Image source: PixabayCats are creatures that crave comfort. When it comes to comfort, what most cat owners think about is tasty treats and soft beds. These are important but whatโs even more important is proper hydration. Donโt skip out on this aspect of our catโs health.It is important that she hase a full, clean bowl of water every day. A few most common questions concerning hydration are how much water is safe for your cat to drink per day and how do you make sure that sheโs getting enough water?Water consumption depends on a number of factors including the time of the year, the size of your cat, and diet. Generally, a catโs water needs depend on the amount of food that sheโs consumed and whether that food was mainly canned or dry cat food. Dry food requires more water to stay hydrated. An average cat requires approximately 44 to 66 ml water per kg of her body weight.
Ways To Check Whether Sheโs Getting Enough Water - Skin elasticity: Gently pull your catโs scruff (the skin at the base of her neck.) If the skin doesnโt spring back upon release, your cat might not be properly hydrated.
- Shiny Coat: If your catโs coat doesnโt have any dry flakes, itโs a good sign of hydration.
- Physical Activity: If your catโs not overly lethargic, this is a good indication that sheโs well hydrated.
- Urination consistency: If your cat is urinating 2 โ 3 times, a day, sheโs getting enough water.
Ways To Encourage Her To Consume More WaterItโs usually a difficult ordeal to make cats drink water. You can lead her there but you canโt always make her drink. Proper water consumption is critical to your catโs health. Water helps prevent illnesses like Feline Urological Syndrome. Try these few methods to increase her water consumption.
- Sprinkle a bit more water on your catโs canned food for that extra hydration. Donโt do this for dry food as this may cause it to spoil.
- Plastic water bowls tend to leave behind a taste that cats arenโt a big fan of. Try using stainless steel or glass bowls instead.
- Refresh and clean your catโs water bowl every day. Sheโs more likely to drink from a clean bowl than a dirty one.
- Tap water generally has more chlorine. Your cat might not like the taste so it is better to avoid it. Use filtered water instead.
Pay attention to your catโs water intake. Drinking too little or even too much water can be an indication of illnesses like bladder infections, diabetes, tapeworm infestations, and hyperthyroidism. If you notice drastic changes in her water consumption levels, call your vet immediately.