Is Your Cat Hydrated?

Did you know that just like us humans, water makes up about 60-70% of your cat’s body?

Dehydration in cats can quickly become a big problem leading to excess loss of fluid from their body, which is why water is key to your cat’s circulation, digestion and physical energy.

Look out for these signs to check if your cat is dehydrated

• Dry mouth

• Sunken eyes

• Lethargy

• Constipation

• Poor skin elasticity

• Increased heart rate

How much water do cats need?

Ideally, cats need 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of their body weight. However, If your cat’s diet primarily consists of wet food, you may notice that your cat isn’t drinking as much water as required for her body weight. This is completely normal, as wet food contains 70 - 80% of water and is keeping your cat hydrated.

There are a few simple things we recommend that you can do to encourage your cat to stay hydrated.

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Clean Their Water Bowl Regularly

Water bowls are prone to developing mineral deposits and slime leading to growth of bad bacteria. Even if the water looks fine, it might not be fresh and your cat will know the difference. You must clean your cat’s bowl everyday with hot water. If you are using a water fountain, you should clean it once a week.

Try a Drinking Fountain

Just like their ancestors, cats are naturally drawn to moving water and it tastes fresher to them. It may take a few days for your cat to get used to drinking from a fountain, but they will end up thanking you for it. Be sure to also leave a bowl of water while they are adjusting to a water fountain.

Make Sure You Have Enough Water Bowls

If you have multiple cats in your household, you should have multiple water bowls as some cats can be territorial and may not let others drink from the bowl they consider theirs.

Keep It At An Ideal Space

Set a dedicated spot for your cat’s water bowl. Some cats may not like their dishes placed close to their litter tray or in unsafe areas. Ideally, it should be placed in a rather non-crowded corner of your household.

Incorporate Wet Food In Their Diet

Adding wet food into the mix is probably the easiest way to get your kitty consuming more water. A lot of wet foods are extremely palatable, like Little BigPaw and Applaws, so you won’t have any issues encouraging your cat to gobble them up. They also contain a lot more water than dry food, so you can worry less about how much your cat is drinking out of the water bowl.

Consult With Your Vet

After considering the above recommendations, if you notice that your cat still isn’t drinking enough or any amount of water it may be a sign of an underlying condition and must be consulted with your vet immediately.

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