What Can I Add to My Cat’s Water to Drink?
Adding enticing and safe elements to your cat’s water can significantly increase their hydration. While clean, fresh water should always be the primary offering, options like low-sodium broth or tuna juice can sometimes help encourage finicky drinkers.
The Importance of Hydration for Cats
Cats are notoriously poor drinkers. Their ancestors evolved in arid environments and primarily obtained moisture from their prey. This legacy often means that modern domestic cats don’t instinctively seek out water as readily as they should. Chronic dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Kidney disease: A very common ailment in older cats.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Painful and potentially dangerous.
- Crystalluria: Formation of crystals in the urine.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): A complex of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.
Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining your cat’s overall health and well-being. What can I add to my cats water to drink? is a question many cat owners ask, seeking solutions to improve their feline friends’ fluid intake.
Safe and Effective Additives
While plain water is always the best choice, there are several safe and appealing options to try if your cat isn’t drinking enough. The key is moderation and careful observation of your cat’s reaction.
- Low-Sodium Chicken or Fish Broth: Choose broths specifically formulated for cats or use human-grade broth with no added salt, onions, or garlic, which are toxic to cats. Dilute the broth significantly with water (at least 50/50).
- Tuna Juice (from Canned Tuna in Water): A small amount of tuna juice can be highly enticing. Again, use tuna canned in water, not oil, and offer it sparingly due to the fishy smell taking over the home quickly if used too often.
- Cat-Specific Hydration Enhancers: Several commercially available products are designed to encourage drinking. These often contain electrolytes and enticing flavors. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Unflavored Electrolyte Solutions: Consult your veterinarian before using electrolyte solutions, especially if your cat has any underlying health conditions. Avoid those with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
- Ice Cubes (Plain or Flavored): Some cats enjoy playing with and licking ice cubes, providing a fun way to hydrate. You can freeze diluted broth or tuna juice into ice cubes for added flavor.
- Filtered or Spring Water: Some cats are simply picky about the taste of tap water. Try offering filtered or spring water to see if it makes a difference.
- Goat’s Milk: Small amounts of plain goat’s milk can be a good supplement, offering hydration and beneficial nutrients. However, avoid regular cow’s milk as many cats are lactose intolerant.
Preparation and Presentation
How you prepare and present the flavored water is just as important as what you add.
- Start Small: Introduce new flavors gradually and in small quantities.
- Dilute, Dilute, Dilute: Always dilute broths and juices significantly to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach or creating an imbalance of nutrients.
- Freshness Matters: Replace the flavored water multiple times a day to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its appeal.
- Clean Bowls: Use clean, stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls. Avoid plastic bowls, which can harbor bacteria and impart a taste that some cats dislike.
- Bowl Placement: Place water bowls in multiple locations throughout your home, away from food bowls and litter boxes. Cats prefer to drink in quiet, undisturbed areas. Try different bowl heights – some cats prefer elevated bowls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Broths with Harmful Ingredients: Never use broths containing onion, garlic, or excessive salt.
- Overdoing the Flavor: Too much flavor can deter cats from drinking. Dilution is key.
- Ignoring Underlying Health Issues: If your cat suddenly stops drinking or shows signs of dehydration, consult your veterinarian immediately to rule out any medical problems.
- Relying Solely on Flavored Water: Always provide a bowl of fresh, clean water alongside any flavored options.
- Using Milk Alternatives with Xylitol: Some milk alternatives may contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to cats. Always check the ingredients.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Hydration
Keep a close eye on your cat’s water intake and urine output. Signs of dehydration include:
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Skin tenting (gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated)
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The question of What can I add to my cats water to drink? is best answered through careful consideration of safety, moderation, and your cat’s individual preferences. Experiment cautiously and always prioritize fresh, clean water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to add ice cubes to my cat’s water?
Yes, plain ice cubes are generally safe for cats. Some cats enjoy playing with and licking them, providing a fun way to stay hydrated. However, avoid giving them large ice cubes that they could choke on.
Can I use tap water for my cat’s water bowl?
Tap water is generally safe, but some cats are sensitive to the taste or smell of chlorine or other chemicals. Using filtered or spring water can often encourage better drinking habits. If your tap water has a strong odor or known contaminants, using filtered water is always a better option.
How often should I change my cat’s water?
Change your cat’s water at least once a day, or more frequently if it appears dirty or has debris in it. Fresh water is more appealing and helps prevent bacterial growth.
My cat only likes to drink from the faucet. Is this okay?
If your cat prefers running water from the faucet, consider purchasing a pet water fountain. This provides a constant stream of fresh, filtered water and can be very appealing to cats. Ensure the fountain is cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Can I add human electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade) to my cat’s water?
Avoid giving your cat human electrolyte drinks like Gatorade. They often contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners, which are unhealthy and potentially harmful to cats. Consult your veterinarian about cat-specific electrolyte solutions if needed.
My cat has kidney disease. What should I add to their water?
If your cat has kidney disease, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before adding anything to their water. They may recommend specific electrolyte solutions or low-sodium broths that are safe and beneficial for cats with kidney issues. Never self-treat kidney disease.
Are there any herbs I can add to my cat’s water?
Some cat owners have success adding small amounts of catnip tea or chamomile tea to their cat’s water. Always dilute the tea significantly and ensure it’s caffeine-free. However, some cats may dislike the taste, so introduce it gradually. Supervise your cat’s reaction closely.
What if my cat refuses to drink anything but plain water?
If your cat only drinks plain water, that’s perfectly fine! Don’t force them to drink flavored water if they are already well-hydrated. Focus on providing fresh, clean water in multiple locations.
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in cats include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and skin tenting. To check for skin tenting, gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect dehydration.
Is cow’s milk a good way to hydrate my cat?
Avoid giving your cat cow’s milk. Many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest it, leading to digestive upset. Goat’s milk can be a better alternative in small amounts, as it is often more easily digestible.
My cat is diabetic. Can I still add things to their water?
If your cat is diabetic, it is especially important to consult with your veterinarian before adding anything to their water. Avoid anything with added sugar and monitor their blood glucose levels closely.
What about bone broth for cats?
Bone broth can be a good option for some cats, but be very careful about the ingredients. Make sure it’s unsalted, onion-free, and garlic-free. Homemade bone broth is usually safer to control the ingredients. It’s always best to discuss with your vet first before adding bone broth to your cat’s diet.