Keeping Your Cat Hydrated: Tips to Make Sure Kitty Drinks Enough Water

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Cats aren’t known for being big water drinkers, but keeping them hydrated is super important! Here’s a simple guide on why your cat needs more water, how to tell if they’re thirsty, and some tricks to get them to drink up.

Why Cats Don’t Always Drink Enough

Cats come from desert-dwelling ancestors who could survive on limited water. This means they don’t always recognize they’re thirsty and can be a little fussy about their water sources. But without enough water, cats can get dehydrated, which can lead to health issues like kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and other sneaky issues.

Signs Your Cat Might Be Dehydrated

  • Dry Gums and Nose: Their nose and gums should be moist—dry gums can be a dehydration red flag.
  • Lethargy: Cats are known for napping, but if they seem low on energy even for a cat, they may need more water.
  • Sunken Eyes: Look at their eyes. If they appear a bit sunken, they might need more water.
  • Loss of Appetite: Dehydrated cats may eat less, which could be a clue.

cat and perpetual well

How Much Water Should They Be Drinking?

A general guideline is that cats need about 3.5–4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Cats who eat dry food need more water, as they’re not getting any moisture from their meals. Cats who eat wet food get a bit more hydration, so they might not drink as much from their bowl.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

 Invest in a Fountain Cats love running water! Many cats are instinctively drawn to the sound and movement of a fountain, and it might just encourage them to drink more.

Mix Water into Their Wet Food If your cat already enjoys wet food, you can add a little water to it. It makes the meal a bit soupier but sneaks in extra hydration. Start with a small amount and see how they like it.

Keep Multiple Water Stations Your cat might appreciate options, so try placing water bowls around the house. Some cats will be pickier than others about where they like to drink. If you can, offer water in different bowls (glass, metal, ceramic) to see if they have a preference.

Offer Ice Cubes as a Treat If your cat is curious, try adding an ice cube to their water bowl. The movement can catch their attention, and the water stays colder.

Try Broth (Just Not Too Salty!)A low-sodium, cat-friendly broth can be a treat and get them to drink up. Ensure it’s free from onions, garlic, and too much salt—those can harm cats

.Get a Perpetual Well  
Using an Automatic Water Bowl like the Perpetual Well will always ensure your cat has access to fresh water.

A Little Extra Effort Goes a Long Way!

Hydrating your cat doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does make a big difference to their overall health and happiness.

Cat drinking from perpetual well

How to Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Simple Tips for Dogs and Cats

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Ever wonder if your furry friend is drinking enough water? Hydration is super important, not just for humans but for dogs and cats too! Proper hydration keeps your pets’ organs working well, supports their digestion, and helps maintain healthy fur and skin. But sometimes it can be tricky to figure out if your pet is getting enough H2O. Here’s how you can make sure your pets are staying well-hydrated and happy!

Why Hydration Matters

Water is essential for every bodily function. For dogs and cats, it helps with:

  • Regulating body temperature: Pets can overheat quickly, especially in hot weather.
  • Flushing out toxins: A well-hydrated pet’s kidneys work better to get rid of waste.
  • Lubricating joints: This helps them move easily and prevents joint pain.
  • Aiding digestion: Water helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and prevent constipation.

How Much Water Do Dogs and Cats Need?

As a general rule, dogs need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So, a 40-pound dog should drink roughly 40 ounces of water a day (that’s about 5 cups). Cats, on the other hand, are a little trickier. They tend to drink less water since they get moisture from food, especially if they eat wet food. A cat should still have access to 3.5–4.5 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight each day.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Dehydrated

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your dog or cat is getting enough water, but here are some signs of dehydration:

  • Dry gums or sticky saliva
  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Sunken eyes (especially in cats)
  • Panting and dry nose in dogs
  • Loss of skin elasticity: Try gently pinching the skin between your pet’s shoulders. If it doesn’t spring back into place quickly, they may be dehydrated.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Hydrated

  1. Always Have Fresh Water Available
    Make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water. Change it daily and clean their bowl regularly to prevent bacteria from growing.
  2. Use Multiple Water Stations
    For multi-pet households or homes with multiple floors, it helps to have water bowls in different areas. This encourages pets to drink more since they don’t have to go far to find water.
  3. Try a Pet Fountain
    Many pets, especially cats, love running water. A pet fountain might entice them to drink more since it mimics fresh, moving water.
  4. Mix Wet Food Into Their Diet
    Cats are especially prone to dehydration because they naturally get moisture from their prey. If your cat eats mostly dry food, consider adding some wet food to their diet. The same goes for dogs—mixing in wet food or adding a little water to dry kibble can increase their moisture intake.
  5. Get a Perpetual Well  
    Using an Automatic Dog Waterer like the Perpetual Well will ensure your dog has access to fresh water all the time.  Being well-hydrated will also help with the circulation of blood, digestion, and removal of waste.
  6. Watch the Weather
    Hot days can sneak up on you, especially with dogs. If your dog is active or spending time outdoors, they’ll need more water than usual. Always carry water with you when walking your dog in warm weather.
  7. Consider Ice Cubes
    Many pets enjoy chewing on ice cubes or licking them as a way to stay cool and hydrated, especially dogs. For cats, you can make frozen tuna water cubes as a treat!

How to Keep Your Pets Hydrated