Why won't my cat drink water?
It's important that your cat drink enough water and stay hydrated in order to stay healthy. This goes for any animal, and the amount of water each animal needs will vary. Therefore, even if it seems like your cat isn't drinking much water, they may still be getting enough.
While dogs drink large quantities of water, cats consume small amounts at a time. Additionally, dogs require more water per kilogram than cats, which means your cat may not need to drink as much water as you might expect.
If your kitty eats dry food, they'll need more water than a cat that consumes canned or fresh food. Typically, cats drink once ounce of water for every ounce of dry food. On the other hand, cats that eat wet food generally drink less water since they receive more hydration from their food.
There are times that a cat's lack of water intake can be attributed to a simple cause - perhaps their water bowl has been moved or they've only been eating dry food.
In some circumstances, your cat may lose their appetite and stop eating and drinking if they are sick or are experiencing underlying health issues. If your cat won't eat their food or drink water, this potential sign of illness should prompt you to contact your vet right away and book an appointment to have your kitty examined, diagnosed and treated. The earlier health conditions, diseases, and illnesses are diagnosed and treated, the better chance your cat has of a good prognosis and recovery.
If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water, contact your vet. A veterinarian can assess your cat's health, check for symptoms of dehydration and provide treatment.
Signs of Dehydration in Cats
Insufficient water intake can quickly lead to dehydration. Being dehydrated can negatively impact your cat's health. If you suspect your cat is suffering from dehydration, assess these aspects of your kitty's health and seek advice from your vet about what you should do next:
- Dry Mouth – Examine your cat's gums. A healthy cat's gums should be pink and moist. Press your finger gently against the gums and observe whether the spot you are pressing turns white. If the gums take longer than one or two seconds to return to their normal color after you remove your finger, this may point to dehydration.
- Skin Elasticity – Gently pinch the extra skin between your cat's shoulder blades to make a tent-like shape and check the elasticity of the skin. Once you let go, note whether your kitty's skin snaps back to normal in less than a second. If this doesn't happen, your cat may be dehydrated.
- Sunken Eyes – Do your cat's eyes seem to lack focus, or do they appear sunken into their sockets? These may be signs of dehydration.
- Constipation – Check the litter box. Dehydrated cats often become constipated. If your cat hasn't passed as much stool as usual, dehydration may be blamed.
- Panting – Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant, so if your cat is panting, it may be a sign of dehydration.
How to Hydrate a Cat That Won't Drink Water
If your cat doesn't have any concerning symptoms but you are still unsure they are drinking, you can do a few things to encourage them:
- Ensure that your cat's water bowl is not near their litter box. Move it to a better spot or a different room altogether if it is.
- Provide fresh water daily. Many cats will not drink water that has been sitting for an extended period.
- Try moving the bowl to a different location (even if it's not near the litter box).
- Try a different bowl or a bowl that provides running water for cats to enjoy.
- If your cat eats dry food, switch to canned.
What are the dangers of dehydration?
Dehydration can be a sign of a severe underlying condition such as kidney disease, heatstroke, or diabetes. When keeping your cat safe and healthy, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
If your cat shows signs of dehydration, contact our vets during regular office hours or your nearest emergency animal hospital. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms above become evident, your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of emergency veterinary care.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.