Desert-Origin Cats: Can They Survive Without Water?

So, here we are: some of you adorable pet owners might have noticed that your feline friend seems to have a rather peculiar aversion to drinking water. But does that mean cats don't need water at all? Absolutely not! The truth is quite the opposite. The consequences of a cat not drinking enough water can be quite severe for both the cat and its human companion.

In the wild, cats often feast on small creatures like mice and sparrows, which are already about 70%80% water. Since cats typically avoid rotting meat, they can get a significant amount of moisture from their fresh prey, more than enough to meet their daily needs.

However, due to their instincts, domesticated cats that are fed dry kibble (which usually contains about 10% moisture for easy storage) may not drink as much water, leading to a host of problems.

How much water should a cat drink each day?

On average, a cat needs to drink:

4060ml of water per kilogram of body weight

For example, if a cat weighs 4kg:

Daily water intake = 4060ml 4 = 160240ml

Take a moment to assess whether your cat's daily water consumption meets this standard.

What are the problems caused by a lack of water in cats?

Just like humans, toxins accumulate in the kidneys and are excreted through urine. If a cat drinks too little, urine output decreases, leading to a cascade of issues:

1. Bladder problems and urinary tract diseases

2. Kidney diseases and feline lower urinary tract diseases

3. Cystitis, bladder rupture, tumors, and stones

4. Bladder stones can lead to lifethreatening urethral blockages

Cat Urinary Blockage Issues

Dehydration in cats is a gradual process. Generally, without much experience, it can be challenging for cat owners to detect dehydration unless it leads to more severe problems, such as the diseases mentioned above.

But if a cat remains dehydrated for an extended period, their body doesn't receive the necessary amount of water, and as they age, various health issues may arise.

How can you tell if a cat is dehydrated?

1. Skin Elasticity Test:

Cats that drink enough water have skin that is as soft and elastic as a baby's. To check for dehydration, gently pull up the skin over your cat's shoulder blades. If the skin doesn't snap back within a second, your cat may be dehydrated.

2. Gums Test:

Open your cat's mouth and inspect their gums. A wellhydrated cat will have smooth, moist gums. In contrast, dehydrated cats will have sticky, dry gums. Gently press on the gums, and if they turn white and take a long time to regain their color, your cat might be dehydrated. The slower the recovery, the more severe the dehydration.

How to encourage your cat to drink more water?

1. Add Moisture to Their Diet:

Besides dry kibble, you can provide your cat with wet food cans and other highmoisture foods to increase their water intake (cats that eat wet food regularly should be extra cautious about dental health).

2. Raw Meat Diet:

If you have the time, resources, and knowhow, you can also feed your cat a raw meat diet.

3. Running Water:

Keep the water bowl clean and fresh, as cats prefer drinking running water. If possible, provide your cat with a water fountain (but avoid leaving it unattended for long periods to prevent electrical issues).

4. Syringe Feeding:

If your cat refuses to drink water, you can try feeding them with a syringe.

Ps:

Avoid giving your cat tap water. Boil it, let it cool, or offer purified water, as tap water can cause parasitic issues.