Although cats are frequently depicted drinking milk in movies and other media, milk is not suitable for most felines.
Water is as important to a cat's existence as it is to humans. Water makes up around 60-70% of their body weight. Many cats do not like to drink water, despite the fact that it is beneficial for them. This might result in dehydration, so keep an eye on your cat's water consumption.
Why is it so important for cats to stay hydrated?
Hydration refers to the physiological state of the body's electrolytes, minerals, and fluids, and it's critical to keep this balance. Water is essential for everything from organ function to nutrition transportation to circulation and digestion.
It also aids in the removal of toxins from the kidneys and reduces the risk of urinary stones. However, each cat is unique and has its own tastes. As a result, you may need to experiment with how to provide water and how your cat enjoys it.
What Causes Dehydration in Cats?
Dehydration in cats can happen for a number of causes. One of the main causes is that it's in their genes. Felines have a low thirst drive than dogs. Cats can find it difficult to see the edge of the water in a bowl since they have near-sightedness issues.
Furthermore, when cats drink from a bowl, their tongues curl into a J-shape and bite off a column of water, which is inefficient. Cats only get 3/100 of a teaspoon per lap. Cats are very sensitive to the taste and appearance of water. Fresh, flowing water attracts most cats naturally. Chronic kidney disease, as well as other illnesses like diarrhea or diabetes, make cats more prone to dehydration.
Dehydration Symptoms in Cats
Your cat may become dehydrated if she ignores her drinking bowl. The following are symptoms of a dehydrated cat:
Elevated heart rate
Dry gums
Lethargy or depression
Appetite loss
Decrease in skin elasticity
If you gently pinch the skin over your cat's shoulders and the skin stays compressed when you release it, it shows that it's dehydrated. This is referred to as "skin tenting" and it indicated dehydration.
How much water should a cat drink?
Cats require different quantities of water depending on their weight and the food they consume (dry kibble or canned wet food). The unusual structure of cats' tongues makes it difficult for even the healthiest of cats to drink the proper amount of water. A cat barely gets 3/100 of a teaspoon from a single lap of water.
Some cats can drink too much water, despite the fact that many cats struggle to remain hydrated. It might be an indication of feline hyperthyroidism or diabetes if your cat consumes more water than normal.
It might be difficult to get your cat to drink enough water. You might have to try a few different things until you discover something it loves. To see how your cat reacts, try one or more of the following options.
Choose the right water bowl:
If your cat's present water bowl is deep and narrow, it may touch its whiskers, which is unpleasant. To test whether your cat drinks more, try altering her water bowl to a larger, shallower dish with a narrower lip.
Put it in the right place:
It may be tempting to put your cat's food and water bowls in an out-of-the-way location, but cats don't appreciate being confined in it. They enjoy places where they can quickly examine their surroundings and aren't concerned about someone approaching from behind. Try changing its water bowl to a different area to see if it helps.
Keep it fresh:
Your cat's bowl might become congested with dust, hair, dirt, etc making it less likely to drink from it. Fill its bowl with new water once or twice a day.
Involve cat wet food:
If you've done everything and it still won't drink, try hydrating it with wet food. Although wet food cannot completely replace water, it can help it boost its overall water intake and prevent dehydration.
Even the most luxurious water bowls and cat fountains are not enough for some cats. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is still not drinking enough water, talk to your veterinarian. They may suggest a cat hydration supplement or provide you with more tips on how to assist your cat to drink more water.
Cats not only drink water, but it is also necessary for their survival. Keeping your cat hydrated is important for its happiness and wellbeing. Explore all of our wet cat food alternatives to help your cat drink more water. Before introducing new food to your cat's diet, consult your veterinarian.