Just like us, cats need water for their bodies to be healthy. And just like us, our cats sometimes don’t drink as much as they need. So, how do you get a cat to drink water?
How to Get a Cat to Drink Water: Step by Step
1. Clean Their Water Bowl Regularly
Fresh water is key. Water dishes are prone to developing mineral deposits and yucky slime. (Even if the water looks fine, it might not be fresh-and your cat will know the difference!) Dishes with standing water should be cleaned daily with sudsy hot water. Water fountains tend to stay cleaner for longer, but should still be cleaned once weekly. (More on those in the next tip.)
Pro Tip: Some plastic water containers can also hold onto odors and bacteria, making them less desirable compared to ceramic, glass or stainless steel.
2. Try a Drinking Fountain
Cats love moving water because it tastes fresher-and because they’re naturally drawn to moving water sources, just like their ancestors. A bowl with a fountain or stream feature constantly rotates the water, making it a more desirable option compared to standing water.
Pro Tip: Large, wide, and shallow bowls are preferred by kitties. This allows them to lap up water without their whiskers rubbing against the bowl, which can feel uncomfortable.
3. Make Sure You Have Enough Water Bowls
If you have multiple cats, you should have multiple drinking bowls-at least one for each cat. Some cats can be territorial, and will prevent other cats in the home from drinking out of “their” bowl.
4. Consider the Location
Keep your cat’s water bowl in an ideal space. Cats will object if their dishes are placed next to the litter box or in places where they don’t feel safe. Aim for a non-cramped space that’s quiet and out of the way of household traffic.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple floors or your house is large, try placing water dishes in different locations throughout your home to make drinking more convenient for your kitty.
5. Try Wet Food
Incorporating wet food or snacks into your cat’s diet can help them get more fluids. Some dry foods also have higher water content than others. You can compare water content by looking for the moisture percentage in the list of nutritional information on the package. Most dry foods have a moisture content between 5-15%; canned foods typically have a moisture between 70-85%.
As always, speak with your veterinarian about the ideal diet for your cat, as certain wet foods can worsen medical issues such as dental disease.
6. Consult Your Vet
Cats may stop consuming as much water as they usually do if they aren’t feeling well physically or emotionally. If you notice a sudden decline in their drinking habits, consult your veterinarian right away.
No matter how dehydrated you think your cat is, never force them to drink water. Even if you get a little in their mouth, it likely won’t be enough water to help them feel better, and it can create an aversion to drinking water. In dire cases, your vet can administer fluids intravenously (IV).
How Much Water Does My Cat Need?
As a general rule, cats need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. So, if your cat weighs about 10 pounds then they should drink about 10 ounces of water, or about 1.25 cups per day. Smaller cats require less, and larger cats require more.
Is My Cat Dehydrated?
Be on the lookout for these signs of dehydration:
Reduced energy levels
Weakness
Constipation
Hard, dry poop
Reduced urination
Dry or sticky gums
Sunken eyes
Decreased appetite
Loss of elasticity in the skin
If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, contact your vet. They can run tests such as bloodwork and urinalysis to determine if that is the case, and if so, can administer fluids via IV or offer tailored solutions to ensure your cat is drinking enough water.
Getting your cat to drink water is sometimes as simple as swapping out the water dish, switching up the location of the bowl, or increasing how often you clean their current dish. If the above doesn’t seem to do the trick, or you suspect an issue with your cat’s health, consult your veterinarian so you can get to the bottom of the issue.
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14 окт 2024
