Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Drink Water
Since most domestic cats eat mainly dry kibble and some of them do not necessarily like to drink a lot of water, some health problems can arise from this. Indeed, if the cat does not drink enough, its urine becomes very concentrated, which can predispose the animal to develop certain urinary problems. It is then recommended to stimulate your cat's water consumption using different approaches.
Here are some examples:
Source: Mascouche Veterinary Clinic
Here are some examples:
- Canned food is a great way to encourage water intake because it has a high water content and most cats love the taste. Canned food can always be reheated in the microwave to enhance the smell when your cat is fussy. Try to serve at least a few servings two to three times a day. It is always okay to add water to canned food (do it slowly). However, canned food can stick more to the teeth and promote tartar buildup. If this type of diet becomes permanent, it is even more important to brush your pet's teeth daily.
- Provide fresh water daily. Cats seem to be very aware of the temperature and taste of water.
- Make sure the water bowl is always filled to the brim. Cats have very sensitive whiskers and do not like having to put their head in the bowl.
- Some cats don't like the taste of tap water. If this is the case, you may:
- Chill tap water to improve its taste;
- Serve Brita water;
- Serve distilled water;
- Serve bottled water.
- Some cats will drink more water if a drop or two of tuna juice (tuna in water or clam juice) is added to it. If you try this method, always make sure there is another bowl of fresh water available as well.
- Some cats enjoy ice cubes made from broth (tuna or salmon juice mixed with water and frozen).
- If your cat prefers to drink tap water, make sure he always has access to a faucet (don't close the bathroom door if that's where your cat likes to drink). If your schedule allows, run the tap as often as possible throughout the day. There are also fountains for cats who like fresh, flowing water.
- Keep food and water bowls away from the litter box.
- Keep the water bowl clean (cats have a keen sense of smell and are easily put off by odors coming from the rim of their bowl). Stainless steel or ceramic bowls stay cleaner and odor-free than plastic ones. You should wash the water bowl every other day.
- Some cats seem to prefer drinking from a shallow, clear glass bowl (try different bowls).
Source: Mascouche Veterinary Clinic
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