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Most cats are not naturally water-loving, but that doesn't mean they don't need it. Many owners do not realize the seriousness of the situation until their cat has been tested for kidney disease or urinary tract inflammation. If cats can drink more water they can reduce the chances of illness occurring.

In the past, raw meat was the main staple of a cat's diet in the wild, as it was over 70% water and cats did not need to take in extra water to rehydrate. Nowadays, cats are almost always fed on feed, which contains less than 10% water and is not hydrated enough which will cause kidney strain in cats. Chronic kidney failure, inflammation of the urinary tract or urinary stones are the main causes of chronic dehydration, and kidney disease in particular is a major killer of older cats.

How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?

Although the following is not the most accurate way to assess a cat's dehydration, it is still a very simple, convenient and practical way to assess, and it is recommended that observing your cat more carefully for changes in body condition and lifestyle.

1. The skin on the cat's neck has good resilience.

2. The cat's fur should be bright and free of dander.

3. The cat should urinate 2-3 times a day, which can be judged from the cat litter.

If your cat starts drinking more or less water than usual, you should be aware that your cat may not be dehydrated, but may be sick. Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract or bladder infections, diabetes, or parasites can all cause this.

So how can you increase the amount of water your cat drinks?

1. Provide clean water at all times and in all places

Place cat water bowls in places where cats often walk around to increase the chance of drinking. Don't be lazy, as cats are particularly sensitive to water quality, so be sure to change the clean water source often, preferably more than once a day to avoid dust and dander floating in the water. In addition to changing the water, the water bowl should also be cleaned daily.     

2. Change the water container according to cats' preference

Cats are naturally playful and curious, and sometimes they are particularly interested in the contents of the bowl in the owner's cup. If your cat always likes to drink the water in your cup, you might as well put the water you want to give to the cat in a mug, or set up several different water containers, so that he will drink water while playing.