Why Isn't My Cat Drinking Water? | 4 Tips to Increase Cat's Water Intake
Is your cat not drinking enough water? Even after changing several drinking fountains at home, do they still refuse to drink? It's common for cat owners to wonder why their feline friends shy away from water. Insufficient water intake can lead to serious health issues in cats, like kidney disease and urinary tract problems. It's important to address this before those issues arise.
Why Isn't My Cat Drinking Water?
1. Cat's Nature
Wild cats primarily get their hydration from their prey, which means they naturally drink less water. This innate characteristic may make cats less inclined to drink water actively at home.
2. Drinking Environment
Cats have a keen sense of smell and are extremely hygienic. If the water has any odor or lacks freshness, cats may choose not to drink it. Additionally, some cats prefer to drink water in quiet and secluded places.
Impact of Insufficient Water Intake in Cats
1. Prone to Kidney Disease
When cats have insufficient water intake, leading to dehydration, blood flow to the kidneys decreases, causing a lack of essential nutrients and affecting normal kidney function. Over time, this can result in the accumulation of toxins in the body, impacting the functioning of other organs and potentially causing kidney failure or the formation of kidney stones. Conversely, if you notice that a cat suddenly starts drinking water excessively (especially in kittens), it could indicate a kidney problem.
2. Increased Risk of Urinary Stones
Inadequate water intake can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of urinary stones. Urinary stones can cause difficulties in urination, pain, and other health issues, significantly affecting the quality of life for cats.
3. Impaired Overall Health
A lack of adequate water intake may also bring about constipation or digestive issues, which may affect a cat's appetite and nutrient absorption. It can also negatively impact overall health, causing issues like dry skin, lackluster coat, and lethargy.
How Much Should a Cat Drink? | Cat Water Intake Calculator
The amount of water a cat should consume daily depends on the cat's weight. It is generally recommended that cats drink between 40 to 60 milliliters per kilogram of body weight.
A cat's water intake also depends on the cat's age and physical condition. For example, lactating cats require more water, and cats in hot weather or those naturally active may need double or even triple the usual intake.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Pet owners can monitor their cat's hydration using simple checks: gently pull the skin on the cat's neck to see if it springs back promptly, check for dandruff, and monitor whether the cat urinates 2-3 times a day. If the answer to any of these checks is "no", it may indicate dehydration. In such cases, the cat may be at risk of kidney disease, so it is advisable for pet owners to seek professional veterinary advice promptly and address the issue accordingly.
4 Ways to Increase Your Cat's Water Intake
1. Mix Dry and Wet Food
Combining dry and wet food can help increase your cat's water intake, as wet food contains about 70% moisture compared to the 10% moisture in dry food. However, this method should not replace your cat's daily water needs, so make sure to provide fresh water for your cat daily.
2. Improve Water Quality
"Is your cat suddenly refusing to drink water?" Cats are sensitive to odors, and with stale or poor-quality water, cats may refuse to drink. Refresh your cat's drinking water daily and maintain their drinking fountain or bowl clean, which can help promote your cat's drinking habits. You can also try to adjust water temperatures according to the season, such as warm water in winter and cool water in summer, encouraging your cat to drink more consistently.
3. Use a Cats Water Fountain
Cats are attracted to fresh, flowing water and a water fountain can attract their attention, increasing their motivation to drink water. Ensure that the cat’s drinking fountain is clean, place the water fountain in a quiet area away from the litter box and noisy environments, and consider having several water fountains in places your cat frequents to increase their water intake. Try to avoid using a syringe to feed water, as it may increase stress and aversion for the cat.
4. Use Cat Hydration Supplements
If your cat meets the following conditions:
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Doesn't like drinking water
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Needs additional hydration
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Has or has had lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD) / kidney health issues
Consider using supplements like Pro Plan - Hydra Care™ Feline Hydration Supplement. Research has shown that it can increase your cat's water intake by 50% (compared to only drinking water), helping to replenish their body's hydration. It can also increase urine dilution and reduce urine specific gravity (USG), which helps in preventing urinary tract-related diseases.