How much water does a cat need?

The water that a cat needs varies considerably from cat to cat. As size of the cat, age, activity level and even weather conditions play a role in determining the amount of water a cat needs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. One thing that is sure however is that cats need plenty of water each day, and prolonged dehydration can lead to bad health and even death. Water is vital for flushing out toxins, and keeping tissues healthy so a good clean bowl of fresh water every morning is important. It should be replaced as soon as it runs dry. Dry cat food has very little moisture in it, so it is important to remember that cats will need to drink more if they are on a dry food diet.

Cat owners can use the drinking habits of their cats as a way of determining any ill health. A dramatic change in the amount a cat is drinking can be a sign that the cat is unwell and possibly needs vet attention. Cats drink larger volumes of water in very hot weather as humans do, so make sure you are particularly vigilant in making sure they have enough to drink in summer.

If you believe your cat may be dehydrated, pull the loose skin gently at the back of the neck. If it falls back into place quickly then your cat is fine, if it takes time to go back, your cat is dehydrated and needs fluids immediately. If you want to encourage your cat to drink, a fantastic trick is putting ice cubes in their water bowl. This makes it interesting for them and gives them something to play with.

Having a dirty water bowl could be a reason why your cat doesn’t want to drink. Plastic tends to soak up smells and grime, so ceramic or stainless steel are much better to use. If some food drops into a cat’s water, they may turn their nose up at it as they don’t like spoiled water. Be sure to thoroughly clean your cat’s water bowl every day, and run it through the dishwasher whenever possible too.

Do any of you have any other information about cats and drinking water? Has your cat ever suffered from dehydration? Do you have any tips for encouraging your cat to drink? Send in your comments below.