Why are cats so picky about water? Cats are independent and secretive pets. They can be “high maintenance,” even when it comes to drinking water. But staying hydrated is vital to their health, and as owners, we must do something to keep them hydrated. We can’t force our cats to drink water, but we can use a bit of deception to encourage them. Today, we will teach you a few ways that can help your cat drink more water to stay energized.
1. Why Cats Don’t Like to Drink Water
Let’s first figure out why cats don’t like to drink water as a way to treat the problem. Cats don’t like to drink water for two main reasons. First, they need less water. Second, they’re picky about the quality of the water.
Cats are genetically predisposed not to drink much water. The ancestors of cats came from arid or semi-arid areas of Africa, where there was a lack of water. They usually hunted small animals (such as rodents) to obtain water. The water in their prey was already sufficient to meet their needs. Just as some people prefer drinks to water, prey is the cat’s “drink.”Cats have very efficient kidneys that concentrate urine to minimize water loss. This allows them to survive in environments where water is scarce. Over time, cats have become more restrained and conservative in their drinking habits.
Cats prefer flowing water. They think it’s fresher and less likely to be contaminated. This habit comes from their ancestors, who chose flowing water when hunting in the wild.
While a cat’s dislike of water seems to be justified, it’s still not a good habit. A cat’s dislike of water can cause dehydration. This can cause issues like urinary stones, blockages, and concentrated urine from being dehydrated for a long time. It also increases the risk of kidney disease, constipation, and loss of appetite. As owners, we certainly do not want our lovely cats to face these issues.
2. How to Make Cats Drink Water: Tricking Cats into Drinking Water
Provide a Flowing Water Source
As mentioned, cats prefer flowing water. They find it fresher and cleaner. What we want to do is make the cat feel that the stagnant water in the bowl is clean. Cats will want to drink water if they see fresh plants and animals in it and feel that it is safe. You can add imitation leaves to the bowl so that your cat will think the water is clean and will be more willing to drink. You can also get a cat water fountain. It mimics flowing water and encourages your cat to drink.
Wet Cat Food Instead of Dry Cat Food
Wet cat food contains about 70% water. It’s closer to the texture of natural food, making it more appealing to cats. If your cat doesn’t like drinking water, try feeding more wet food to help with hydration.
Food to Trick Cats into Drinking Water
Even the most high-maintenance cats can’t resist the temptation of cat treats. You can squeeze a bit of cat treats at the bottom of the water bowl and add water. Your cat will be tempted to drink water in order to eat the treats. You can smear treats on the side of the bowl and then add water. Your cat will lick the wall and end up drinking the water.
Change the Location of the Water Bowl
Owners often keep their cat’s food bowl, water bowl, litter box, and climbing frame together. It’s cleaner and neater for the owner, but not ideal for the cat. Having the food bowl next to the water bowl means food scraps may accidentally fall into the water. Having the litter box near the water bowl is even worse – after all, who wants to drink next to the toilet? Try placing the water bowl away from the food bowl and litter box. Your cat may start drinking more water.
Mimic a Human Water Bowl
Cats don’t like their own water bowls because they think they’re not clean. However, they’re often interested in human water glasses. After seeing the owner drink, they will subconsciously think that the owner’s cup is clean. You can try placing your own water cup on the floor. If your cat is willing to drink, let your little pet have at it!
If your cat urinates about the size of 2 ping-pong balls each day, there’s no need to trick them into drinking water. Cats generally don’t drink much water, so don’t be too anxious about it.
Cats are picky about drinking water, even though it’s crucial for their health. This can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to problems like urinary stones, kidney disease, and constipation. The reason lies in their evolution. Cats’ ancestors came from dry areas and got most of their water from prey. To encourage cats to drink more water, owners can use a few clever tricks. You can try giving your cat flowing water with a cat water fountain. Adding wet cat food to their diet can help too. Moving the water bowl to a new spot may also encourage them to drink. You can also use cat treats or copy human drinking habits to tempt them into staying hydrated.