Cats and Water

Many loving, good-hearted cat owners spend a lot of time and energy making sure their cat has a healthy diet; considering brands, comparing labels, debating moist-versus-dry, and consulting their veterinarian. In all the hubbub, they sometimes forget that an ever-present bowl of clean water may be the most important part of their cat’s diet.

Why is water for cats important?
In cats, as in people, water makes up the majority of the body—about 80 percent. By allowing substances to dissolve and be carried through the body, it provides a basis for nearly all of the processes and chemical reactions that keep the body running, including digestion and circulation. It helps the body to filter out waste, and it regulates body temperature through evaporation. Dehydration—a lack of water in the body—can cause serious problems, including kidney and heart damage.

As vital as water is, it’s relatively easy to provide. Just make sure your cat has a clean bowl (or bottle, in the case of some smaller animals) of fresh water at all times. A general rule of thumb is that most animals should have about 28 millilitres (or one fortieth of a litre) of water per pound of body weight per day. A forty-pound dog needs about a litre of water every day; a ten-pound cat needs about a quarter of a litre. You don’t really need to spend time crunching the numbers, though—most healthy animals that have access to clean water will drink enough to keep them hydrated.

If you’re worried that your cat isn’t drinking enough, or you see signs of dehydration like depression, sunken eyes or dry gums, take your little furry guy to the veterinarian. If your cat’s dehydrated, your veterinarian can give him intravenous fluids and find out what caused the problem.

Common cat care pitfalls

Though water seems like a simple enough subject, a few common problems can leave cats high and dry.

The water bowl or water bottle needs cleaning every day. Bacteria that you can’t see can grow in a bottle or bowl, giving the water a funny taste and discouraging your cat from drinking. Even worse, some kinds of bacteria can make animals sick. Develop the habit of giving the bowl a quick scrub with dish soap before you fill it in the morning

Cats that are left alone for long periods can easily knock over their water bowls. Try buying a bowl with a wide, weighted bottom. You may also want to leave more than one bowl around the house: one in the bathroom, for example, and another in the kitchen.

Water evaporates faster than you may realize, particularly on warm days. Check water bowls a few times a day, especially in the summer. If your cat’s outside on a very hot day, check the water every hour.

You may think you’re helping your cat out by setting out a big bucket filled with water, but once the bucket’s half empty, he may not be able to get to the water anymore. Cats and small dogs could even fall in while drinking. Before you use a water bucket, make sure your cat’s neck is long enough to allow him to drink from the bottom of it.

Lots of cats see the toilet as a big water fountain. Keep the toilet lid closed, because the bacteria in toilet water can make animals sick—and, as with large buckets, cats and small animals can fall in while drinking. Even the best of us can forget to close the lid every once in a while, though, so don’t use drop-in cleaners that release chemicals into the toilet bowl. These chemicals may be toxic.

As long as you keep an eye on your cat and make sure his water is fresh and plentiful, you shouldn’t have a problem. If you have any concerns about providing water for your cat, consult your veterinarian.