Cats generally do not drink too much water a day. In fact, it is quite common for them to drink too little and this does not necessarily mean that they have a health problem. However, it is important to make sure that they drink enough water to avoid dehydration, as this can be life-threatening.
If you think your cat is drinking very little water or you have noticed significant changes in the amount it drank before and the amount it drinks now, we will tell you what the reasons may be and how to solve it.
Why do cats drink little water?
In ancient times, wild cats lived in arid environments and could go for long periods of time without drinking water . These felines obtained most of their water from their prey, which was mostly composed of more than 60% liquid. This adaptation allowed them to develop a remarkable resistance to dehydration.
Although our domestic cats no longer hunt for food today, they have inherited this characteristic from their ancestors. This explains why cats tend to drink less water than other animals such as dogs. However, many domestic cats are fed mainly on dry food, which may not provide them with the amount of water they need.
Don’t miss our post to find out how much water a cat should drink .
Reasons why a cat does not drink water
Although, as we mentioned before, cats tend to drink very little water, there are several reasons why they might avoid the bowl altogether. As you may know, cats are quite demanding animals with everything: with food, with toys, with scratching posts… And this can be one of the reasons why your cat does not drink enough water. Here are some common causes:
- Dirty or hot water . Cats do not like dirty or hot water. They prefer fresh, clean water , and if it is not found that way, they may reject it completely.
- Location of the water bowl . Cats do not like water to be too close to their food , much less to the litter box. Nor do they like it to be in noisy places or in areas with a lot of movement.
- Unsuitable water bowl . Cats are also picky about their accessories and your cat may not drink water because he doesn’t like his bowl. The material is often the biggest cause of rejection. Take a look at the following post to find out how to choose the best water bowl for your cat .
- Pain in the mouth . It may also be that the cat has a problem in its mouth that prevents it from drinking. Some dental conditions can make drinking water painful.
- Illness . If your cat is sick, he may lose his appetite and desire to drink. It is important to observe any significant changes and consult a professional if necessary.
What happens if my cat doesn’t drink water?
Although cats can live and survive without drinking large amounts of water, if they do not drink enough, some problems may appear that put their health at risk. Here we tell you about the possible consequences:
- Dehydration . Lack of water can cause your cat to become dehydrated and this can have serious consequences.
- Constipation . If your cat doesn’t drink enough water, the stool becomes harder, making it difficult to pass and can cause constipation. This can be very uncomfortable for your cat and lead to digestive problems.
- FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) – If your cat doesn’t drink water, he or she can develop urinary tract infections.
- Crystals in urine . The retention of urine by the body to compensate for the lack of fluids favors the appearance of stones or crystals in the urine.
- Kidney failure . Dehydration can cause damage to the kidneys, causing them to not function properly and not filter out harmful components.
Hydration is very important for all animals. If your cat is not drinking water and is dehydrated, it is important that you know how to detect it in order to take it to the vet quickly. For more information, visit our post How do I know if my cat is dehydrated?
What can I do to get my cat to drink more?
If you are concerned that your cat is not drinking enough water, there are several tips and tricks you can try to encourage your cat to drink more water. Here are some ideas that may help:
- Fresh, clean water . Make sure you change the water every day so that it is always fresh and clean. Cats do not like water that has been sitting in the bowl for a long time.
- Try different types of water bowls . If your cat won’t drink water, it may be because he doesn’t like the bowl he’s in. Try bowls made of different materials like plastic, ceramic or stainless steel until you find one he likes best.
- Use cat water fountains . Cats are attracted to moving water . Consider investing in a cat water fountain, which will make the water more appealing to your feline. These fountains keep the water fresh and clean, as many models feature filters that help remove impurities.
- Provide multiple water bowls . Place multiple water bowls in different places around the house. This will give your cat more opportunities to drink throughout the day. It’s best to choose places with little traffic so they feel more comfortable.
- Add some flavor to your cat’s water . If your cat won’t drink water, you can encourage him to do so by improving its taste. Add a drop of chicken or fish broth (without salt or seasoning) to your cat’s water. This can make the water more appealing to him.
- Incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet . Wet cat food contains a high percentage of water and can supplement your cat’s fluid intake. Consider adding more canned food to your cat’s daily diet.
- Provide multiple water bowls . Place multiple water bowls in different places around the house. This will give your cat more opportunities to drink throughout the day. It’s best to choose places with little traffic so they feel more comfortable.
- Add some flavor to your cat’s water . If your cat won’t drink water, you can encourage him to do so by improving its taste. Add a drop of chicken or fish broth (without salt or seasoning) to your cat’s water. This can make the water more appealing to him.
- Incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet . Wet cat food contains a high percentage of water and can supplement your cat’s fluid intake. Consider adding more canned food to your cat’s daily diet.
- Mix the food with water . If your cat eats dry food, this is a way to provide more water through food.
- Keep bowls away from food and the litter box . Place water bowls in quiet places away from these areas.
- Play with water . Some cats like to play with water. You can leave a faucet dripping slowly to see if this sparks their interest and encourages them to drink.
f, despite all your efforts, your cat is still not drinking enough water, it is important to take him to the vet . There may be an underlying health problem that needs professional attention.
How long can a cat go without drinking water?
A cat’s ability to go without drinking water may surprise you, as they are quite resilient animals thanks to their wild ancestors. However, even though cats can tolerate periods without drinking water, this doesn’t mean it’s safe or healthy for them.
Cats get some of the water they need from their diet , especially if they eat wet food. However, this is not enough to keep them well hydrated in the long term. If a cat does not have access to fresh, clean water for a while, their body will begin to show signs of dehydration .
Although cats can be quite picky and seem to have a complicated relationship with water, there are many ways to ensure they get enough to drink. With patience and dedication, you can help your cat stay hydrated and healthy.
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