How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated
Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Set Up a Pet Water Fountain
If you find that your cat doesn’t drink much water out of their bowl, you aren’t alone. Your cat might even want to drink from the faucet whenever they get the chance. The reason for this odd behavior is that cats generally prefer to drink from water sources that are flowing. Basically, they think running water is safer to drink than stagnant water. And this is when a pet water fountain can come in handy.
There are a host of water fountains designed for dogs and cats these days, so you can find the one that has the features you want. Many run quietly so they don’t make a lot of noise, and those that have good filtration systems will ensure your cat has a steady source of clean, fresh water at all times.
When shopping for a pet fountain, consider how easy it will be for your cat to drink from it, and how easy it will be for you to clean it. Keeping the fountain clean can help it run smoothly and prevent it from breaking. And changing out the filters on a regular basis will also be necessary, so that’s an expense that you should consider as well when browsing the products that are available. Of course, opting for products made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and ceramic is always a good way to go.
A great example is the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain, which can hold 60 ounces of water. Because it’s made of 18/8 stainless steel, this fountain is durable yet lightweight so it’s easy to pick it up when you need to empty it out and refill it with fresh water. This fountain is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe, and it has a replaceable filter.
Feed Your Cat a Moisture-Rich Diet
Cats can get a lot of the moisture that they need from the foods that they eat. When fending for themselves, they get moisture from the raw flesh of their prey, but when living the domesticated life with you indoors, they can get moisture from various types of wet foods that are made for cats. Some people even opt to feed their cats a balanced and vet-recommended raw food diet, which also provides moisture.
If your cat eats nothing but dry food, it may be harder to ensure that they are getting the right amount of moisture and maintaining the right level of hydration every day. So, consider introducing wet food into their diet. These days, you can find wet foods in a variety of textures, from the well-known pate texture to minced and flaked varieties, mousses, and more. Trial and error will help you figure out which types of wet food your kitty prefers.
Even if your cat doesn’t go for any type of wet food, you can add water to their dry food. Alternatively, you might consider adding a bone broth that’s safe for cats (there are ingredients that cats shouldn’t eat, so be careful). A good example is Open Farm Bone Broth, which comes in multiple flavors and is easy to add to your pet’s wet or dry food for extra flavor, moisture, and nutrition.
Make the Water More Flavorful
Yet another way to entice your cat to drink more is by making their water more flavorful and making it smell more appealing. Some people add cat-safe broth to the water (bear in mind that this may not work well if you’re using a water fountain).
Instead of adding anything to your cat’s water, you can offer them a product like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care. All you have to do is open the pouch, pour it into a bowl, and offer it to your kitty. The water is enriched with nutrients and has a flavor that cats love. Plus, its ingredients help your cat’s body absorb water on a cellular level. And the brand says that it can decrease urine specific gravity, too. But if you aren’t sure if this would be right for your cat, just consult with your veterinarian first.
Bottom line: making sure your cat consumes enough water through their food and water bowl or fountain is essential. If your pet isn’t drinking enough or is showing signs of dehydration, see a veterinarian to get answers. Simple changes to your cat’s routine and diet may make a big difference and help your kitty feel good.
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Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
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