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Most cats don’t drink enough water. Because cats are so self-sufficient, we assume they know what’s best for his or her health, and repeatedly they do. But I learned the importance of getting a cat to drink more water — with a medical scare that involved a dehydrated cat. So, is your cat not drinking water or is your cat not drinking enough water? We’ve outlined what it is advisable find out about cats drinking water, get your cat to drink water and more:
A cat not drinking water could make for a dehydrated cat. Photography by Phant / Shutterstock.
The cautionary tale of 1 dehydrated cat
A cat not drinking water could lead on to serious complications. A few years ago, my cat Pugsley was spending quite a lot of time within the litter box, straining to pee. Nothing was coming out. Something told me this was not good. Once I picked him up around his middle and he cried out in pain, I knew he was in trouble. It was Friday night at 10 (in fact) and I rushed him to the emergency vet. Thank goodness I did.
Related: How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?
Pugsley’s urethra was clogged with urinary stones — considered one of the uncomfortable side effects of a cat not drinking water, or a cat not drinking enough water. They’re like a “plug” of sentimental, compressible material consisting of minerals, cells and mucus-like protein. Urine backs up and the kidneys can’t remove toxins from the blood or keep fluids and electrolytes in balance. This may result in death inside 24 to 48 hours if not treated immediately.
Thankfully, Pugsley was treated in time, however the vet told me the No. 1 strategy to prevent him from reblocking and possibly requiring surgery was to maintain him hydrated. You higher consider I began looking into ways to get my cats to drink more water.
But a blocked urethra isn’t the one medical issue that results from a cat not drinking water. Just as with humans, cats’ urinary health is tied on to water consumption, so things like urinary tract infections and crystals are less likely in a well-hydrated cat. Digestive health also advantages from increased water intake. I’ve made it a priority to try every thing I can to get my cats to drink more water.
Is your cat not drinking water, or not drinking enough water? Avoid having a dehydrated cat by getting your cat to drink more water:
1. Switch to a mostly wet-food weight loss program
Canned food simply has more moisture. Based on my vet, that is the simplest strategy to get your cat to drink more water and avoid a dehydrated cat.
In case your cat won’t eat wet food, add water or broth to dry food and see if he’ll eat that. In case your cat digs canned food, add water or broth to it to make it even wetter. Some cats love the soupy consistency this creates.
2. Try ice cubes in your cat’s food
It adds moisture and it’s like just a little treat for the cat. The cube takes on the food’s flavor, and while your cat’s licking the cube, he’s getting more water, too. Ice cubes in your cat’s water bowl might work with a cat not drinking water, too. Some cats prefer icy-cold water, identical to some humans do.
3. Serve smaller, more frequent meals
Eating prompts thirst, so a cat not drinking water might drink more water if he gets food more often.
4. Place water bowls throughout the home
Make it super easy in your cat to get himself a drink by offering multiple agua stations throughout the home. These personalized bowls from Frisco are fun ($12.99, Chewy). A cat not drinking water may need trouble accessing the water in query. My cat Romeo loves drinking water out of my cups. Leaving a number of strategically placed drinking glasses around might entice your cat to drink more water, too.
5. Concentrate on the water bowl’s location
A cat not drinking water won’t like his water bowl’s location. Keep your cat’s water bowl away from his litter box. Would you ought to drink near your toilet?
6. Be sure that the bowls are refilled usually
Cats like fresh water — and who can blame them? Be sure that to alter the water at the least once a day and wash out the bowl completely with soap and water usually to maintain it from getting slimy and gross.
7. Tap into the tap
In case your cat is drawn to running water, use this as an important opportunity to get him to drink more! A cat not drinking water might just need you to show drinking water right into a fun game. Try running the tap a number of minutes several times a day. Construct it into your morning and evening routine, for instance, and create some good bonding time … over an extended, cold drink of water!
8. Flavor the water
A cat not drinking water might drink flavored water! You’ll be able to attempt to make your cats drink more water by flavoring it with a little bit of tuna juice or chicken broth.
9. Use cat fountains
Many cats like drinking out of fountains. It’d take some time for them to get the hang of it, but once they do, they’ll find it irresistible! Fountains like this one from Cate Mate ($27.95, Chewy) are attractive since the moving water is interesting to the cat and it stays fresh. This definitely helps in case you forget to alter your cat’s bowl each day.
10. Experiment with several types of cat bowls
Cats are finicky about nearly every thing (big shocker!), and you’ll be able to go ahead and add drinking bowls to that list. Test a number of out (glass, chrome steel, ceramic or plastic) and you may discover your cat has a definite preference.
The underside line on what to find out about a cat not drinking water
We are able to all stand to drink more water, and your cat isn’t any exception. Helping your cat to drink more water has many advantages and helps you avoid the damaging health problems with a dehydrated cat. More water = more peeing = healthier kitty = happier everybody!
Top photograph: Konstantin Aksenov/ Getty Images
Read Next: Here’s Why Cats Hate Water — And What to Do About It
