How To Increase Your CH Cat’s Water Intake

The truth is, some of our cats simply don’t drink enough water.

Photo courtesy CelloPics

Sometimes they need to up their intake to help with a health condition, and other times they simply may not be able to drink as much as they need, especially if their head tremors or wobbles get in the way.

Even if you’re cat is fortunate enough to not have to worry about either of those issues, drinking enough water can still be a very real issue for cats.

I learned it first hand with my CG. After he was hospitalized for urinary crystals, I changed the brand of food he was eating and tried to encourage him to drink more water.

And I’m not alone. Lately I’ve read online about several folks who are well aware that their cats simply aren’t drinking enough water.

Here are some tips that may help:

• Purchase quality canned cat food. Canned food in general has a higher water content; you may even want to consider mixing in a little extra water, too.

• Some folks suggest purchasing pre-made raw food nuggets. They’re a healthy alternative, and can also add some moisture to your cat’s diet.

• Try adding some water to your cat’s kibble. Put a few pieces on a feeding dish and add just enough water to puff them up. I wouldn’t recommend doing this to a whole bowl’s worth of kibble at once, just in case your cat doesn’t like it!

• Try holding your cat in your lap and raising water to her. You may be able to steady the back of her head with your hand to cut down on the head tremors and bobbles.

• Drinking from a water bowl isn’t the only option for cats. Some CH cat parents use a gerbil/rabbit water bottle for their cats; others use a kittle bottle, feeding the cat water several times throughout the day.

• Other cats may not be comfortable drinking from a bowl because they have a hard time seeing the water level. One CH cat parent suggests adding a fishing bobble to the water to help with that.

There are also a host of water bowl-related ideas you may want to try, too:

• Try putting out different kinds of bowls around your house. Your cat may find that she prefers one type of material or size better than others. Keep an eye open to see which she favors.

• 

  Photo courtesy Dan Gutwein

  Your cat simply may not like to drink still water. Consider investing in a pet fountain. It’ll circulate the water, which may be a tempting alternative.

• Consider elevating your pet’s water bowl so it’s easier for her to drink from.

• Wash your cat’s dishes often. There could be build-up on the dish that’s upsetting your cat.

• Give your cat filtered water. Your cat may be sensitive to the taste of your water if it is heavily chlorinated, for example.

• And of course, most importantly, put out fresh water for your cat daily – more often if it’s especially hot out or if something foreign falls in the bowl/if the bowl is spilled.

And last but not least, here are some more drinking tips for CH cats.