A Guide to Prevent Dehydration in Cats

We’re all animals, and our pets need to stay hydrated to stay healthy just like we do. Unfortunately, dehydration can also happen in cats. As a responsible owner, a few minor changes can prevent our babies not to walk up and wishing they can tell you, “I’m thirsty.”

Provide Easy Access

First, ensure that your cat has a ready supply of fresh water. Cats are often finicky, so refresh their water bowl frequently to keep the water clean.

Observing Dehydration Symptoms in Cats’ Behavior

If you want your cat to drink more, it can help to learn from actions like the following:

Container Preferences

Consider a new drinking container if your cat needs to drink more often or avoids its bowl. A wider, shallower bowl can help keep its sensitive whiskers away from the edges.

Consider adding an extra drinking container or two around your house so your cat can experiment (and you can observe the results). Flowing fountains designed specifically for cats attract felines’ attention with motion while the circulation keeps the water fresh and enjoyable.

Health

While you’re at it, keep an eye on your cat’s water consumption and watch for signs of dehydration, which can include:

• Dry gums
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken eyes

Contact your vet if these symptoms persist.

Alter Their Environment to Prevent Dehydration

You can make changes around your cat to help it stay hydrated too.

Diet

Your cat’s diet is extremely important. When you feed your kitty wet food, the higher moisture content eliminates the need for it to drink as much water.

If your picky cat refuses to eat wet food, add a little water or low-sodium broth to its dry food to increase its fluid intake.

Avoid Summer Heat

Heat and sun take water out of the body fast. If you have an outdoor cat, consider keeping it indoors during the hottest days in spring and summer to prevent it from overheating.

Multiple Drinking Spots

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Provide multiple types of drinking vessels and place them in different locations around your house.

Curious cats like to investigate and often enjoy the novelty of new options and arrangements. You can also experiment with different materials, such as stainless steel or glass, to determine your cat’s individual preferences.

Are You Seeing Signs of Dehydration in Your Cat?

If you’re still worried about your cat’s fluid intake, don’t hesitate to schedule a checkup so we can take a look. We’ll make sure your cat is happy and healthy and discuss how you can make sure it gets all the water it needs.