Water :(

[Melina]

Hi Hakan,

Cats generally don’t drink much water because they are desert animals that evolved to get most of their hydration from their prey and have a low thirst drive.

Here are a few recommendations to encourage your cat to drink water:

1. Cats naturally prefer moving water for safety and cleanliness. Consider getting a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink, as it mimics this behavior.

2. Experiment with different types of bowls. Cats usually prefer glass or ceramic bowls over plastic.

3. Some cats enjoy drinking from glasses or tumblers.

4. Fill the water bowl to the brim; cats like drinking from a full container. Ensure the dish is shallow since cats don’t like their whiskers touching the side of their water/food bowl.

5. Most cats prefer wide, shallow bowls so they don’t have to put their heads inside the bowl to drink.

6. Place the water bowls away from their food and litter boxes, and keep them in a quiet location.

Lastly, some cats are particular about their water because they have sensitive receptors on their tongues that allow them to taste it. These receptors can detect salt and certain bitter flavors, helping them identify tiny changes in salt levels, acidity, and other chemicals. This is why your cat might turn up his nose at “day-old” tap water but happily drink fresh rainwater—they can sense subtle differences that we cannot.

Every cat will have individual preferences, and encouraging them to drink can be challenging. Here is a free guide for caregivers; icatcare.org/resources/encouraging-your-cat-to-drink_caregiver_guide.pdf

I hope that helps. Have fun experimenting!

Melina and the three Tuxedos

[Alice]

My cat will not drink water, but I feed her only very wet food (Nulo nutrition and love series with 84% moisture.) I check her litter box frequently and see a lot of urination results. She eats about 2 and 1/2 small cans of 3 different flavors a day. She is 3 and is very healthy and very happy.