As a cat owner, it's natural to be concerned if your furry friend isn't drinking enough water. In this blog post, our vets in Picayune will discuss why your cat won't drink water, how to help them hydrate and when a trip to the clinic is in order.
How much water should a cat drink?
Cats typically need about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily. This can vary based on diet, activity level, and overall health. If your cat eats mostly wet food, they will receive much hydration from their diet. Cats who eat a dry food diet will need to drink more water daily.
Why won't my cat drink water?
All animals typically drink when thirsty, and different animals require varying amounts of water to stay hydrated. Therefore, even if your cat isn't drinking much, they might still get enough water.
Usually, cats consuming dry food will drink about one ounce of water for each ounce of dry food. On the other hand, cats that eat wet foods will drink less water since they get a lot of hydration from their food.
However, it's important to consider that your cat might not drink enough water. The location of the water bowl, an underlying health condition, or the cleanliness of the water could be potential reasons for your cat's decreased water intake.
Signs That Your Cat May Be Dehydrated
Dehydration can seriously threaten your cat's health. Cats that don't drink enough water may quickly become dehydrated. There are a few ways to check whether your cat may be dehydrated.
- Skin Elasticity: Gently pinch the extra skin between your cat's shoulder blades to form a tent-like shape to check its elasticity. Once you let go, wait for your kitty's skin to return to normal in less than a second. If this doesn't occur, your kitty may be dehydrated.
- Dry Mouth: Look at your cat's gums - are they pink and moist? Press your finger against your cat's gums and check whether the pressed spot turns white. If they don't return to a healthy pink color within one to two seconds of removing your finger, your cat may be dehydrated.
- Sunken Eyes: Look into your cat's eyes. Do they seem to lack focus or appear dull or sunken? This may point to dehydration.
- Constipation: Do a litter box check. Dehydrated cats often become constipated. If your cat hasn't passed as much stool as it usually does, dehydration may be blamed.
- Panting: Unlike dogs, cats don't often pant. If your feline friend is panting, they may be dehydrated.
If your cat shows signs of dehydration, contact your vet immediately. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms above become evident, your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of emergency veterinary care.
How to Hydrate a Cat That Won't Drink Water
If you are worried that your cat is not drinking enough water but is not displaying any of the symptoms mentioned above, you can try a few methods to increase its water intake.
- Ensure that your cat's water bowl is not near their litter box. Move it to a better spot or a different room altogether if it is.
- Provide fresh water daily. Many cats will not drink water that has been sitting for an extended period.
- Try moving the bowl to a different location (even if it's not near the litter box).
- Try a different bowl or a bowl that provides running water for cats to enjoy.
- If your cat eats dry food, switch to canned.
When to Visit the Vet
If your cat has not eaten or drunk for more than 24 hours, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention. Dehydration can lead to severe health issues, and persistent refusal to drink water may indicate underlying medical conditions. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity.
Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is vital for their overall health. Understanding how much water your cat needs, recognizing their reluctance to drink, and trying various methods to encourage hydration can help keep your feline friend healthy and happy. If your efforts don’t succeed and your cat continues to avoid drinking water, don't hesitate to consult your vet to rule out any serious health issues.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.