Cats are known to be picky eaters, but did you know they can be equally as finicky about their drinking habits? One common behavior among cats is their tendency to avoid drinking water that is placed next to their food. In fact, some cats may even refuse to drink water altogether, which can lead to serious health problems.
Understanding your cat’s hydration needs is crucial to maintaining their overall health and well-being. While cats may not drink as much water as dogs, they still require a sufficient amount to stay hydrated. The amount of water a cat needs can vary based on factors such as their diet, age, and activity level.
So, why do cats avoid drinking water next to their food? There are several theories, including the influence of their natural instincts, the role of diet in their hydration, and their preference for cleanliness and safety.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this common feline behavior and provide tips on how to encourage your cat to drink more water.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Understanding your cat’s hydration needs is crucial to maintaining their health.
- The role of diet is an important factor in your cat’s hydration levels.
- Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help prevent dehydration and related health issues.
Why Cats Avoid Drinking Water Near Their Food
Cats are known for their picky nature, and this extends to their water preferences. While some cats are fine drinking water from a bowl placed next to their food, others prefer their water source to be separate. Some cats even prefer running water from a fountain or a dripping faucet. Source – Hill’s Pet
- One reason why cats may avoid drinking water next to their food is that they have a natural aversion to drinking where they eat. This behavior is rooted in their instincts as wild cats, where water sources may have been contaminated with prey or other animals.
- Another factor that can influence a cat’s water preferences is the material of the water bowl. Some cats may be averse to plastic bowls, as they can develop scratches that harbor bacteria and affect the taste of the water. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls may be a better option.
- A cat’s whiskers can also play a role in their water preferences. Whiskers are highly sensitive and can become irritated if they touch the sides of a narrow water bowl. A wider bowl or a shallow dish may be more comfortable for a cat to drink from.
- Finally, the location of the water bowl can also influence a cat’s water intake. Some cats may prefer a water bowl in a quiet, secluded area, while others may prefer a more social location. Placing multiple water bowls throughout the house, including in the bathroom or near a favorite toy, can encourage a cat to drink more.
Understanding Cat’s Hydration Needs
Cats, like all animals, need water to survive. Water is essential for maintaining healthy body functions such as digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure and even death.
Cats have a low thirst drive and often rely on their food for hydration. This is why it’s important to feed them wet food or add water to their dry food. It’s also important to provide fresh water in a clean bowl every day.
A cat’s water intake depends on various factors, including their body weight, activity level, and the type of food they eat. As a general rule, cats should drink about 2-4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
To check if a cat is dehydrated, gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck. If the skin doesn’t snap back into place immediately, they may be dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include loss of appetite, lethargy, and sunken eyes.
If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, it’s important to encourage them to drink more water. You can try adding a small amount of tuna juice or chicken broth to their water, or even invest in a pet fountain to make drinking more appealing.
In addition to drinking water, cats also get fluids from their food. Wet food is an excellent source of hydration, as it contains up to 80% water. Feeding your cat a balanced diet of wet and dry food can help ensure they’re getting enough fluids.
The Role of Diet in Cat’s Hydration
Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet rich in protein and moisture to maintain their health. Wet food is an excellent source of hydration for cats, as it contains up to 80% water. Dry food, on the other hand, contains only 10% water, making it less effective at hydrating cats.
Feeding cats a diet of dry food only may lead to dehydration, as cats may not drink enough water to make up for the lack of moisture in their food. This is especially true for older cats, who may have a decreased thirst drive.
Tuna juice is often used as a way to entice cats to drink more water. However, it should be used sparingly, as it is high in sodium and can lead to health problems such as hypertension.
When it comes to cat food and water bowls, it is recommended to keep them separate. Cats may be deterred from drinking water if it is located too close to their food, as they instinctively avoid water sources that may be contaminated with food particles.
Common Health Issues Related to Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious issue for cats and can lead to various health problems. Some common health issues related to dehydration in cats include:
- Kidney problems: Cats with kidney problems are more prone to dehydration.
- Diabetes: Cats with diabetes may drink more water than usual and still become dehydrated.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Cats that have vomiting or diarrhea may become dehydrated quickly.
- Hyperthyroidism: Cats with hyperthyroidism may drink more water than usual and still become dehydrated.
- Cancer: Certain cancers can cause dehydration in cats.
- Heatstroke: Cats can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather or if they overheat.
- Older cats: Older cats may be hesitant to drink water, which can lead to dehydration.
- Obesity: Overweight cats are more prone to dehydration.
- Seizures: Cats that have seizures may become dehydrated quickly.
- Other underlying health issues: Various health issues can cause dehydration in cats.
Signs of dehydration in cats include loss of energy, panting, sunken eyes, skin tenting, and a lack of appetite. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your cat to the vet.
To prevent dehydration, make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times and keep an eye on their water intake. If your cat is not drinking enough water, try offering wet food or adding water to their dry food.
Ensuring Cleanliness and Safety of Drinking Water
Cats are known for their cleanliness, and it’s important to ensure that their drinking water is just as clean. Dirty water can harbor bacteria and other contaminants that can make your cat sick. Here are some tips to ensure that your cat’s drinking water is clean and safe:
- Keep the water bowl clean: Cats are sensitive to the taste and smell of water, and a dirty bowl can discourage them from drinking. Wash the water bowl daily with soap and hot water, and rinse thoroughly.
- Provide fresh water: Cats prefer fresh water, so it’s important to change the water frequently. Refill the bowl with fresh water at least once a day, or more often if the water becomes contaminated or stale.
- Choose the right water source: Tap water is generally safe for cats, but if you’re concerned about contaminants, consider using bottled or filtered water. Avoid using water from outside sources, such as ponds or streams, as it may be contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances.
- Separate the water bowl from food: Cats instinctively avoid drinking water that is located near their food, as it may become contaminated with saliva or food particles. Place the water bowl in a separate location from the food bowl.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your cat’s drinking water is clean and safe. Remember, providing fresh and clean water is essential to your cat’s health and well-being.
Ways to Encourage Cats to Drink More Water
Cats are known to have a low thirst drive, which is why they don’t drink as much water as they should. Here are some ways to encourage your cat to drink more water:
- Place multiple water bowls around the house in quiet, safe areas to tempt your cat to drink. Avoid placing water bowls near loud washing machines or around other alpha animals in the house, as this may cause them to avoid drinking.
- Switch to canned food, which contains between 78 and 82% water, providing your cat with hydration without them even knowing it.
- Consider investing in a water fountain for your cat. Cats enjoy drinking from moving water, and a fountain can help keep the water fresh and oxygenated.
- Add chicken broth to your cat’s water bowl to make it more appealing. Make sure to use low-sodium broth and avoid adding any onions or garlic, as these can be toxic to cats.
- Add ice cubes to your cat’s water bowl to make it more refreshing, especially during hot weather. Make sure to use fresh water and not tap water, as some cats are sensitive to the taste and smell of chlorine.
- Encourage your cat to drink more water by playing with a toy near their water bowl. This can help distract them and make them more likely to drink.
- Check the temperature of the water. Some cats prefer their water at room temperature, while others prefer it chilled. Experiment to see what your cat prefers.
- Make sure your cat’s paws and anus are clean. Cats are very clean animals and may avoid drinking water if they feel dirty.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a cat’s water be away from food?
Yes, it is recommended to place a cat’s water bowl away from their food bowl. This is because cats have a natural instinct to avoid drinking water that is close to their food.
Do cats drink a lot of water?
Cats typically do not drink a lot of water, as they are designed to get most of their hydration from their prey. However, it is important to ensure that they have access to fresh water at all times.
Cat doesn’t drink water but eats wet food
If your cat is eating wet food, they may not be drinking as much water as they would if they were eating dry food. However, it is still important to ensure that they have access to fresh water at all times.
Do cats need to drink water if they eat wet food?
Yes, even if a cat is eating wet food, they still need to drink water to stay hydrated. Wet food alone may not provide enough hydration for a cat.
Why do cats like running water?
Cats may prefer running water because it is more appealing and fresh than stagnant water in a bowl. Running water may also mimic the sound of a stream or river, which is a natural source of water for cats in the wild.
References
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
