Helping your cat stay hydrated

Cats are known for being super independent, and cat owners know that keeping them hydrated can be a difficult task, and it’s important that you do - hydration keeps cats happy and healthy!

Because the ancestors of modern cats evolved in the desert, they’re good at conserving water and have developed the ability to get water out of the food they eat. It's great to see your cat drink from their water bowl too, to ensure they are well hydrated.

Here are some tips to help keep cats hydrated:

1. Try a different water bowls to see what your cat likes. Some prefer stainless steel, some enamel, ceramic or plastic bowls. Because cats eyes can make it hard for them to see the water in the bowl, make sure that it is always topped up so they know to expect water to be available.
2. Some cats don’t like sharing a communal water bowl that other cats - or dogs - are using, so you may need more than one, and they might prefer them to be placed apart from each other. Also, because cats are very clean animals they don’t like drinking near their litterbox, so place the water bowl in a safe, secluded spot well away from their litter.
3. Keep fresh water in the bowl - tip it out and replace with fresh rather than just topping up.
4. Wash and scrub the bowl thoroughly every few days. Build up on the inside of an animals water bowl can contain harmful bacteria.
5. Feed some wet food daily. Wet cat food can provide as much as 80% of a cat’s daily water requirement if the cat only gets wet cat food. Dry cat food doesn't contain anywhere enough water to hydrate a cat even when fed in combination with wet cat food. Either way, providing clean, fresh water for your cat to drink is crucial.

How do you know if your cat is dehydrated?

1. Watch for the cat breathing with their mouth open. This indicates the cat is feeling hot, which could accelerate or cause dehydration.
2. If your cat shows signs of dehydration, like sticky or tacky gums, listlessness or depression, the cat should be seen by your veterinarian urgently.

Questions? Feel free to ask us about cat food, cat hydration and providing for your cat.

We sell a beautiful stoneware bowl for cats, and have a range of quality cat food.