As a cat owner, I know how important it is to make sure my feline friend is drinking enough water. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they don’t get as much moisture from their food as herbivores do. For this reason, they need to drink water to stay hydrated.
So, the amount of water a cat needs to drink each day depends on their weight, activity level, and the temperature of their environment.
For instance, it’s usual for me to spot my orange tabbies (yes, I have two!) around the water bowl 3-4 times a day. This will also depend on whether you feed your cats dry food, wet food, or both. If you feed your cat only dry food (which isn’t good for them, by the way!), then expect them to drink a lot more water.
If you have them on wet food diet, then they’re getting a lot more moisture and hydration into their bodies thanks to the water in the wet food.
Usually, cats need between 3.5-4.5 ounces (about ½ a cup) of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. For example, a 10-pound cat should be consuming between 7-9 ounces (about 1 cup) of water each day.
Again, if you’re feeding your cat two whole cans of wet food cans and they are drinking a couple of times a day from their water bowl, they should be okay.
Please note that these are just general guidelines.
Guidelines for the Summer
If your cat is more active or lives in a warmer climate, they may need to drink more water to stay hydrated. Some cats may drink more or less water depending on their individual needs.
To make sure your cat is drinking enough water, you can try the following tips:
- Provide fresh water: Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water.
- Change their water bowl daily and wash it with soap and water at least once a week to keep it clean and free of bacteria.
- Offer wet food: Wet food contains more moisture than dry food, so it can help keep your cat hydrated.
- Consider adding a small amount of water to your cat’s wet food to increase their water intake.
- Use a water fountain: Some cats prefer to drink running water, so a water fountain may encourage them to drink more water.
I’ve had a lot of luck with adding multiple water bowls and mugs in several rooms in my home as well as adding a water fountain. When my cats have been sick, I’ve also added a couple spoons of water to their wet food as any hydration helps them.
Understanding Cat Hydration
Hydration is especially important for your kitty. In this section, I will cover the importance of water for cats, recognizing dehydration in cats, and factors affecting water intake.
The Importance of Water for Cats
Water is essential for cats as it helps maintain their body temperature, transports nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Cats need to drink water regularly to prevent dehydration, which can lead to serious health problems.
According to Purina, cats’ bodies are made up of 60-70% water, and they need to consume about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight per day.
Recognizing Dehydration in Cats
Dehydration in cats can occur when they don’t drink enough water or lose too much water through vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination.
Learning to recognize the signs of dehydration is essential: it includes dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity.
You can check your cat’s skin elasticity by gently pulling up the skin on the back of their neck. If the skin snaps back into place quickly, your cat is well-hydrated.
However, if the skin takes a few seconds to return to its normal position, your cat may be dehydrated.
Factors Affecting Water Intake
Several factors can affect your cat’s water intake, including their diet, kidney function, and water bowl location.
Cats that eat dry food may need to drink more water than cats that eat wet food as dry food contains less moisture.
According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, cats that eat wet food may drink less water as wet food contains up to 80% water.
Lastly, cats with kidney problems may need to drink more water to help flush out toxins from their body.
What are the signs that a cat is not getting enough water?
If your cat is not getting enough water, they may show signs of dehydration which include dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, and thick saliva. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action right away and encourage your cat to drink more water and take them to the vet to rule out any serious issues like kidney disease.
Can a cat stay healthy on wet food alone without drinking water?
While wet food does contain some moisture, it’s not enough to keep your cat properly hydrated. Cats need to drink water regularly to maintain their health and prevent dehydration. So, it’s important to make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
What should I do if my cat isn’t showing interest in drinking water?
If your cat isn’t showing interest in drinking water, there are a few things you can try.
First, make sure their water bowl is clean and fresh. Cats are often picky about the cleanliness of their water. You can also try adding some flavor to their water, such as a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth.
Finally, you can try offering your cat water from a running faucet or a pet fountain.
Why might a male cat suddenly increase its water intake?
If your male cat suddenly increases its water intake, it’s important to take note of any other symptoms they may be experiencing. This could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease or diabetes.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s water intake, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
How can I encourage my cat to drink more water, especially when ill?
If your cat is ill, it’s important to encourage them to drink more water to help flush out toxins and keep them hydrated. You can try offering your cat water from a syringe or dropper, or mix some water into their wet food.
You can also try offering your cat water from a pet fountain or running faucet, as many cats prefer to drink moving water.