by Alexander Thompson
Jul 11, 2022
5 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How Do You Know if Your Cat Is Drinking Enough Water?
- What Is the Ideal Amount of Water Your Cat Should Drink Daily?
- How Do You Make Your Cat Drink More Water?
- PAWAii Cat Water Fountain
- In Conclusion
A cat that is not drinking sufficient water is at risk of dehydration. The trouble is even greater in present
conditions, thanks to the warm summer weather. The best way to get your cat to drink enough water is to keep
their water fresh and cool.
How Do You Know if Your Cat Is Drinking Enough Water?
A cat that does not get enough water may develop kidney problems, especially cats aged 11 and older. That said,
spotting a dehydrated cat is not black and white. You must know the signs of dehydration and watch out for them
in your feline friend.
Breathing with the Mouth Open
When your cat breathes heavily with its mouth open, it signifies that it needs water. Panting is not common in
cats – you should pay attention if it starts happening suddenly. It may indicate anxiousness, stress, or
overheating, which is a pointer to dehydration. Panting could also mean your cat has done too much work while
hunting for a mouse. The fix is simple – get your cat a bowl of water, and if it drinks up hurriedly, then
dehydration is the culprit.
Reduced Appetite
If a cat’s appetite reduces or becomes non-existent, it may point to dehydration. Cats protest their inability
to get sufficient water by losing interest in food. If you feed your cat dry foods, you must ensure they get
sufficient water to go with them. If your cat is not eating for over 24 hours, you should report to your vet
immediately. Keeping track of your cat’s daily water intake is also important. Dehydration may present subtle
signs, and early discovery helps tackle the situation head-on.
Lack of Energy
A cat with reduced energy will be inactive, uninterested, and mostly sleepy. If your cat hides more than before
and fails to respond to your touch as they do, lethargy may have set in. These behavioral changes may not be
unconnected to the fact that your cat has not been drinking sufficient water. Strange movements or loss of
balance in graceful creatures like cats are not always coincidental. Often, it points to dehydration.
Skin Elasticity
Your cat’s skin needs enough fluid to stay smooth and elastic. If unsure of your cat’s hydration levels, perform
a skin ‘tent’ on them by pinching the skin between their shoulder blades. The skin either snaps back to normal
after a moment or maintains the same tent-like position, taking minutes to return to normal. In the case of the
former, your cat is not dehydrated. However, the latter may mean your cat suffers from severe dehydration. That
said, it is essential to note that this is not a completely accurate test.
Eyes and Gums
You can detect dehydration in cats by observing their gums and eyes. For instance, if you gently push a hydrated
cat’s lip with your finger, pressing against the gum line, you will feel some wetness. This is not the same for
a dehydrated cat – their gums are usually sticky and dry. If your cat has thick saliva in the mouth, it may be
suffering from dehydration. Similarly, cats with dull or sunken eyes most likely suffer from dehydration. Some
older cats have natural sunken eyes, so you should consider other symptoms when assessing your cat’s hydration
levels from their eyes.
Check here to learn about Water And Your Cats’ Health
What Is the Ideal Amount of Water Your Cat Should Drink Daily?
The general rule of thumb is that a cat should drink about 50 mL of water per kg of body weight every day. If
you have a 4-5kg cat, it needs 200-250 mL of water daily. The water may be in the form of “free water” from
liquids and food, or as “oxidation water,” a product of metabolism. So, when a cat burns 1 g of fat, protein, or
starch, it yields less than 1.1 g, 0.4 g, and 0.6 g, respectively. Cats can also get moisture from their natural
foods, including prey like birds and small mammals. These food sources contain up to 70% moisture. So, if a cat
ingests 200-250 g of food, 70% of the fluid requirement has been accounted for by food intake, excluding the
additional “metabolic water” that will be produced. Cats’ wet foods comprise 80% of water, with an average
requirement of 250-300 g. These foods help meet their fluid needs fully. A scientific study confirms that cats
could meet their fluid requirements by eating only meat or fresh fish.
How Do You Make Your Cat Drink More Water?
You can get your cats to drink more water using the tips below:
Try a New Water Bowl Location
As simple as it may seem, taking your cat’s water bowl to a new spot can encourage them to drink more water. A
switch from a busy or noisy area or next to their food bowl to somewhere quieter with fewer chances of
contamination is recommended. Getting a new bowl type can also help achieve similar results, considering some
cats love various shapes and materials bowls.
Introduce a Water Fountain
Moving water appeals to most clients. So, take a break from the sink water option and try something exciting
like a pet water fountain.
Introduce Other Sources of Hydration
Adding wet food to your cat’s diet is an excellent way to improve their daily hydration. Certain cat formulas
contain up to 75% water content. However, if you have cats who love dry foods more, you don’t have to make a
complete change. Rather, combine their dry foods with wet food toppers to help them take in more water without
missing their favorite dry foods.
Helping your cats stay adequately hydrated is a big deal. But it is easier and simpler when you know how to do
it. The tips provided above will help you get the desired results. However, if your cat still drinks too little
or too much water after applying these tips, please consult your vet immediately.
PAWAii Cat Water Fountain
Cat Fountain with UV Sterilization
The inbuilt UV sterilization technique in this water fountain achieves up to 98.79% sterilization, ensuring
purity in every drop.
Multi-stage, In-depth Filtration
This automatic water fountain system is equipped with a four-stage fine filtration setup that ensures adequate
soft water circulation. It also reduces hair regularly and consistently, keeping the water clean always. You
should replace the filter element every four weeks to ensure maximum filtration and fresh water.
Smart Lighting Indicator
You have four smart lighting modes in this pet water fountain. Each mode indicates the current operating status
of the fountain. Therefore, you know when the water filter is due for a change or when the water level is too
low. If the water level gets too low, the dispenser stops running until you add sufficient water.
Noiseless Performance
The built-in spring hole combined with the silent water pump makes up an overall quiet water flow system.
Therefore, this pet fountain makes no noise while working. You can now enjoy your sleep with zero distractions.
Large 68 oz Capacity
The capacity of this water fountain is 68 oz. It conveniently provides enough water for your cat to last five to
nine days. So, when next you plan a trip, fill the fountain, and rest assured your pet will never run out of
water while you are away.
Wireless Cat Water Fountain
This pet water dispenser relies on a stable and durable wireless pump design to
ensure zero leakages and 100% protection from electric shocks. It is very easy to use.
Wireless Cat Water Fountain
$39.99
Safe, Water-Electricity Separation
The user-friendly design of this pet fountain separates the main body of the water storage tank from the power
supply. Therefore, the tank has more space, and no metal points are exposed. You can quickly and safely clean
the whole dispenser.
Excellent Purification and Triple Filtration
This pet water dispenser relies on a three-dimensional activated carbon filter to trap impurities like residual
chlorine, organic matter, and cat hair. It also absorbs odors providing clean, safe, and great-tasting water for
your pet’s consumption.
Low 30 Decibels Silent Operation
This dispenser operates silently, with a 30-decibel operating noise. It will neither disturb you nor your pet
with noise while working.
Modern and Durable Design
You can never go wrong with this water fountain's innovative MINI-type, candy-colored design. Depending on the
water angle most suitable for your cat, you can choose between its high and low dual-grade water levels.
In Conclusion
Dehydration is a severe problem in cats. If you discover your cat is not drinking sufficient water (below 50ml
per kg of body weight daily), you should apply the steps in this article. Measures like changing water bowl
locations, buying new water bowls, introducing water fountains, or tweaking your cat’s foods can all turn the
situation around significantly.
If nothing changes after all of these, report to your veterinarian immediately. Check to learn more about How To
Choose the Best Cat Water Fountain?
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