How Much Water Does A Cat Have To Drink? Do you think your cat drinks enough water? Cats need to drink clean water every day to maintain their health. Water helps to eliminate toxins from their kidneys and keep them hydrated.
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How Much Water Does A Cat Have To Drink?
Do you think your cat drinks enough water? How much water do you think does your cat have to drink?
Be careful, lack of hydration can cause health problems in cats.
HOW CAN CATS OBTAIN WATER?
Cats need to drink between 55 and 70 milliliters of water per kilogram of weight per day. Cats can obtain this amount of water from different sources.
- The fresh and clean water that we offer them directly.
- The water from the food the cat eats.
- Metabolic water is what the body produces by oxidizing lipids and carbohydrates.
WHAT INFLUENCES WATER CONSUMPTION?
Cats drink little water and do not lose as much water as dogs. Cats can withstand up to 8% dehydration.
A cat will drink more or less water depending on several factors, such as:
FOOD
If you feed your cat exclusively with a dry diet, the water requirement will increase significantly.
On the other hand, wet food provides enough fluids per day.
A 4 Kg cat needs 300 grams of wet food.
TEMPERATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
High temperatures can influence water intake in cats. However, cats do not need to drink too much water like dogs. Dogs dehydrate through panting or perspiration.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CAT TO DRINK MORE WATER
To encourage your cat to drink more water, here are some tips:
- Have more than one water bowl at home, and keep fresh, clean water at hand.
- Change the water at least once a day.
- Use metallic or ceramic bowls.
- Put the water away from the sandbox to prevent contamination.
- Offer wet food once a day, never mixed with dry food.
- Some cats like to drink directly from moving water. Try to get them an electronic water dispenser or allow them to drink directly from the sink.
CAT DEHYDRATION
Dehydration in cats is dangerous and could cause health problems, even can lead to death.
Cats become dehydrated when there is excessive loss of fluids from the body. When dehydration happens, your cat loses water and essential minerals such as chloride, sodium, and potassium.
Water is essential to your cat’s health. Drinking enough water helps your cat maintain good health and replenish the fluids it loses through urine and feces. Water is also necessary for your cat’s circulation, digestion, and waste elimination. When not treated, dehydration can lead to other serious medical problems.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION IN CATS?
Generally, dehydration occurs because your feline is not drinking enough or has excessive water loss.
Different factors can cause dehydration.
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Heatstroke
- Hot weather or overheating
- Trauma
- Vomit
To help your cat maintain healthy hydration, always provide fresh water in a clean bowl.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION IN CATS?
If the cat is not getting enough water, it can become dehydrated.
Some signs of dehydration in cats include:
- Sticky and dry gums
- Panting
- Hollow eyes
- Loss of energy
- Lack of appetite
To tell if your cat is dehydrated, gently pick up a small piece of your cat’s skin around her shoulders, pull on it, and then release it.
If your furry friend is hydrated, the fur will quickly fall back into place. If the coat slowly sheds again, this is a sign that your cat might be dehydrated.
If your cat’s fur stays in a tented position and doesn’t fall back, it may be a sign of severe dehydration. In cases like this, you should seek medical attention for your cat. (Web MD).
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CAT IS DEHYDRATED?
If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, contact your veterinarian immediately for help, as dehydration is often a sign of a critical medical condition in cats.
In the meantime, you can try some home remedies to rehydrate your cat:
- Put some ice cubes in her bowl of water.
- Instead of dry food, try giving her wet food.
- Add chicken broth or tuna juice to the water bowl.
HOW CAN I PREVENT DEHYDRATION IN MY CAT?
There are a few ways you can help prevent dehydration in your cat. Some options include:
Clean your cat’s bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Use multiple bowls of clean water around your house for the cat to drink.
Use a cat water fountain with fresh water to encourage her to drink.
If your cat appears dehydrated or does not want to drink, it’s necessary to get her to the veterinarian.
Dehydration could lead to several serious medical issues.