Why Cats Shun Bowl Water: The Unseen Reason

Have you ever had these moments? You turn your head and catch your cat in a showdown with the fish in the aquarium, then nonchalantly licks its paw as if nothing happened when it notices your gaze. You step onto the balcony to find your feline friend guzzling water from the plants, giving you a stern look with furrowed brows before returning to its hydrating session. And then, there's the time you find the cat's entire head stuck in the toilet, escaping with a sip of water before you can catch it. Of course, the most appealing water source is always from your cup, but these little antics are all too familiar to cat owners.

However, it's often not until our furry companions are diagnosed with kidney disease or urinary tract inflammation that we realize the gravity of the situation. By then, it's too late to try and encourage them to drink more water. This is a common plight for many cat lovers, preparing a big bowl of water each day only to come home and find it untouched. In reality, cats have a natural aversion to drinking water, as their ancestors came from the arid deserts where water sources were a dangerous gathering spot for various animals. This is why they rarely quenched their thirst there, and instead, developed a habit of obtaining moisture from their food, which is why their feces are not as moist as dogs.

It's essential to examine whether we've been neglecting our feline friends in any way? Have we been changing the fresh water infrequently, not cleaning the water bowl regularly, or placing it in an undesirable location for the cat? Cats tend to prefer liquid over static water, so these factors can significantly impact their hydration habits.

While cats don't require as much water as dogs, and their urine is more concentrated, leading to a heavier kidney burden, a lower water intake can greatly increase the risk of urinary system diseases. As responsible cat owners, we must take this seriously and act early.

On average, a cat should drink about 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight. For instance, a 4kilogram cat would need approximately 240ml of water daily, which is about the amount in a box of iced tea.

Some pet parents might think that feeding their cats canned food with high water content will suffice, but even if the can contains over 60% water, a 100g can only provide about 60ml of moisture. This is far from meeting a cat's daily minimum water requirement. So, don't assume that your cat can reduce its water intake just because it's eating canned food!

1. Wet Food: It can still be a helpful supplement. Highquality wet food typically contains around 70% to 80% water, while dry food has only 5% to 10%. Due to their physiological needs, cats may prefer to obtain moisture from their food.

2. Water Fountains: Cats are drawn to moving water over still water, and a fountain can make drinking more fun. Consider purchasing a water fountain or placing a large ice cube in the center of the water bowl.

3. Multiple Water Bowls: Provide your cat with more convenient access to water, so they can drink whenever they feel like it.

4. Add Flavors: Enhance the taste of the water by adding chicken broth or tuna juice to make it more appealing.

In summary, dehydration in cats is a serious issue. If your cat refuses to drink water, it's crucial to take immediate notice! If all else fails, prepare several water bowls for your cat, as the water from their owner's cup is often the most appealing. However, be prepared for the challenge of cleaning up any spills on the floor, as you might find yourself following your cat around more often!