Hey there, cat lovers! We all know keeping our furry friends cool and hydrated during the summer is super important. Unlike dogs, cats often don’t drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration and other health issues. Cats need water, a lot of it! So, let’s dive into why hydration matters for our kitties and how to keep cats hydrated when it’s hot outside.
Why Hydration is Important for Cats
Cats have a natural instinct to drink less water, thanks to their desert-dwelling ancestors. In the wild, they got most of their water from their food, mainly meat. But our pets usually eat dry food, which isn't very hydrating. If they don’t drink enough, they can risk urinary infections, kidney problems, and even constipation.
So, how much water should your cat drink? A healthy adult cat drinks about 50 to 60 ml of water for every kilogram they weigh each day. So, if your kitty weighs around 4 kg (that’s about 9 lbs), they need about 200 to 240 ml of water. Remember, wet food can help with hydration!
How to Check If Your Cat is Dehydrated
Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration in cats. If they seem unusually sleepy, aren’t playing much, or just aren't themselves, it might be time to check. You can do a simple skin test: gently lift the skin on the back of their neck. If it snaps back quickly, they’re good! If it stays up, they need more water.
On the other hand, you can check if your cat is hydrated by checking their gums. It should be moist.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated and Cool
1. Water Bowl Placement
Place several water bowls around your house, especially in calm and cool spots. Make sure they’re not near their food or litter box. Cats often prefer ceramic, glass, or metal bowls over plastic.
2. Upgrade Their Water Source
Cats often like water fountains because they remind them of running water, which they find more attractive than still water. The moving water also stays fresh and cool.
It's also really important to keep your cat's water bowls clean and filled with fresh water. You should wash them every day to stop germs from growing and to get rid of any dirt or bits that might have fallen in.
3. Moisture in Meals
Since cats naturally like to get their water from their food, giving them the right kind of food is a really good way to make sure they stay hydrated and healthy. One easy way to do this is to give them wet cat food. You can find different types of wet cat food at Pet Express.
Another idea is to add a little bit of plain water or broth that isn't too salty to their dry cat food. This will help them get more water with their meal. You could also try feeding them dehydrated raw cat food. This kind of food is dry, but you just need to add water to it to make it soft and ready for your cat to eat.
4. Hydrating Treats
Make hydration fun! Freeze some tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth in ice trays to create tasty ice treats for your cat. Just avoid adding anything harmful, like garlic or onions. You can also treat them with their favorite wet cat treat.
5. Cooling Tips for Your Home
To ensure your cat stays cool and happy during hot weather, you need to think about more than just giving them water. Make sure your home has plenty of fresh air flowing through it by using fans or air conditioning to keep the temperature down.
Let your cat lie on cool surfaces like tiles or shady spots where they can stretch out and feel better. You can also put down special cooling mats or even just damp towels where your cat likes to sleep. These things all work together to provide cooling and help your cat stay comfortable when it's hot outside.
What to Do if Your Cat is Dehydrated
If you think your cat might be dehydrated, first take them to a cooler place and offer them clean water in their cat water bowl fountain. Try mixing a little extra water or a special drink from the vet into their wet food to help them get more fluids.
Do not force them to drink water because this can upset them or cause them to breathe in the water the wrong way. If your cat still seems dehydrated or gets worse, call the vet right away. If they are very dried out, they might need to get fluids through a needle from the vet.
The Bottom Line
It's super important to keep your cat hydrated, especially when it's hot outside. If they don't drink enough water, they could get really sick, which might lead to issues like urinary tract infections, heat stress, or dehydration. To help your cat stay healthy, make sure they have easy access to water, give them wet food, and keep your home cool. Doing these things will help your furry friend feel great all summer long!
Pet Express offers a variety of products, such as wet cat food, water fountains, and cooling accessories, to keep your cat healthy and comfortable, especially during hot weather. Explore our complete collection of wet cat food, water fountains, and cooling accessories at Pet Express near you! Your cat will thank you.
