What liquids can cats eat? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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What Liquids Can Cats Eat? Hydration Essentials for Your Feline Friend

The key to feline hydration lies in knowing which liquids are safe and beneficial. While water is paramount, understanding what liquids can cats eat beyond the basics is crucial for optimal health.

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The Importance of Hydration for Cats

Hydration is as vital for cats as it is for humans. Cats, naturally descended from desert-dwelling ancestors, have a lower thirst drive than dogs. This makes them more prone to dehydration, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Understanding what liquids can cats eat can help preemptively combat dehydration.

Kidney Health: Adequate hydration is crucial for kidney function. Dehydration can strain the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease, a common ailment in older cats.
Urinary Tract Health: Proper hydration helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and crystal formation in the bladder.
Digestion: Water aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
Overall Well-being: Dehydration can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, and decreased energy levels.

The Cornerstone: Water

The undisputed king of feline hydration is, of course, water. Fresh, clean water should always be available to your cat. However, providing water in different forms can entice even the most reluctant drinker.

Water Bowls: Offer multiple water bowls in different locations around the house. Consider using a variety of materials (ceramic, stainless steel, glass) to see which your cat prefers. Avoid plastic bowls, as they can harbor bacteria.
Water Fountains: Many cats are attracted to moving water. A cat water fountain can encourage them to drink more.
Ice Cubes: Some cats enjoy playing with and licking ice cubes, especially during warmer months.

Beyond Water: Safe & Beneficial Liquids

While water is essential, several other liquids can be safely offered to your cat, adding variety and potential health benefits.

Bone Broth (Unseasoned): Unseasoned bone broth, made from animal bones and connective tissues, is rich in collagen and minerals, which can be beneficial for joint health and digestion. Ensure the broth is sodium-free, onion-free, and garlic-free as these ingredients are toxic to cats.
Tuna Water (in moderation): The water drained from canned tuna (packed in water, not oil) can be an occasional treat to entice a picky cat to hydrate. However, it’s high in sodium and mercury, so only offer it sparingly.
Goat’s Milk: Goat’s milk is more easily digestible than cow’s milk and contains beneficial probiotics. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties and offer it in small quantities.
Chicken Broth (Unseasoned): Similar to bone broth, unseasoned chicken broth can be a palatable way to increase your cat’s fluid intake. Again, ensure it’s free from sodium, onions, and garlic.

Liquids to Absolutely Avoid

Certain liquids are toxic and should never be given to cats. Ingestion can cause serious health problems and even death.

Cow’s Milk: Many cats are lactose intolerant. Cow’s milk can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Alcohol: Alcohol is highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can cause liver damage, brain damage, and death.
Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, tea, and soda contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can be harmful to cats.
Juices (especially Grape and Raisin): Some fruits, like grapes and raisins, are known to be toxic to cats. Avoid giving your cat any fruit juice.
Any Liquid Containing Onions or Garlic: Onions and garlic, in any form (raw, cooked, powdered, or liquid), are toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
Sweetened Beverages: Sugary drinks like soda and sweetened juice are unhealthy for cats and can contribute to weight gain and dental problems.

Encouraging Hydration in Picky Drinkers

If your cat is a reluctant drinker, try these tips:

Location, Location, Location: Place water bowls in quiet, accessible locations away from food and litter boxes.
Bowl Choice: Experiment with different bowl materials, shapes, and sizes to find what your cat prefers.
Freshness Matters: Change the water at least once a day, or even more frequently, to ensure it’s fresh and appealing.
Wet Food: Incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet is an excellent way to increase their fluid intake.
Flavor Infusion: Adding a tiny amount of unflavored gelatin to the water can sometimes make it more appealing.

Recognizing Dehydration

Early detection of dehydration is crucial. Watch for these signs:

Lethargy: Decreased energy levels and sluggishness.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced or absent interest in food.
Sunken Eyes: Eyes that appear to be set deeper in the skull.
Dry Gums: Gums that feel dry and sticky.
Skin Tenting: Gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck. If the skin takes longer than usual to return to its normal position, the cat may be dehydrated.

If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, consult your veterinarian immediately.

What Liquids Can Cats Eat?: A Summary Table

Liquid	Safe?	Notes
—————	—–	————————————————————————————————————
Water	Yes	Essential for hydration. Offer fresh, clean water at all times.
Bone Broth	Yes	Unseasoned, sodium-free, onion-free, and garlic-free only.
Tuna Water	Yes	In moderation due to sodium and mercury content.
Goat’s Milk	Yes	Plain, unsweetened varieties only, and in small quantities.
Chicken Broth	Yes	Unseasoned, sodium-free, onion-free, and garlic-free only.
Cow’s Milk	No	Most cats are lactose intolerant.
Alcohol	No	Toxic. Can cause severe liver and brain damage.
Caffeinated Drinks	No	Stimulant. Can be harmful.
Grape Juice	No	Grapes are toxic to cats.
Onion/Garlic Containing Liquids	No	Toxic. Can cause anemia.
Sweetened Beverages	No	Unhealthy and can lead to weight gain and dental problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to tell if my cat is dehydrated?

While the skin tent test can be helpful, it’s not always accurate. Look for a combination of signs, including lethargy, loss of appetite, sunken eyes, and dry gums. If you’re concerned, consult your veterinarian.

Can I give my cat milk substitutes like almond or soy milk?

While technically not toxic in small amounts, almond and soy milk aren’t nutritionally beneficial for cats. They may also contain ingredients that can cause digestive upset. Water and the safe liquids listed above are better options.

Is it okay to add flavor enhancers to my cat’s water?

While some cats might enjoy a diluted tuna juice (from tuna packed in water), generally it’s not advisable to constantly add flavor enhancers. It’s better to focus on providing fresh, clean water in an appealing way. Constant flavorings could also lead to the cat refusing plain water, making proper hydration more difficult.

My cat only eats dry food. How can I ensure they get enough fluids?

If your cat primarily eats dry food, consider adding wet food to their diet. This is a great way to boost their fluid intake. You can also try a water fountain or experiment with different water bowl locations.

Is tap water safe for cats to drink?

In most areas, tap water is safe for cats to drink. However, if you have concerns about the water quality in your area, consider using filtered water.

Can kittens drink the same liquids as adult cats?

Kittens have similar hydration needs to adult cats, but they may be more sensitive to digestive upset. Stick to water and small amounts of goat’s milk. Avoid giving kittens bone broth or tuna water until they are older.

My cat drinks a lot of water. Is this a cause for concern?

Excessive thirst can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease. If you notice your cat is drinking significantly more water than usual, consult your veterinarian.

Can I give my cat Pedialyte?

While Pedialyte can be used in very small amounts under the direction of a veterinarian in cases of severe dehydration, it’s not recommended for routine hydration. Its electrolyte balance is designed for humans, not cats, and can potentially cause imbalances.

Are there any specific health conditions that make proper hydration even more crucial for cats?

Yes. Cats with kidney disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and require careful attention to their fluid intake.

What is the ideal amount of water a cat should drink daily?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the amount of water a cat needs varies depending on their size, activity level, and diet. However, a general guideline is about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.

Is broth from cooking meat okay for cats to drink?

If the broth is unsalted and contains no onions, garlic, or other toxic ingredients, then it might be okay in small quantities. However, homemade broth is usually high in fat. Prepared bone or chicken broths formulated for pets are better and safer options, as they are specifically crafted with feline health in mind.

Can I add ice to my cat’s water?

Yes, adding ice to your cat’s water can be a great way to make it more appealing, especially during hot weather. Some cats also enjoy playing with the ice. Just ensure that the ice cubes aren’t too large to avoid choking hazards.