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The cat refuses to drink water: simple ways to solve the problem.

The cat refuses to drink water: simple ways to solve the problem.

How to help your cat drink water more often.

The thing is, cats by nature don’t drink a lot of water. They get a certain percentage of moisture from their food, especially if it’s a properly balanced diet.

However, to ensure their bodies function well, it’s important to monitor their water intake.

For adult cats, the norm is around 33 ml per 1 kg of body weight.

Here’s what you can do to encourage your cat to drink water.

Provide multiple water bowls.

Cat owners know that cats can be quite particular, and they prefer to decide where they want to drink, eat, and sleep. It’s possible that your cat simply doesn’t like the location of the water bowl.

It’s best to have water containers throughout the house, paying special attention to the areas where your cat spends the most time.

Introduce wet food.

This method can help address the water issue if your cat doesn’t drink much. If your cat is accustomed to dry food only, try adding more liquid options to their diet.

Make water fun.

You can turn drinking water into a game, making it more enjoyable for your cat.

Try adding something enticing to the water bowl, like an ice cube or even a small mollusk, to pique your cat’s interest.

Conclusions.

There can be several reasons why a cat avoids drinking water or drinks it infrequently. It’s important to address this issue as proper hydration is crucial for a cat’s health and well-being. Here are some tips to encourage your cat to consume more water without causing stress:

  1. Ensure fresh and clean water: Cats are sensitive to the taste and smell of water. Make sure you provide fresh, clean water in a clean bowl every day. Consider using a water fountain, as the flowing water may attract your cat’s interest.
  2. Experiment with different water bowls: Cats may have preferences when it comes to the type of water bowl they drink from. Try using bowls made of different materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or glass to see if your cat shows a preference.
  3. Location of the water bowl: Cats prefer water sources away from their food and litter box. Place water bowls in separate locations throughout the house, away from the feeding area and in quiet, accessible spots.
  4. Try different water sources: Some cats are drawn to running water or water dripping from a faucet. Consider leaving a faucet slightly running or using a pet water fountain to simulate this effect.
  5. Wet food or water-rich diet: Incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet, as it contains a higher water content. You can also add water to dry food or try feeding a commercially available moist cat food.
  6. Make water more appealing: Cats may be more inclined to drink water if it’s more enticing. You can try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or tuna juice to their water to enhance the flavor. Just make sure it’s safe for cats and doesn’t contain any harmful additives.
  7. Provide multiple water sources: Offer water in various containers throughout the house to give your cat options and make water easily accessible.
  8. Consider a cat water fountain: Cats are often attracted to the movement and freshness of flowing water. A cat water fountain can provide a constant circulation of water, which may encourage your cat to drink more.

Remember, it’s important to monitor your cat’s water intake and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about their hydration levels or overall health.

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