A cat typically drinks between 4 and 8 ounces of water per day. However, this can vary depending on the size of the cat, the temperature, how active the cat is, and what type of food the cat is eating.
Water is necessary for all animals, including cats. It helps to regulate their body temperature, aids in digestion, and prevents dehydration. If your cat is urinating frequently and has a healthy appetite, it is likely drinking enough water.
You can also check your cat’s water dish regularly to see if it is empty or nearly empty.
How Much Water Should a Cat Drink in 24 Hours?
A healthy adult cat needs around 4 to 8 ounces of water per day. This means that a healthy adult cat needs around 30 to 55 ounces of water per week.
A kitten needs to drink about two to four tablespoons of water per day.
Why is Water Important for Cats
Water is necessary for cats for many reasons. Water helps to keep cats hydrated, which is important for their overall health.
Water also helps to keep cats’ fur and skin healthy, and it can help to flush toxins out of their system.
In addition, water helps them to digest their food properly. Without enough water, cats can become constipated or have other digestive problems.
Drinking enough water helps them to stay cool in warm weather and to stay warm in cold weather.
Overall, water is necessary for cats because it is essential for their health and wellbeing.
How To Help Your Cat Drink More Water?
There are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to drink more water:
Multiple water bowls
Place several water bowls around your home in strategic locations. Having multiple water bowls around the house is a great way to encourage your cat to drink more water. Cats can be picky about their water, so it’s important to have a few different options available.
Cat water fountain
A cat water fountain is a great way to encourage your cat to drink more water and stay hydrated. Put a water fountain near their food.
There are many different types and styles of cat water fountains on the market, so you can find one that fits your cat’s needs and your own personal style.
Give them an ice cube
If your cat isn’t drinking enough water, one way to encourage them is to give them an ice cube to drink. Some cats enjoy the cold water and the sensation of licking ice. You can also put the ice cube in their water bowl to help keep the water colder and more refreshing.
Add flavors to the water
If your cat isn’t a big fan of drinking water, you can try adding some flavors to it to make it more appealing. A little bit of tuna juice or chicken broth can make all the difference in getting your cat to drink more water. Just be sure to use a low-sodium variety so that it’s not too high in salt.
Offer bottled water
Offer your cat bottled water instead of tap water and they will be sure to stay hydrated. Bottled water is a great way to keep your cat hydrated, and it is also a healthy option for them to drink.
Increase number of meals
Water is essential for a cat’s health, and one way to encourage your cat to drink more water is to increase the number of meals you offer per day. This will help keep your cat hydrated and prevent health problems down the road.
Give them wet food
You can also try adding a little bit of water to their food or giving them wet food instead of dry food. Wet cat food does tend to contain more water than dry food. This is because wet food is typically made with more fresh ingredients, which contain higher water content.
Try adding little bit of catnip
You can also try adding a little bit of catnip to the water. Many cats love the taste of catnip and it can be a great way to encourage them to drink more water.
Try running water
If you have a cat that doesn’t drink enough water, you may want to try running water for them to drink. Some cats prefer running water and it may encourage them to drink more. You can try putting a bowl of running water next to their food bowl or near where they like to drink.
Clean their bowls daily
Cats are known for being clean animals, and one of the ways they keep themselves clean is by grooming themselves with their tongues.
There are a few different ways you can clean your cat’s bowls. One way is to simply wash them with soap and water. Another way is to use a vinegar solution. If you use vinegar, be sure to rinse the bowls well so that your cat doesn’t end up with a vinegar-flavored meal!
No matter how you clean your cat’s bowls, the important thing is to do it every day. This will help keep your cat healthy and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Refresh their water regularly
Refresh your cat’s water bowl regularly means dumping out the old water and adding fresh, clean water to the bowl. You can do this once or twice a day, or even more if your cat is a big water drinker.
Not only will this help keep your cat healthy and hydrated, but it will also help prevent the growth of bacteria in their water bowl. So go ahead and give your cat the fresh water they deserve, they’ll thank you for it!
The Dangers for Cats if Not Drinking Enough Water
If cats do not drink enough water, they can become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause kidney problems, and in severe cases, even death.
Cats that do not drink enough water are also at risk for developing urinary tract infections. These infections can be very painful and may require antibiotics to treat.
Without water, they may also suffer from constipation. This can be a very uncomfortable condition for cats and may require veterinary treatment.
In extreme cases, cats that do not drink enough water can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Therefore, it is very important for cat owners to make sure their cats are drinking enough water.
FAQ’s
How Long Can A Cat Survive Without Water?
A cat can survive without water for about 3-4 days and survive without food for about 2 weeks. How long a cat can survive without water depends on a variety of factors, including the cat’s age, health, and activity level. A young, healthy cat can live without water for up to 3 days, while an older cat or one with health problems may only survive for 1 day without water.
Can I give my cat water in a syringe?
Yes, you can give your cat water in a syringe if she is sick or a kitten. The amount of water you give your cat will depend on how much your cat needs. A good rule of thumb is to give your cat 1 milliliter of water for every pound that your cat weighs.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
