Curious about what your feline friend should be drinking? Discover expert recommendations about hydration for cats and what to avoid at all costs.
What Should Cats Drink?
Cats have specific hydration needs that owners often misinterpret. Ensuring proper hydration is essential for their overall health. Here’s a breakdown of safe and beneficial drinks for your cat
1. Fresh, clean water
Water stands as the safest and most vital drink for cats. It facilitates kidney function, aids digestion, and supports overall health. Always provide fresh water in a ceramic, stainless steel, or glass bowl; these materials minimize odors that can deter drinking.
2. Cat-safe broth
Unsalted homemade or store-bought bone broth can be an appealing treat. It enhances flavor, promotes drinking, and supplies a good source of amino acids, minerals, and collagen. Be cautious: avoid any broth containing garlic or onions.
3. Tuna water
Water from canned tuna in spring water can entice picky drinkers. While it is flavorful, offer it sparingly due to the high sodium content in tuna, even in spring water. Balancing treats with proper hydration is key.
4. Lactose-free cat milk
Unlike regular milk, specially formulated lactose-free cat milk is safe for adult cats. Most adult cats lack lactase, leading to digestive problems when consuming regular cow’s milk. Make sure to offer it only as an occasional treat due to its high-calorie count.
5. Cat hydration formulas
Some brands produce electrolyte solutions designed to rehydrate sick or recovering cats, like those available on Amazon. These solutions should only be used with veterinary guidance.
6. Wet cat food
Not strictly a drink, yet wet cat food is composed of 75-80% moisture, greatly contributing to hydration. Cats consuming a wet food diet typically drink less water, so switching to wet food or adding water to dry kibble can aid hydration efforts. Always ensure fresh water is available, regardless of the food type.
What Cats Should Avoid Drinking
Understanding what your cat should not drink is equally crucial to prevent potential health issues
1. Cow’s milk
The belief that cats should drink cow’s milk is a common myth. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, missing the necessary enzyme to digest lactose. This can lead to gas, diarrhea, and digestive upset.
2. Sugary or flavored drinks
Sugary beverages or those containing artificial flavors can be harmful. Cats have difficulty processing sugar, and sweeteners like xylitol are toxic, potentially resulting in severe health issues.
3. Caffeinated beverages
Caffeine can be dangerous for cats, causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, restlessness, or even seizures. Ensure all caffeinated drinks are entirely out of reach.
4. Alcohol
Even slight amounts of alcohol can be deadly for cats, leading to drowsiness, vomiting, or serious organ failure. Keep all alcoholic beverages away from pets.
Kittens’ Unique Hydration Needs
Kittens have different drinking and feeding requirements than adult cats
- 0–4 weeks old: Newborn kittens need to nurse from their mother. If this isn’t possible, a kitten-specific formula is vital. Never provide cow's milk, as it can lead to digestive distress.
- 4–8 weeks old: Kittens begin to transition from milk to solid food. At this stage, introduce fresh water and wet food alongside nursing.
- 8+ weeks old: Fully weaned kittens should drink only water. They need to shift their hydration focus towards water as they transition completely to solid food.
How Much Should Your Cat Drink?
Determining the appropriate amount of water is nuanced
- The general guideline suggests one fluid ounce of water per pound of body weight. For cats in metric measurements, this equates to approximately 50 to 70 ml/kg.
- Cats on wet food may drink less since wet food offers significant moisture content. Alternatively, more active or hot-climate cats might require increased water intake.
Monitoring Kittens’ Hydration
Kittens demand higher hydration relative to body weight
- 0–4 weeks: Newborn kittens will only derive hydration from mother’s milk or kitten formula; no additional water is necessary.
- 4–8 weeks: Introduce small amounts of water alongside milk and soft food.
- Over 8 weeks: Aiming for about four to five ounces (120–150 ml) of water per five pounds (2.3 kg) is ideal.
Providing the proper hydration for your cats is fundamental. Fresh water remains the top choice, though homemade broth and specially formulated lactose-free cat milk can be introduced in moderation. Avoid offering cow's milk, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol to keep your feline companion healthy. Understanding the nuances of kitten hydration ensures that your young cats are set up for a thriving future.
This feature was last updated on February 23, 2025.