Optimal Cat Water Intake & Tips to Encourage Hydration

One: How Much Water Should a Cat Drink in a Day?

Cats require a certain amount of water daily, and there's an easy formula to calculate it: multiply the cat's weight by 60cc. For instance, if a cat weighs 4kg, the daily minimum water requirement would be 4kg x 60cc = 240cc. This is the minimum amount of water a 4kg cat should drink to meet its basic hydration needs.

However, cats often don't drink enough water on their own, so pet owners need to find alternative ways to keep them hydrated. If your cat isn't drinking much, reduce the amount of dry food and dehydrated treats you give it. For cats with low water intake, offering fruits and vegetables can help supplement their hydration, or you can switch to wet food. Especially during hot summer months, if your cat refuses to drink, consider replacing some dry food with wet food to ensure both nutrition and hydration.

Longterm insufficient water intake in cats can increase the risk of urinary and bladder diseases. Many cases of feline urinary blockages are caused by dehydration, so it's crucial not to overlook your cat's hydration needs and find creative ways to encourage them to drink more water.

Two: How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water

1. Homemade Meals

When preparing homemade meals for your cat, consider cooking them in water to create a clear broth. Serve the broth along with the meat, which can help increase your cat's water intake. Just remember to avoid adding any seasonings to the food.

2. Bright Water Bowls

Research shows that cats are attracted to bright colors, especially red. Keep several colorful water bowls around the house to create multiple drinking stations and entice your cat to drink more.

3. A Dash of Catnip in the Water

Most cats can't resist catnip. You can try adding a small amount to your cat's water bowl to attract them. But if your cat dislikes catnip, this method may not work for you.

4. An Automatic Water Fountain

Cats prefer flowing water, so consider getting an automatic water fountain for your pet. This can significantly increase their water intake, but make sure to keep the fountain clean to prevent contamination.

5. Soaking FreezeDried Treats

Cats usually love freezedried snacks. If your cat isn't drinking enough, try soaking the treats in water for them to drink.

6. Feeding Canned Food

While dry kibble has less water, you can occasionally offer your cat canned food, which is higher in moisture and provides quality protein. However, avoid feeding canned food too frequently to prevent picky eating.

How much water does your cat drink each day? Have you found a way to meet its hydration needs?