Water is essential for life, and cats are no exception. Hydration is critical for cats to maintain their health and well-being. However, many cats do not drink enough water or get enough moisture from their food. This can lead to dehydration, which can have serious consequences for cats. In this article, we will explore why hydration is important for cats, how to understand the water content in cat food, and how to encourage hydration in cats.
Why Hydration is Critical for Cats?
Water as a Key Nutrient
Water is a key nutrient for cats, as it is involved in many vital functions in the body. Water helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and oxygen, flush out toxins and waste products, lubricate joints and tissues, and support digestion and metabolism. Cats need to consume about 45-50 ml of water per kg of body weight per day, which can vary depending on factors such as activity level, temperature, and health status.
Advantages of Proper Hydration
Proper hydration can have many benefits for cats, such as:
- Improving skin and coat health
- Preventing urinary tract infections and kidney stones
- Reducing the risk of constipation and hairballs
- Enhancing appetite and energy levels
- Supporting immune system function
- Promoting overall wellness and longevity
Health Risks Associated with Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when cats lose more water than they take in. This can happen due to various reasons, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heatstroke, diabetes, kidney disease, or simply not drinking enough water. Dehydration can have serious consequences for cats, such as:
- Impairing organ function and blood circulation
- Causing electrolyte imbalance and acid-base disturbance
- Increasing the risk of urinary tract problems and kidney failure
- Leading to shock and coma
- Being fatal if left untreated
Some signs of dehydration in cats include:
- Dry mouth and nose
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Reduced skin elasticity
- Increased heart rate and breathing
If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Understanding Water Content in Cat Food
One of the main sources of water for cats is their food. However, not all cat foods have the same water content. There are two main types of cat food: wet and dry.
Differentiating Between Wet and Dry Food
Wet food, also known as canned or moist food, has a high water content of about 70-80%. Wet food is closer to the natural prey diet of cats, which is typically 60-70% water. Wet food can provide adequate hydration for cats if fed exclusively or in combination with dry food.
Dry food, also known as kibble or biscuits, has a low water content of about 10%. Dry food is more convenient and economical than wet food, but it does not provide enough hydration for cats if fed alone. Cats who eat only dry food need to drink more water from other sources to meet their daily requirement.
Optimal Water Content in Cat Food
There is no definitive answer to what is the optimal water content in cat food for every cat. It depends on factors such as the cat’s age, health condition, activity level, preferences, and individual needs. However, some general guidelines are:
- Cats who eat only wet food may not need to drink much additional water.
- Cats who eat only dry food should drink about 50 ml of water per 100 g of dry food.
- Cats who eat a combination of wet and dry food should adjust their water intake accordingly.
- Cats who have health issues that affect their hydration status, such as kidney disease or diabetes, may need more or less water depending on their veterinarian’s advice.
Selecting Hydrating Cat Food
When choosing cat food with adequate water content, you should consider the following factors:
- Quality: Look for cat food that contains high-quality ingredients, high protein content, low carbohydrate content, and no artificial additives or fillers.
- Certification: Look for cat food that has been certified by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage.
- Palatability: Look for cat food that your cat enjoys eating and does not cause any adverse reactions or allergies.
- Variety: Look for cat food that offers different flavors and textures to suit your cat’s preferences and prevent boredom.
Some examples of hydrating cat food are:
- Ziwipeak Daily Cat Cuisine Tins Lamb 24x85g: This wet food contains 78% moisture and is made from 93% lamb meat, organs, and bones. It is grain-free, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Variety Pack Wet Cat Food: This wet food contains 82% moisture and is made from poultry or beef in gravy. It is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and has added vitamins and minerals.
- Applaws Whole Tuna Loin Cat Treat: This wet food contains 75% moisture and is made from 100% tuna loin. It is grain-free, high in protein, and low in fat.
- Iams Perfect Portions Grain Free Healthy Pate Wet Cat Food: This wet food contains 77% moisture and is made from chicken, turkey, or salmon in pate. It is grain-free, high in protein, and has added vitamins and minerals.
Encouraging Hydration in Cats
Besides providing cat food with adequate water content, there are other ways to encourage hydration in cats, such as:
Adding Water to Cat Food
You can add water to dry cat food to increase its moisture content and make it more palatable for your cat. However, you should do this carefully and follow some tips, such as:
- Use warm water to soften the kibble and enhance the flavor.
- Use filtered or bottled water to avoid any contaminants or chlorine that may deter your cat from drinking.
- Use a small amount of water at first and gradually increase it as your cat gets used to it.
- Do not add too much water that may dilute the nutrients or make the food soggy.
- Do not leave the moistened food out for too long as it may spoil or grow bacteria.
- Discard any uneaten food and wash the bowl thoroughly after each meal.
Providing Fresh Water Sources
You should always provide your cat with fresh, clean water in multiple bowls or containers around the house. You should also:
- Change the water daily or more often if it gets dirty or stale.
- Use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowls that are easy to clean and do not retain odors or bacteria.
- Avoid plastic bowls that may leach chemicals or cause allergic reactions in some cats.
- Place the bowls away from food, litter boxes, or noisy appliances that may discourage your cat from drinking.
- Clean the bowls regularly with hot water and soap to prevent slime or algae buildup.
Monitoring Water Intake
You should monitor your cat’s water intake to ensure that it is drinking enough and not too much or too little. You can do this by:
- Measuring the amount of water you provide and subtracting the amount left after a day.
- Observing your cat’s drinking behavior and frequency.
- Checking your cat’s urine output and color. Normal urine should be clear to pale yellow and not too concentrated or diluted.
- Weighing your cat regularly to detect any weight loss or gain that may indicate dehydration or overhydration.
Using Cat Water Fountains
Some cats may prefer drinking from moving water sources, such as faucets, streams, or fountains. This is because moving water is more appealing, fresh, and oxygenated than still water. You can use a cat water fountain to provide your cat with a constant flow of clean water. However, you should also:
- Choose a fountain that is quiet, easy to clean, and suitable for your cat’s size and preferences.
- Use filtered or bottled water to fill the fountain and prevent mineral deposits or clogging.
- Clean the fountain regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent algae or bacteria growth.
- Replace the filter as needed to maintain the water quality.
Some examples of cat water fountains are:
- Veken Automatic Cat Water Fountain: This fountain has a 2.5-liter capacity and a triple filtration system. It has three different flow settings: flower waterfall, flower bubble, and gentle fountain. It is made from BPA-free materials and has a low-noise pump.
- PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain: This fountain has a 1.3-gallon capacity and a carbon filter. It has an adjustable flow control valve and a free-falling stream. It is made from BPA-free plastic and has a submersible pump.
- Catit Flower Fountain: This fountain has a 3-liter capacity and a dual-action filter. It has three different flow settings: gentle flow, bubbling top, or calm streams. It is made from BPA-free materials and has an ergonomic design.
Homemade Cat Food Options to Promote Hydration
Some cat owners may choose to make their own cat food at home to provide their cats with more hydration and control over the ingredients. However, homemade cat food can be challenging to prepare correctly and safely. You should consult your veterinarian before switching to homemade cat food and follow some guidelines, such as:
- Use fresh, human-grade ingredients that are suitable for cats, such as meat, organs, bones, eggs, fish, and dairy products.
- Avoid ingredients that are toxic or harmful to cats, such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and xylitol.
- Balance the proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water according to your cat’s needs and preferences.
- Supplement the homemade diet with essential nutrients that may be lacking or deficient, such as taurine, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
- Cook the homemade food thoroughly to kill any pathogens or parasites that may be present in raw ingredients.
- Store the homemade food properly in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage or contamination.
- Transition your cat gradually to the homemade diet to avoid digestive upset or rejection.
Some examples of homemade cat food options to promote hydration are:
Home Cooked Diets
Home cooked diets are made from cooked ingredients that are chopped, minced, or pureed. They can provide more moisture and flavor than dry food and can be customized to your cat’s preferences. However, they can also be time-consuming and expensive to prepare and may not be nutritionally balanced without proper supplementation. Some examples of home cooked diets are:
- Chicken and rice: This diet consists of boiled chicken breast and brown rice mixed with water or chicken broth. It can provide protein and carbohydrates for your cat and can be easily digested. However, it may not provide enough fat, vitamins, minerals, or taurine for your cat and should not be fed exclusively or long-term.
- Beef and vegetable stew: This diet consists of stewed beef chunks and vegetables such as carrots, peas, and potatoes in water or beef broth. It can provide protein, fat, fiber, and antioxidants for your cat and can be appealing to its taste buds. However, it may not provide enough calcium, iron, zinc, or vitamin A for your cat and should not be fed exclusively or long-term.
Raw Food Diets
Raw food diets are made from raw ingredients that are ground or chopped. They can mimic the natural prey diet of cats and can provide more moisture and nutrients than cooked food. However, they can also pose a risk of bacterial or parasitic infection for your cat and yourself and may not be suitable for cats with compromised immune systems or medical conditions. Some examples of raw food diets are:
- BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): This diet consists of raw meaty bones (such as chicken necks or wings), organ meats (such as liver or kidney), muscle meats (such as beef or lamb), eggs, fish oil, and supplements. It can provide protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients for your cat and can be beneficial for its dental health. However, it may not provide enough carbohydrates, fiber, or vitamins for your cat and may require careful handling and preparation to avoid contamination.
- PMR (Prey Model Raw): This diet consists of whole prey animals (such as mice, rats, rabbits, or quail) or parts of them (such as heads, feet, or tails). It can provide protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients for your cat and can stimulate its natural hunting instincts. However, it may not provide enough carbohydrates, fiber, or vitamins for your cat and may be difficult to source or store.
Hydrating Broths and Soups
Hydrating broths and soups are made from water or broth mixed with meat, fish, vegetables, or herbs. They can provide extra moisture and flavor for your cat and can be used as a supplement or a treat. However, they should not replace a balanced diet for your cat and should be used sparingly or occasionally. Some examples of hydrating broths and soups are:
- Chicken broth: This broth is made from simmering chicken bones and meat in water with salt and herbs (such as parsley or thyme). It can provide protein and minerals for your cat and can be soothing for its stomach. However, it may not provide enough fat, carbohydrates, or vitamins for your cat and should be used as a supplement only.
- Fish soup: This soup is made from boiling fish (such as salmon or tuna) in water with vegetables (such as carrots or celery) and herbs (such as dill or basil). It can provide protein, fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants for your cat and can be appealing to its taste buds. However, it may not provide enough calcium, phosphorus, or vitamins for your cat and should be used as a treat only.
