Why Hydration is Key to Your Cat's Health💧

When it comes to hydration, cats can be notoriously picky. As a pet owner, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with dehydration and how you can ensure your feline friend stays hydrated and healthy.

Common Hydration Risks in Cats and Their Health Effects

Dehydration in cats is a common issue that can lead to serious health problems if not addressed. Cats don’t always drink enough water, which can result in:

• Urinary tract issues: Chronic dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney disease. Cats that drink less water often develop more concentrated urine, increasing their risk of these conditions.

• Kidney disease: Cats, especially older ones, are prone to kidney problems, and dehydration can exacerbate kidney disease. Chronic low fluid intake can lead to kidney failure over time.

• Constipation: Dehydration often results in hard, dry stools, which can lead to constipation and discomfort for your cat.
  
  

Cats Are Fussy Drinkers – How to Combat This

Cats are known for being fussy about their water. To encourage them to drink more, try these tips:

• Keep water bowls away from food: Cats instinctively prefer to have their water source separate from their food. If the water bowl is near the food dish, your cat may avoid drinking. Try placing their water bowl in a different area of the house.

• Consider a water fountain: Many cats prefer running or fresh water over still and stagnant water. Automatic water fountains like PurrBot provide fresh water that can attract cats to drink more.

• Clean the water bowl regularly: Cats are sensitive to dirty water. Make sure to clean their bowl at least once a day to ensure they always have fresh, clean water.
  
  

How Much Water Should Your Cat Be Drinking?

Cats need around 50-70 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. For example, if your cat weighs 4 kg, they should be drinking around 200-280 ml of water daily.

Additional Tips to Encourage Hydration

• Wet food: If your cat is reluctant to drink, consider incorporating wet food into their diet. It contains a high percentage of moisture and can help keep them hydrated.

• Ice cubes or flavoured water: Some cats enjoy playing with ice cubes in their water bowl or drinking flavored water (such as adding a bit of tuna juice). This can make the drinking experience more enjoyable for them.

• Multiple water stations: Having several water bowls or fountains throughout the house can encourage your cat to drink more.
  
  

Signs of Dehydration in Cats

It’s important to know the signs of dehydration so you can take action quickly. Symptoms include:

• Dry, sticky gums

• Sunken eyes

• Lethargy or weakness

• Reduced urine output

• Loss of skin elasticity (the skin may not spring back when pinched)
  
  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult your vet right away.