Calculating Your Cat's Water Intake: A Simple Guide
Cat Food Categories
Dry Kibble: Also affectionately known as "cat cookies" or "cat beans," these contain approximately 10% moisture.
Soft Cat Food: In China, this is often referred to as "fresh food packets," with moisture content ranging around 40% to 50%.
Canned Food: Divided into main course cans and side dish cans, both typically have a moisture content above 70%.
Raw Food: Known as RAW or BARF, this category usually has a moisture content above 70%. (Note: It is recommended to feed raw food only under the guidance of a pet nutritionist. Recipes found on the internet or shared in groups are not advisable, as each cat has unique body types, digestive bacteria, allergens, and protein absorption capabilities. The most suitable diet is one tailored to your own cat's needs.)
Cat Evolution
The evolution of cats can be traced back to the Paleocene epoch of the Cenozoic Era, where the first carnivorous mammals, the ancestors of all modern carnivores, emerged.
Ninety million years ago, forest wild cats gave rise to subspecies such as African wild cats and Asian desert cats.
The domestication of cats is generally believed to have originated from their natural aversion to cold, suggesting that their ancestors originated in warmer climates.
Therefore, African wild cats and Asian wild cats are highly likely to be direct ancestors of domestic cats.
Unlike other carnivorous animals, wild cats almost never eat any plants (except for a small amount of plants consumed from the digestive tracts of their prey).
Cats naturally dislike drinking water, but this does not mean their bodies do not require it.
Cat Eating Behavior
Cats are desert animals whose ancestors relied on capturing prey to obtain moisture, as the majority of the moisture in prey is between 65% to 70%. This evolutionary process has made cats accustomed to drinking water while eating, rather than drinking large amounts of water actively (in deserts, water is scarce, and oases are often populated by large herbivores),
Thus, cats naturally have a weak thirst sensation and do not particularly enjoy drinking water. Compared to other household pets (such as dogs), cats require less water. Under primitive conditions, they primarily obtain moisture from their food and prefer fresh, flowing water. However, many cats consume dry food that lacks moisture, leading to potential dehydration and strain on the urinary system. It is important for pet owners to provide easy access to clean water, ensuring it is frequently changed, as cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their water. During the care process, it is crucial to monitor water intake and try various methods to increase the cat's water consumption.
How Much Water Should a Cat Drink in a Day?
This has been a topic of much debate over the years. In ancient times, it was said that 2% to 3% of a cat's body weight was sufficient, then it was raised to 4% or 5%, and now some sources suggest 6% to 8%, which translates to 60cc to 80cc of water per kilogram. (For convenience, the water mentioned here is assumed to be 1cc = 1g = 1ml)
Weight Calculation Method:
Cats require 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, a 4kilogram cat would need 240ml of water daily.
Calorie Calculation Method:
Cats need 1ml of water for every calorie they consume. Therefore, if a cat eats food containing 312 calories per day, it would require approximately 312ml of water.
These are just approximate values, and it is important to consider each cat's unique physiology, weather conditions, and other factors.
How to Determine If Your Cat Is Drinking Enough Water?
You can also use some simple observations to determine if your cat is drinking the correct amount of water:
The skin on the neck should snap back immediately when pulled up
The coat should appear lustrous without dandruff
Cats should urinate 23 times a day, which can be assessed from the litter box
Tip: Click on "How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water" for more information about your cat's hydration needs.
