What to Do If Your Cat Doesn't Drink Water?

A cat that doesn't drink water can lead to many health problems, including dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease. As cat owners, we need to understand why cats don't drink water and how to address this issue. This article will delve into these topics and provide practical advice to help ensure your cat gets enough hydration.

Why Don't Cats Like to Drink Water?

The Evolutionary History of Cats

The ancestors of cats came from desert regions where water resources were very limited. Therefore, cats evolved the ability to obtain moisture from their food. Most wild felines get their moisture from the prey they hunt, such as small mammals and birds, which contain a lot of water. As a result, domestic cats have a relatively lower water requirement compared to other animals.

Drinking Habits of Cats

Cats usually drink water after eating, but sometimes their water intake may be insufficient. This could be because cats prefer fresh, flowing water rather than stagnant water in a bowl. Stagnant water may have odors or impurities that deter cats from drinking. Additionally, cats have very sensitive taste and smell, and any unusual odor or taste in the water may cause them to refuse to drink.

Physiological Needs and Environmental Factors

The amount of water a cat needs daily is closely related to its weight, activity level, and diet. Generally, a cat needs about 2.5-3 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight each day. This means a 5-kilogram cat needs about 12.5-15 milliliters of water a day. However, if a cat primarily eats wet food, its actual water intake may be lower since wet food contains about 75-80% water.

In addition to physiological needs, environmental factors can also affect a cat's water intake. For example, cats may be sensitive to the material, shape, and location of their water bowl. After understanding these basic background factors, we will discuss some methods to encourage cats to drink more water.

How to Encourage Cats to Drink More Water?

Method 1: Use a Cat-Specific Water Fountain

Cats naturally prefer flowing water, possibly because flowing water is usually cleaner. You might consider purchasing a cat-specific water fountain, which mimics the flowing water found in nature and can pique a cat's interest. There are many different styles of fountains available on the market, and you can choose one based on your needs and your cat's preferences.

Advantages of Water Fountains

• Flowing water is more appealing to cats: Flowing water is fresher for cats and can stimulate their interest in drinking.
• Maintains water cleanliness: Water fountains typically come with filtration systems that keep the water clean and fresh.
• Reduces your workload: You don't need to frequently change and clean the water bowl; just regularly clean the fountain and replace the filter.

Choosing the Right Water Fountain

When selecting a water fountain, you need to consider the following factors:

• Capacity: Choose a capacity that meets your cat's drinking needs to avoid frequent refills due to a small capacity.
• Material: Stainless steel and ceramic fountains are more durable and easier to clean.
• Noise: Choose a low-noise fountain to avoid disturbing your cat's rest and your life.
• Filtration system: Ensure the fountain is equipped with an effective filtration system that can filter out impurities and odors from the water.

Method 2: Change Water Frequently

Keeping the water fresh is very important. Make sure to change your cat's drinking water at least once a day. You can observe whether your cat shows more interest when you just change the water. This is a simple yet effective method.

Water Quality and Temperature

• Fresh water: Cats are very sensitive to water quality, and any odor or taste change may cause them to refuse to drink. Use clean drinking water and change it daily to keep it fresh.
• Appropriate water temperature: Cats prefer slightly cool water; water that is too cold or too hot may make them uncomfortable. You can add a couple of ice cubes to the water bowl in summer to lower the temperature.

Cleaning the Water Bowl

• Regularly clean the water bowl: Mineral deposits and bacteria in the water bowl can affect water quality, so it's recommended to clean the bowl at least once a week. Use a cleaner without strong odors and rinse thoroughly.
• Choose the right water bowl: Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls are not only durable but also less likely to retain odors and bacteria, making cats more willing to use them.

Method 3: Provide Multiple Water Sources

Sometimes cats may be too lazy to walk to the water bowl. You can set up multiple water bowls in different places around the house, so no matter where the cat is, it can easily access water.

Placement of Water Bowls

• Set up in multiple locations: Place water bowls in areas where your cat frequently moves, making it convenient for them to drink at any time, such as the living room, bedroom, and balcony.
• Avoid the litter box: Cats do not like to drink water near the litter box, as it makes them feel unclean. Ensure the water bowl is a certain distance away from the litter box.
• Avoid food: While some owners prefer to place the water bowl next to the food, some cats may not like this. You can try separating the water bowl from the food bowl to see if there is any improvement.

Using Different Materials and Shapes for Water Bowls

Some cats are very picky about the material of their water bowl. You can try using water bowls made of different materials, such as stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, to see which material attracts your cat the most. Additionally, the shape and depth of the water bowl can also affect a cat's willingness to drink. A shallow, wide bowl may make cats feel more comfortable, as they don't have to bury their heads deep into the bowl.

Method 4: Optimize Dietary Structure

Increase Wet Food Intake

As mentioned earlier, the ancestors of cats primarily obtained moisture from their food. You might consider increasing your cat's intake of wet food, so even if it doesn't drink much water, it can still get enough moisture from its food.

• Mix Feeding: You can mix dry food with wet food to ensure your cat's nutritional needs are met while increasing its moisture intake.
• Choose High-Quality Wet Food: Select high-quality wet food suitable for cats, ensuring it is nutritionally balanced and contains enough moisture.

Homemade Cat Broth

You can also make some cat-specific broth, such as chicken broth or tuna broth. These broths not only provide extra moisture but also increase your cat's interest in drinking. Remember not to add salt or other seasonings, as they are harmful to your cat's health.

• Chicken Broth: Cook chicken breast, remove bones and skin, shred the chicken into small pieces, and boil it in clean water to make a light broth. Remember not to add any seasonings.
• Tuna Broth: Use unsalted, oil-free canned tuna, mix the tuna with the broth from the can, and dilute it to a suitable concentration for your cat to drink.

Method 5: Create an Interesting Drinking Experience

Using Ice Cubes

Some cats are particularly interested in ice cubes. You can place a few ice cubes in the water bowl, which will lower the water temperature and the movement of the ice cubes can attract the cat's attention.

Adding Toys

You can place some small toys in the water bowl, such as small balls that float on the surface. These toys can encourage the cat to drink more water while playing.

• Floating Toys: Choose lightweight toys that won't sink to the bottom, such as small plastic balls or rubber ducks, which can attract the cat's attention.
• Interactive Toys: Some water fountains come with interactive features, such as flowing designs or automatic spraying, which can stimulate the cat's curiosity and encourage it to drink more water.

Method 6: Monitor Your Cat's Water Intake

Using Smart Water Dispensers

Modern technology can help us take better care of our cats. You might consider purchasing a smart water dispenser, which can help you monitor your cat's water intake and remind you to change the water source in a timely manner.

• Smart Monitoring: Smart water dispensers can record your cat's drinking frequency and volume, allowing real-time monitoring through a mobile app.
• Automatic Reminders: When the water level is low or the filter needs to be changed, the smart water dispenser will send reminders to ensure your cat always has fresh drinking water.

Regular Observation

You can also keep track of your cat's water intake yourself. Observe the changes in the water level in the bowl daily, so you can promptly notice if your cat is not drinking enough.

• Daily Records: Record your cat's water intake daily and observe for any abnormal changes. If you find that your cat has been drinking insufficiently for a long time, seek veterinary care promptly.
• Behavior Observation: Pay attention to your cat's drinking behavior, such as whether it frequently licks the water bowl or shows signs of discomfort while drinking. These behaviors may signal potential health issues.

How to Determine if Your Cat is Dehydrated?

Knowing how to determine if your cat is dehydrated is very important for cat owners. Dehydration can lead to many health problems for cats, and early detection and intervention can effectively prevent these issues.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration in cats can be observed from multiple aspects, including the skin, eyes, and mouth. Here are some common symptoms of dehydration:

• Skin: Gently pull the skin on the back of your cat's neck; if the skin takes a long time to bounce back, it may be a sign of dehydration.
• Eyes: Dehydrated cats will have sunken eyes that lack luster.
• Mouth: Check the mucous membranes in your cat's mouth; if they are dry or sticky, it may indicate dehydration.
• Appetite: Dehydrated cats often show a lack of appetite and appear lethargic.
• Urine: Dehydrated cats will have reduced urine output, and the urine will appear more concentrated and darker.

How to Perform the Skin Elasticity Test

Performing the skin elasticity test is a simple way to determine if your cat is dehydrated:

1. Choose the Right Location: Gently pinch the skin on the back of your cat's neck (usually the most relaxed area).
2. Observe the Rebound Speed: Release your grip immediately and observe how quickly the skin returns to its original position. Normally, the skin should bounce back quickly. If the rebound speed is slow, it may indicate dehydration.

How to Check the Eyes

Checking your cat's eyes can provide more information about dehydration:

1. Observe the Luster of the Eyes: Dehydrated cats will have dull eyes that lack shine.
2. Check the Position of the Eyeball: Gently lift your cat's eyelids to see if there is a noticeable sunken appearance of the eyeball.

Observe Your Cat's Oral Condition

The condition of your cat's oral mucosa can also reflect dehydration:

1. Check the Gums: Gently lift your cat's lips and observe the gums. If the gums are dry or sticky, it may indicate dehydration.
2. Check the Tongue: Observe whether the tongue shows signs of dryness; normally, a cat's tongue should be moist.

Observe Changes in Your Cat's Behavior

Dehydrated cats often exhibit some behavioral changes:

• Lack of Appetite: Dehydrated cats usually show a lack of appetite and are unwilling to eat.
• Lethargy: Dehydration can make cats feel tired and weak, and they may become less active.
• Urination: Observe your cat's urination; dehydrated cats typically have reduced urine output, and the urine color becomes darker.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, you should seek veterinary care immediately. Dehydration may be a symptom of other underlying health issues, such as kidney disease or diabetes. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and provide appropriate treatment recommendations. Here are some signals that require immediate veterinary attention:

• Severe Dehydration: If your cat's skin rebounds very slowly, its eyes are noticeably sunken, and its mental state is extremely poor, seek veterinary care immediately.
• Persistent Symptoms: If your cat continues to show a lack of appetite, lethargy, and other discomforting symptoms, seek veterinary care promptly.
• Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If your cat's dehydration is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your cat gets enough water is an important part of maintaining its health. By understanding the reasons why cats don't drink water and taking appropriate measures, we can effectively increase their water intake and prevent related health issues. Try different methods to find the best drinking solution for your cat, keeping it healthy and happy.

If you find that your cat continues to refuse water or shows signs of dehydration, please consult a veterinarian promptly for professional advice and treatment options.