Is your cat consuming enough water? While healthy cats usually drink enough to meet their needs, sometimes they need a little extra to stay hydrated, especially if they're managing certain health conditions like kidney and bladder issues. In this article, we're going to explore why water is so important for your furry friend, how much they really need, and some simple ways to encourage them to drink more.

Understanding your cat's water needs

You might be wondering just how much water your cat really needs. Well, it turns out that their water requirements are generally matched to their calorie needs. This means if your cat is eating more, they'll likely need more water. But there's no one-size-fits-all number; how much water your cat needs can vary quite a bit based on several factors.

What influences water needs for cats?

  1. Environment: Just like us, if cats are in a hotter and more humid environment, they'll need more water to stay cool and hydrated.
  2. Diet: Cats on dry food diets will need more drinking water compared to those on wet food diets, which already contain a lot of water.
  3. Activity level: More active cats will need more water to replace the fluids they lose during play and exercise.

Water isn't just something they get from the tap or their food bowl. Cats also produce water internally when they metabolize their food. So, a part of their hydration actually comes from their meals, even their dry kibble.

What are the benefits of increased water consumption for cats?

Here’s something interesting: whether cats are fed dry, canned, or all-meat diets, their total water intake tends to even out. However, the way they get this water can vary. For cats on dry diets, much of their water intake comes from drinking, while those on wet diets get it directly from their food. Despite these differences, there isn't a significant disadvantage to lower moisture diets as long as cats compensate by drinking more.

But, there's a twist—when cats eat dry food, they might have more water in their feces and less in their urine. This means that while they might drink more, the total water they use isn't always higher compared to when they eat wetter food.

Here are a few reasons why encouraging your cat to drink more water can be beneficial:

  1. Managing obesity: For overweight or obese cats, more water can mean fewer calories. Water helps dilute calories and increase the sense of fullness without adding more food. This can help manage and reduce weight effectively.
  2. Lower urinary tract health: Increased water consumption helps dilute the urine, which can prevent the formation of urinary crystals and occurrences of idiopathic cystitis. By promoting a higher urine volume, you're essentially helping to flush out the things that could cause inflammation or even blockages in their urinary tract.
  3. Kidney health: In cats with kidney disease, the kidney's ability to reabsorb water is impaired, which can lead to dehydration. By encouraging your cat to drink more water, you help compensate for this loss of function.
  4. Increased activity: Studies have shown that cats being fed a high moisture diet, had higher energy levels.
  5. Overall health: By promoting better hydration, water can help manage various diseases and support overall health.
Cat eating canned food
Adding canned food to your cat's diet can very beneficial

How much water does your cat need?

So, you're trying to figure out how much water your furry friend should be drinking? It's a great question and a bit more complicated than you might think!

On average, cats need about 50 milliliters (ml) of water per kilogram (kg) of their body weight each day. To put it simply, if you have a 4 kg cat (about 8.8 pounds), that would mean they need around 200 ml of water daily (that's a little less than a cup).

However, just like people, every cat is unique, and so is their water intake! The "50 ml per kg" is a starting point, but remember, there's a wide range of what’s normal and there are lots of individual variations.

Tips to encourage your cat to consume more water

Want to make sure your cat stays happily hydrated? Here are a couple of simple ways to encourage them to drink more:

  • Moisten the kibble: Adding water to dry kibble can increase moisture intake. While some cats won't mind this, others can be turned off eating if their kibble is too wet. Start with small amounts and see how your cat responds.
  • Serve wet food: Wet foods contain more moisture than dry kibble, so incorporating some into your cat's diet can help boost their overall hydration. Having your cat eat canned food is the easiest and best way to increase water consumption.
  • Multiple water stations: Set up a few water bowls around the house. Cats might be more inclined to drink if they stumble upon a bowl in their favorite hangout spots.
  • Try a cat fountain: Many cats are intrigued by moving water, and a fountain can make drinking more appealing.
  • Flavor the water: A little bit of flavor from tuna or chicken broth can make the water more enticing (just make sure it’s pet-safe and low in sodium).

In conclusion, water is essential to your cat's health, influencing everything from kidney function to digestion. Remember, each cat's water needs are unique, and influenced by their diet, activity level, and health. By providing fresh, clean water, encouraging drinking with multiple bowls or fountains, and monitoring their intake, you can help ensure your cat stays hydrated and healthy. If you notice any changes in their drinking habits, whether it's more or less, please consult your veterinarian. Keep your furry friend happy and hydrated, and they’ll thank you with purrs of contentment!