A cat's health is closely related to their water intake because water is a crucial element for maintaining a cat's body. Cat owners may assume that their cats will naturally drink water when they feel thirsty, but things are not always that simple!
Here are some reasons why your cat may not be drinking water:
Taste
Cats are very sensitive to the taste of water. If the water has been sitting for too long or has been contaminated by food odors, they may not want to drink it.
Water quality
Cats have high standards for water quality, especially in cities where tap water may contain chlorine or other additives that can affect their taste buds and make them dislike the water.
Diet
If cats are already getting enough water from their food, they may not feel thirsty and may not want to drink water.
Location of the water bowl
If the water bowl is placed in an area where cats are not comfortable going, such as near dogs, in a noisy or poorly lit area, the cat may not want to drink too much water.
Illness
Certain diseases, such as kidney disease or urinary tract infections, may cause cats to become dehydrated and may affect their appetite and water intake.
In summary, cats have low water requirements due to their evolutionary nature. If the water is not clean or to their liking, they may not drink it.
Here are some tips to help your cat drink more water:
Calculate their daily water needs
Calculate how much water your cat needs per day based on their weight, using the formula of weight multiplied by 50 milliliters of water. This calculation also includes water from their food.
Add more water sources around the house
Place 2-3 water bowls in areas where your cat frequently walks. Although this may increase the hassle of changing water, it has been proven to effectively increase your cat's water intake.
Increase the novelty of drinking water
Cats are curious creatures, so try using different glasses or stainless steel containers to hold water. In summer, give them ice water, in winter, slightly warm water. You can also use a fountain water bowl, as flowing water has a great attraction to cats, and can increase their curiosity to try drinking more water.
Increase water intake through food
Try adding a little water to canned food or dry kibble. However, be careful not to add too much water at once, as this may cause your cat to reject the food. Observe your cat's reaction and adjust the amount of added water accordingly.
Add relaxing herbs
Cat grass, catnip, and valerian have calming and appetite-boosting ingredients. You can put these herbs in a tea bag, soak it in water, freeze it into ice cubes, and add it to your cat's drinking water. However, if your cat has any adverse reactions, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Caring for a cat requires effort, especially when it comes to drinking water. Initially, observe your cat's drinking habits every day, and adjust your methods based on their habits to encourage them to drink more water. This can help prevent kidney-related diseases and promote your cat's overall health.
