Effective Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Wate

Cats are creatures that are incredibly averse to drinking water, a trait that can be traced back to their ancestors. Cats originated in the deserts, where they evolved as feline species adapted to arid environments. Over countless generations, these desertdwelling cats were gradually domesticated and now inhabit the homes of countless families around the world.

Living in human households, cats have access to better food, but due to a longstanding aversion to water in their genes, many cats suffer from dehydration.

With the advent of the modern pet health and care era, an increasing number of cat owners are shifting their focus from just feeding and cleaning up after their pets to ensuring their cats are wellhydrated, too. Hydration is now a key component of a healthy feeding philosophy in many petowning households.

One question that often arises is, "How much water should a cat drink daily to stay healthy?"

There are actually two methods to consider. The first is the weightbased approach, where a cat should consume between 40 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight daily. The second method is the caloriebased approach, which suggests that for every calorie of food a cat consumes, it needs 1 milliliter of water. Pet owners can use this equivalent calculation based on their cat's food intake.

Two, what can you do if your cat is not fond of drinking water?

1. Offer Wet Food

Most cat owners still primarily feed their pets dry kibble. However, if your cat is not drinking enough water after eating dry food, consider offering wet food as a supplement to help provide the necessary hydration that might be missing from their diet.

2. Homemade Cat Meals

Add a small amount of water to cook your cat's favorite meats into a savory broth. The broth should be rich enough to retain the meat's flavor without being too watery. Opt for fatty meats, as the oil in the broth can make it more appealing to your cat.

3. Secretly Add Water

Discreetly add water to canned food, or even soak dry kibble or freezedried food to soften it for your cat.

4. Add Flavors to Water

Cats often show little interest in plain water, much like humans who prefer flavored drinks over plain water. Cats, too, can be enticed with a little taste.

Three, how can you make water more appealing to your cat?

1. Fresh and Clean Water

Cats are very particular and prefer fresh, clean water. They rely heavily on their sense of smell to choose what to eat, so if the water doesn't pass the sniff test, they're unlikely to drink it. Regularly changing the water and keeping the water bowl clean is essential.

2. Flowing Water

Cats have a preference for flowing water, a trait rooted in their wild ancestors who sought out fresh water sources like streams and rivers. To cats, moving water often signifies freshness.

3. Create Variety with Water Containers

If your cat seems to prefer drinking from your cup rather than their water bowl, it might be because your cup is new, interesting, and appealing. Cats are attracted to bright colors, so a colorful and unique water container might do the trick.

4. Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the Home

It's not advisable to have just one water bowl, especially not next to the food bowl. Placing water bowls in various locations where your cat frequently goes can encourage them to drink more consistently.