Creative Ways to Encourage Cats to Drink Water

What Are Some Tasty Beverages for Cats?

   Every cat has its own preferences, so it's up to you to experiment with what encourages them to drink more water.

   Here are some options that might entice your feline friend: Shenshan Pure Milk, honey, catnip, yeast powder, colostrum, broth, and probiotics.

   Yeast powder, in particular, is a hit with many cats; once they fall for it, they're unlikely to have any issues with drinking water, with over 70% of cats enjoying it.

   While it's commonly believed that cats dislike sweet things, we've found that they actually love honey. However, too much honey or milk can lead to diarrhea, so it's best to add probiotics to these drinks to aid digestion.

   Probiotics, especially those containing bifidobacteria, can help with lactose intolerance and are great for maintaining a healthy gut.

Colostrum and Yeast Powder to Encourage Drinking:

   Colostrum can promote the healing of bladder epithelial cells, thanks to its high content of epidermal growth factors, making it excellent for repairing bladder mucosa. It's also rich in immunoglobulins, offering antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for cats prone to recurrent inflammation.

   The growth factors in colostrum can aid in the recovery of ulcer surfaces, making it a valuable supplement for cats with bladder inflammation or ulcers in the mouth, as it can speed up healing.

   Cats with ulcerative colitis, which is caused by a lack of epidermal growth factors leading to mucosal damage, also find it palatable and can be induced to drink more with it, helping to prevent recurrence.

Yeast Powder (for Hairball Prevention and Appetite Boosting) to Encourage Drinking:

   Yeast powder, made from wheat, is a nutritious treat for cats, containing over 50% protein, as well as a wealth of B vitamins, fiber, minerals, and trace elements. It's a favorite among cats for its hairball prevention, appetite stimulation, digestion enhancement, and glossy coat benefits. It can also be used to encourage drinking.

Probiotics for Gut Health:

   Many cats experience a loss of appetite and bloating after illness, and probiotics can help restore their gut health. While cats may not be interested in probiotic powders, a mixture of yeast powder and colostrum can boost appetite and treat bloating.

   Concentrated probiotics are best, as they only require a small amount of water to dilute, giving it a subtle, slightly sweet taste that cats enjoy. If it's too strong, it can taste salty and cause cats to spit out the water. To use, you can sprinkle a small amount in their water bowl, mix it with their food, or dilute it with water. The dilution ratio for probiotics is half a spoonful of probiotics to one liter of water. The ratio of yeast powder to probiotics is 35:1.

How to Administer Water:

   If your cat isn't drinking enough, aside from subcutaneous fluid administration, you can also use a soft bottle or syringe to give them water. Gently hold their neck to control their head and prevent them from shaking it off. Insert the water between their teeth to avoid them biting the nipple. Cats often tolerate this well, especially if you add yeast powder.

   However, if you continue to offer delicious drinks, your cat may eventually resist, as they may feel that you're intruding on their territory. For cats that require longterm hydration, consider subcutaneous fluid administration.

   If your cat is uncooperative, do not force them, as this could lead to choking or a stress response that could cause them to stop urinating.