after a moment. Normally, it returns to pink within 2 seconds, but if the cat is dehydrated, it will take more than 2 seconds.

Regularly checking the condition of the skin and gums makes it easier to notice abnormalities.

7 tips to encourage your cat to drink water

① Set up multiple water bowls

Cats are inherently not very proactive about drinking water. Therefore, if the watering hole is far away, they tend to hold back from drinking. Senior cats with chronic conditions may hold back even more. For this reason, prepare multiple water bowls and place them in areas where your cat frequently spends time.

② Utilize running water (drinking fountains)

Many cats have preferences for different types of water. Some cats prefer water from a faucet, water that has been left out for a while, or running water. For cats that like running water, using a drinking fountain, which is a device that circulates water, can encourage them to drink more. Since there is a motor sound, they might be wary at first, so it's necessary to also provide a regular water bowl. Additionally, the filter on the drinking fountain needs to be replaced regularly and the container cleaned. Drinking fountains circulate stagnant water, which can easily become dirty. Neglecting maintenance can lead to health problems.

③ Try changing the material or shape of the bowl (glass, ceramic, etc.)

Cats may be surprisingly particular about their water bowls. The most common materials for cat water bowls are glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and plastic. Some reports indicate that cats prefer ceramic > glass > plastic > stainless steel, in that order. Additionally, how a cat drinks water can change depending on the height of the stand, and the depth and diameter of the bowl. Senior cats with arthritis may find it easier to drink if the bowl is elevated.

④ Incorporate wet food

Many cats mainly eat dry food, and they usually try to compensate for insufficient moisture by drinking water. However, for senior cats or those with chronic illnesses, drinking water alone is often not enough. In such cases, actively incorporate wet food. Wet food has a moisture content of about 80%, which is significantly higher than dry food. It is also highly palatable, making it easier to eat even when appetite is low, and helps with hydration.

⑤ Hydrate with Churu or soup

One way to encourage your cat to drink water is to use liquid treats like Churu. Liquid treats have a higher moisture content than crunchy treats and can provide hydration even when eaten as is. However, by mixing them with drinking water, you can increase their fluid intake even more. Be aware that this mixture spoils more easily than plain tap water, so it needs to be changed frequently.

⑥ Float ice to encourage playful drinking

On hot days, floating ice in their water might pique your cat's interest. While playing with the ice and licking the water off their paws, they can take in a small amount of moisture.

However, this is not recommended for kittens, senior cats, or cats with underlying health conditions, as it can lower their body temperature. Also, if a cat has mouth problems like stomatitis, cold water can cause severe pain.

⑦ Adjust the temperature (some cats dislike overly cold water)

Cats may dislike water that is too cold. Especially cats with oral problems may experience more severe pain from very cold water. Furthermore, it can chill their stomach and intestines, leading to diarrhea or vomiting. Conversely, excessively hot water can cause burns, so if you are giving warmed water, let it cool to lukewarm temperature before offering it.

Countermeasures and precautions when they still won't drink

Forced hydration (using a syringe, etc.) pros and cons

If a cat needs to drink a lot of water due to illness, or simply doesn't drink enough, you might consider forcibly giving them water. However, it's important to remember that forced hydration with a syringe carries the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Also, cats dislike having syringes put in their mouths, and if you force water with a syringe at that time, they may start to refuse water altogether. The same can be said when force-feeding food.

Therefore, if you must use a syringe for forced hydration, try to leave them with a positive memory afterwards, such as letting them lick something delicious. If you absolutely need to hydrate your cat with a syringe, seek guidance from a veterinarian.

Consult a vet if there is frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite can not only indicate an underlying illness but also lead to progressive dehydration. Dehydration is particularly easy in the summer, and the condition can become severe. If your cat exhibits these symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Special attention for cats with signs of chronic kidney disease

In chronic kidney disease, kidney function declines, making it impossible for the kidneys to reabsorb water from the urine back into the body. As a result, water is continuously lost as urine, leading to the production of large amounts of dilute urine. Cats with chronic kidney disease drink a lot of water to compensate for the lost fluids, but their bodies cannot retain it.

Moreover, as chronic kidney disease progresses, appetite decreases and water intake also declines. Furthermore, symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea appear, leading to a constant state of dehydration. When a cat with chronic kidney disease becomes dehydrated, its kidneys suffer further damage. Drinking water alone may not be enough to meet their needs, so actively incorporate wet food. In some cases, subcutaneous fluid therapy at home or at the veterinary hospital may be necessary to supplement fluids.

Fluid management essential for senior cats and cats with kidney disease

Importance of water intake for cats with kidney disease

As mentioned earlier, cats with kidney disease tend to lose fluids constantly from their bodies, leading to dehydration. When dehydrated, the body's blood volume decreases, and the kidneys do not receive sufficient blood supply. This not only damages the kidneys but also causes a buildup of waste products in the body. Cats with kidney disease need to consume more water than healthy cats.

Using high-moisture therapeutic diets and prescription soups

There are many types of therapeutic diets for senior cats and cats with kidney disease. In addition to dry food, wet therapeutic food has also been developed. Senior cats and cats with kidney disease can take in more moisture by actively incorporating wet food. There are also oral rehydration solutions and liquid diets for cats, which are easier to administer with a syringe.

Provide an environment conducive to drinking water

Senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to drink water more actively. However, they may give up if they can't easily go to drink on their own. Therefore, place water bowls in areas where your cat frequently spends time, and elevate the bowl with a stand to make it easier for them to drink. Also, providing a bowl that suits your cat's preferences will encourage them to drink more water.

Summary

Cats tend not to drink much water, but leaving them as is can lead to dehydration. Keep track of how much water they're drinking, and if it's too little, try changing the material of their water bowl, increasing the number of bowls, or changing their food to encourage them to drink more. Drinking enough water is the first step towards a healthier life and extending your cat's lifespan.