If you have a cat at home, you have probably wondered at some point: how much water should it drink? This is a common and very important question, because even though it may seem like our feline friends don’t drink much, hydration is essential for their health.
In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about your cat’s water needs. We’ll discuss how much an adult cat and kitten should drink , and give you some tips to make sure your cat always has access to plenty of fresh water .
The importance of water for cats
Water is essential to the life of all living beings, and cats are no exception. Water helps maintain fluid balance in the body, regulates body temperature, and facilitates digestion and nutrient absorption. Without proper hydration , cats can suffer from a variety of health problems, from kidney disease to dangerous dehydration.
If you don’t drink enough water every day, you may suffer from dehydration , which can lead to other health problems. On the other hand, too much water can also be a symptom of illness.
Problems caused by water deficiency
- Dehydration.
- Urinary system disorders.
- Chronic kidney failure.
- Liver failure.
- Halitosis.
- Skin problems.
- Constipation.
Dehydration can be especially dangerous for cats. If you want to learn more about how to keep your cat hydrated and prevent dehydration , check out our post.
Problems related to excessive water intake
- Chronic kidney failure.
- Feline diabetes mellitus.
- Feline hyperthyroidism.
- Urinary problems.
It is important to know how much water a cat should drink in order to anticipate these types of problems and not put its health at risk.
How much water should a cat drink per day?
The amount of water a cat should drink per day can vary, but there is a general guideline that can help you ensure your feline is well hydrated. On average, a cat should drink between 50 and 100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This means that a cat weighing 4 kg should drink between 200 and 400 ml of water per day.
There is no exact amount of water because, in addition to depending on each cat’s preferences, there are several factors that can influence how much water your cat needs:
- Diet : If your cat eats mostly dry food , they will need to drink more water to stay hydrated. This is because dry food contains less than 10% water. On the other hand, wet cat foods , such as pate or canned food, contain around 80% moisture. Because of this difference, a cat that is fed wet food gets a large portion of its hydration directly from its food.
- Time of year : Just like us, cats will drink a lot more water in the summer than in the winter. So don’t be alarmed if your cat drinks a lot at one time and very little at another, because that’s probably just the amount of liquid their body needs. Find out more tips on how to care for a cat when the heat arrives here .
- Age and size : Kittens and older cats drink more water than adult cats. Exercise and nursing also increase water intake.
How much water should an adult cat drink?
Adult cats generally need a constant amount of water to stay healthy. As we mentioned above, an adult cat should drink between 50 and 100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day.
How much water should a baby cat drink?
Kittens have special hydration needs due to their rapid growth and development. Kittens that are still nursing get most of their hydration from their mother’s milk . However, as they begin eating solid foods, it’s important to make sure they have access to fresh water as well.
Difference between indoor and outdoor cats
Indoor cats and outdoor cats may have different water needs:
- Indoor cats : These cats tend to be less active and may require less water. However, the dry indoor environment, especially in winter with heating, can increase their water needs.
- Outdoor Cats : On the other hand, cats that spend time outside are more active and exposed to changing conditions, so they may need more water.
How to make sure your cat drinks enough water
Here are some tips to ensure your cat always has access to plenty of fresh water :
- Provide water in multiple locations : Place multiple water bowls in different areas of the house so your cat always has easy access.
- Use water fountains for cats : Many cats love moving water, so a fountain can be a great idea.
At Tiendanimal we want to help you with your cat’s care . If you have any questions, our specialists will be happy to advise you on the Customer Service phone number that you can find here or in any of our stores .
Place your order at tiendanimal.es , the number one online store specializing in pet products in Spain, or if you prefer, visit your nearest store or call us and we will send it to your home . Remember that you have the Click & Collect service available to buy online and pick up the order at your favorite store, and with a gift! Hurry up and don’t miss our offers !
