Hydrating Your Cat: What You Need To Know

In my many years of veterinary practice, dehydration is one of the most underestimated health risks I see in cats. Most owners are surprised to learn how much water their cat needs, just how little water their cat actually consumes, and the impact that can have over time. 

Here's what you need to know about keeping your cat properly hydrated.

Why Cats Don't Drink Enough Water

Unlike dogs, cats are notoriously poor drinkers. As a veterinarian, I see this all the time in practice. A big part of the reason comes down to evolution - cats originally descended from desert-dwelling animals that relied on moisture from their prey, rather than drinking water regularly.

Fast forward to today, and many domestic cats are fed predominantly dry food diets with very little moisture. When you combine that with their naturally low thirst drive, it's easy to see why so many cats live in a state of chronic mild dehydration.

Why Hydration Is So Important for Cats

Just like us, hydration is essential for overall health, wellbeing, and longevity. When cats don't consume enough water, it doesn't just affect one system - it can impact the entire body.

One of the most common areas where I see this play out is in the urinary tract.

The Link Between Hydration and Urinary Health

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common conditions I treat in clinic. It's a complex issue where the bladder becomes inflamed, making urination painful and difficult.

In more serious cases, especially in male cats, the bladder can become blocked. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention. If you've ever experienced this with your cat, you'll know just how distressing it can be.

One of the key contributing factors is the formation of crystals or stones in the bladder. And one of the simplest ways to reduce this risk is by ensuring your cat's urine remains diluted - which comes back to one crucial factor: hydration.

Why It's Hard to Get Cats to Drink More

If only it were as simple as putting down a water bowl. Unfortunately, cats don't always cooperate. The saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" applies perfectly here.

Many cat owners try increasing water intake directly, but this often has limited success.

The Best Way to Improve Your Cat's Hydration

In my experience, the most effective and natural way to improve hydration is through food.

By increasing the moisture content of your cat's diet, you can significantly improve their overall hydration status without relying on them to drink more water.

Wet Food vs Dry Food for Hydration

While you can add water to dry food, this often results in a hunger strike. Cats are very sensitive to texture, and soggy kibble isn't particularly appealing.

Instead, I recommend incorporating high-quality wet food into your cat's diet. However, it's important to remember that not all wet foods are created equal. Many products contain unnecessary fillers, gelling agents, or added salts that may not support optimal health or hydration.

A Better Approach to Hydration

That's why I often recommend Feline Natural to my clients. Their core diet wet foods are made from wholefood ingredients and don't rely on unnecessary additives.

Most importantly, they include fresh New Zealand water, helping to naturally increase your cat's moisture intake with every meal.

For convenience, there are also single-serve pouch options available in a range of flavors - perfect for even the fussiest eaters.