Veterinary Topics

Newsletter Library

August Newsletter: The Importance of Hydration Strategies for Cats During Summer Months

Worried Your Cat Isn't Drinking Enough During the Summer? These Hydration Strategies Can Help

Convincing your cat to drink more water is important during the hot, humid summer months, but what can you do if your favorite feline just isn't interested in its water bowl? A little creativity will help you ensure your cat stays healthy and hydrated when temperatures climb.

9 Ways to Improve Hydration for Cats

Proper hydration is essential for good kidney and urinary tract health and also assists with digestion and body temperature regulation. Cats need four ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight per day, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. Drinking water isn't the only way your pet stays hydrated. Water in food also counts toward your pet's daily hydration total.

These nine tips will help you ensure your pet stays hydrated this summer:

Clean It Up. Biofilm, a slimy film that contains bacteria, forms in water after a few days. In addition to making the water unappealing, drinking water with a biofilm may sicken your pet. Emptying and cleaning your pet's water bowl every day prevents the formation of the film.
Replace Water Often. During hot weather, refill your pet's bowl a few times throughout the day. Don't just top it off. Dump out the old water and replace it with fresh water.
Cool It Down. Your pet cat may prefer its water cooler than normal during a hot day. Adding ice to your pet's water is an option, but chipped ice is a better option than ice cubes, as Dr. Karyn Wesley told the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine News. Whole ice cubes can fracture teeth if your pet chews them.
Improve Access to Water. Place water bowls in several places around your house during warm or hot weather. Does your cat spend any time outdoors? Whether your furry friend enjoys lounging in the sun in a cat enclosure or is an indoor/outdoor cat, make sure fresh water is always available outdoors. Check the water bowl frequently, as your cat could accidentally knock it over or bugs or debris could fall in it.
Keep It Moving. Some cats prefer moving water. If your pet is one of them, provide access to a dripping faucet, or buy a kitty water fountain. The fountains provides a constant flow of water that may be more appealing to thirsty cats.
Change It Up. If your pet doesn't like one type of water, try another. International Cat Care suggests still spring water or filtered water as alternatives to tap water.
Replace Water Bowl. Your cat may avoid drinking because it doesn't like the water bowl. Experiment with different types and materials to find the kind of bowl your furry friend prefers. A shallow, wide bowl may be the ideal type if your cat doesn't like the feeling of whiskers brushing against the sides of deep bowl. Ceramic or stainless bowls are a better option than plastic bowls that can trap bacteria. Buy a stand that raises the height of your pet's food dish and water bowl if arthritis makes it difficult to drink or eat from low dishes and bowls.
Increase Temptation with Other Liquids. Your cat may enjoy drinking the liquid from a can of tuna or prefer water used to poach chicken or fish. Don't give your pet chicken broth unless you check with your veterinarian first. Broths may contain garlic or onions, which could cause life-threatening anemia. Avoid milk too. Cats don't have the enzymes needed to digest lactose in milk. If they drink milk, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or cramping.
Offer More Wet Food. Wet food contains as much as 80% water, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. If your cat isn't drinking enough water, it may be tempted by its favorite flavor of wet food. You can even add a little extra water to wet food to improve hydration.