Cats' Water Drinking Issues: Causes, Solutions, and Tip
Section 1: Understanding Your Cat's Water Intake
1. To ensure your cat stays hydrated, it's essential for pet owners to first understand the normal water consumption of their feline friends. There are two methods to calculate this. The first is based on the cat's weight, with the general guideline being around 5% of their body weight in milliliters per day. For instance, a 7kilogram cat would need approximately 350 milliliters of water daily. The second method involves calculating the dry matter intake, which is typically two to three times the amount of dry matter in their diet. If a cat eats 100 grams of dry cat food with 10% water content, the dry matter would be 90 grams, suggesting a daily water requirement of 180 to 270 milliliters.
2. To determine if your cat is adequately hydrated, observe their urination frequency. A wellhydrated cat should urinate two to three times a day. Their skin should be taut and elastic, and when gently pulled, it should snap back quickly. Hydrated cats also exhibit a "balanced" coat, with a glossy appearance and a full, fluffy texture, making dandruff less likely.
Section 2: Encouraging Your Cat to Drink More Water
1. Cats, due to their wild instincts, tend to avoid drinking water near prey. This behavior can be passed down through generations. Therefore, if you place your cat's food and water together, they may prefer to drink from the toilet or tap. To create a suitable drinking environment, it's important to keep their food and water separate.
2. Cats often don't drink water with the same focus as they eat. They are constantly aware of their surroundings. As a result, they prefer to drink in open areas. If you place their water bowl against a wall or in a corner, it can make them uncomfortable, reducing their desire to drink.
Should your cat still be reluctant to drink, consider feeding them wet food, which can help increase their water intake. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary professional.
