Kidney failure is the second most common cause of death in cats. Statistics indicate that about 30-40% of cats over ten years old suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). As cats age, the likelihood of CKD increases, with up to 80% of cats over 15 years old being affected. Kidney failure is a severe and fatal condition because the damage to the kidneys is irreversible, and cats with chronic kidney failure rarely recover.
Cat Health｜Cats Are Naturally Reluctant to Drink Water: Long-term Dehydration Leads to Kidney and Urinary System Diseases
Cats that are chronically dehydrated can develop highly concentrated urine, leading to urinary system diseases such as urethritis and cystitis. Moreover, insufficient water intake can weaken kidney function and lead to kidney diseases like kidney stones and CKD. Experts recommend that a cat should drink 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily, so a 4kg cat needs to drink 240ml of water daily.
Daily Water Requirement for Cats (ml) = Weight (kg) x 60 (ml)
Cat Health｜Forcing Cats to Drink Water with Syringes Causes Stress: 8 Tips to Encourage Cats to Drink Water Voluntarily
Cat Health｜Tip 1: Switch to Wet Food
Many cat owners find it convenient to feed dry food, but canned food contains more water. Canned cat food typically has about 80% water content, so an 80g can provides about 64g of water. Switching to wet food can effectively provide more water for your cat. However, if switching from dry to wet food suddenly, cats might not adapt well, so it should be done gradually.
Cat Health｜Tip 2: Add Ice Cubes to Cat Food
Adding ice cubes to cat food can make it more interesting for cats. Just like humans, cats sometimes enjoy the cold sensation and might want to chew on the ice cubes, which also helps them stay hydrated and cool. You can also try adding a little water to dry food, although many cats might not like it.
Cat Health｜Tip 3: Provide Multiple Water Bowls
Place several bowls of fresh water in areas where your cat frequents to increase the chances of them drinking water. Cats might not like plastic bowls, as water in plastic containers can develop a strange taste over time and can harbor bacteria. Ceramic or glass bowls are better options. You can also use uniquely shaped or brightly colored bowls to attract their attention.
Cat Health｜Tip 4: Pay Attention to Water Bowl Location
Ensure the water bowls are placed away from the litter box and not in noisy or high-traffic areas. Some cats dislike having their water bowl next to their food bowl.
Cat Health｜Tip 5: Fresh Water
Cats prefer fresh water, so change their water at least once or twice a day and clean the bowls regularly to keep the water fresh.
Cat Health｜Tip 6: Use a Pet Water Fountain
Cats are often fascinated by running water, such as from a sink. Veterinary expert Marty Becker explains that cats prefer running water because they perceive it as fresher. Pet water fountains can mimic this effect and encourage cats to drink more.
Cat Health｜Tip 7: Flavored Water
While cats should not drink sugary drinks like soda, you can try adding tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to their water. This can make the water more appealing and encourage them to drink more. Additionally, you can add a bit of canned cat food juice or fresh fruit juice to their water.
Cat Health｜Tip 8: Use Wide-Mouth Containers
Cats dislike having their whiskers touched, so use wide-mouth bowls to make drinking more comfortable for them.
To ensure your cat's health, closely monitor their daily water intake. If your cat has not been drinking water for a long time, it might be a sign of an underlying health issue, and a visit to the vet is recommended to prevent severe dehydration and other health problems.