How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Just like all living things, your cat's life depends on water. Water is essentially a universal solvent, helping the process of breaking down nutrients and carrying toxins out of the body. The proper functioning of organs and the ability of the body to cool itself depend on water. Keeping your cat hydrated will help to ensure a healthy and happy cat.

Things You'll Need

  • water
  • water bowl
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cat with fresh, clean water on a daily basis. According to the website Cat Health Detective, the average adult cat has a daily minimum water requirement of nine to twelve ounces. Veterinarians measure water requirements for animals by 1 ml for each calorie of food that an animal consumes. Although cats are known for being desert animals with the ability to concentrate urine in high amounts, this does not mean that they have less need for water.

    • 2

      Refresh your cat's water supply once each day. If you have an outdoor cat, refresh her water multiple times throughout the day, as insects may take a swim in her water. Keeping fresh and clean water available for your cat will encourage her to drink her daily requirements.

    • 3

      Place water in multiple places throughout your home. Some cats have a preference for running water and may prefer to drink from a running tap. Offer your cat running water at times. Investing in a cat water fountain also may be something to consider. These can be found at many pet-supply stores and automatically refresh the water supply for your cat by sending the water through a built-in filter system.

    • 4

      Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat may be dehydrated. Signs to watch for include lethargy, a fast heart rate, the appearance of sunken eyes and dry gums that appear white instead of pink. Cats can go into shock if they are extremely dehydrated. With rising temperatures in the summer months, it is especially important to keep a close eye on outdoor cats.