Have you noticed that cats like to drink from strange places? At home, they get a bowl of fresh clean water every day, but they still like to drink from the gutter or the rain barrel. How does that work? And how do you ensure that a cat drinks enough?
Cats are not easy drinkers by nature. Traditionally, they are desert animals that can withstand drought quite well. For a large part, they get their moisture from their food. Yet it is vital for cats not to build up a fluid deficiency. Drinking enough will keep a cat healthy and prevent bladder and kidney problems. Bladder grit and urinary tract problems are a major and painful problem for many cats. Drinking water is therefore key to retain a healthy happy life.
Water from cat food
Because cats traditionally get a lot of moisture from their prey, cats that get wet food will be less likely to run the risk of becoming dehydrated. You will also notice that cats that eat wet food drink from their bowl less often. Cats that only get kibble have a lot more trouble getting enough moisture. However, there may be good reason to give your cat food, for example for healthy teeth. Wet food is also often of varying quality, so make sure to find a wet food that contains high-quality ingredients.
Another remnant of the 'primal cat' is that cats don't like to drink neir their food or toilet - their instinct says that this water is polluted. That's why cats like to drink in strange places, for example outside from a puddle. Do do not put the water bowl near the food or litter box.
A cat that drinks enough is usually cheerful and active, has slightly moist gums and does about three pees per day. His skin is also elastic and his coat is shiny and clean. If you suspect your cat doesn't drink enough, there are some tricks to get your cat to drink more water.
Tips for getting your cat to drink more:
- Add wet food or fresh meat to your cat's diet
- Add a little water to the food, make a little 'soup'.
- Put the water bowl away from the the litter box and food bowl
- Spread water bowls around the house in different places
- Clean the water bowls regularly
- Use a shallow water bowl < a href = "https://www.pawshake.com.au/blog/what-you-need-know-about-cat-whiskers" target = "_ blank"> to prevent 'whiskers stress'
- Fresh water is the best: change every day
- Cats love running water. Use a water fountain or a tap
Talk to your cat sitter
Do you ever book a cat sitter at Pawshake? Ask your cat sitter to refresh the water every day. Have the sitter not only clean the bowl in the kitchen, but also the water bowls elsewhere in the house. A fun activity for your cat and the sitter is to play with a running or dripping tap!
Suddenly drink more?
Does your cat suddenly drink much more often and more? Drinking and peeing too much is not good either. If you suddenly see a change in behavior, always consult your veterinarian.
