What do cats like to drink most? – An overview

Have you ever wondered what cats like to drink? Many cat owners are worried because their furry friends don't drink enough fluids.

Water is the preferred drink for cats and essential for their health. In this blog post, you will learn all about cats' drinking preferences, how to encourage them to drink and what you should avoid to protect their health.

Cats' Drinking Preferences: Why Water Is Essential

Cats have a natural preference for fresh and clean water . This basic need is essential for their health. Unlike humans, who can quench their thirst with a variety of drinks, water is a must for cats. Not only does it support kidney function and aid digestion, but it also helps regulate body temperature and flush toxins from the body.

The quality of the water plays an important role. Cats are very sensitive to the taste and freshness of their drinking water. That is why they often prefer:

• Standing water that has reached room temperature.
• Running water from a drinking fountain as it arouses their interest and encourages them to drink.
• Water that is changed daily to ensure freshness and cleanliness.

Compared to other drinks such as milk or juices, water is the healthiest choice for cats. Other liquids can cause digestive problems or contain ingredients that are intolerant to cats. Drinking enough water is therefore crucial to prevent conditions such as kidney problems or urinary tract diseases and to promote the cat's general well-being.

Milk: A cat drinking myth debunked

Milk is often portrayed as a classic favorite drink for cats, but this is a widespread myth . Many cat owners believe that a bowl of milk is a tasty treat for their furry friends. But the reality is different: cats cannot digest the milk sugar, also known as lactose, contained in milk. This can lead to health problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Milk should therefore be avoided, especially for adult cats who no longer produce the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose.

If you still want to give your cat a milk-like treat from time to time, there are lactose-free alternatives . These are specially developed for cats and can be given in small quantities. However, you should note that even lactose-free dairy products are not ideal for cats in large quantities because they:

• Contains a lot of calories which can lead to weight gain.
• Have a high fat content, which can cause long-term liver problems

Drinking safely: water alternatives and tea for cats

If you want to give your cat some variety, there are safe alternatives to water that you can consider. Special cat grass is not only a healthy option, but can also aid digestion. There are also natural herbs such as chamomile or valerian that can be offered in the form of tea. However, it is important to use these in moderation and pay attention to the quality and origin of the herbs. A weak tea made from catnip can also be an attractive and safe option.

However, it is essential that water always remains the main source of fluids . Tea should never be used as a substitute for water and, if at all, should only be offered in very small quantities. Before giving your cat tea, you should always consult a veterinarian first, especially if your cat has health problems . This way you can ensure that you do not endanger your cat's well-being while also satisfying their curiosity for new tastes in a safe way.

Tips to encourage cats to drink

Getting cats to drink more can sometimes be a challenge, but with a few simple tricks you can motivate your cat to drink more fluids. One method is to have several water bowls around the house. Cats like to have choices, and if they come across water while roaming, they'll be more likely to be encouraged to take a sip.

Drinking fountains are particularly effective because they attract cats' interest and encourage them to drink. The sound of the water stimulates the cat's natural instinct to prefer running water. Here are a few tips to make the drinking experience appealing for your cat:

• Change the water in the well daily to ensure freshness.
• Place the fountain in a quiet area so that the cat can drink undisturbed.
• Try different models as cats have their own preferences.

Last but not least , adding flavor to the water can increase your cat's desire to drink. A few drops of tuna juice or unseasoned meat broth can work wonders. Make sure the water is always fresh and avoid placing the water bowl right next to the food bowl, as cats prefer to have separate places for eating and drinking. With a little patience and observation, you will find out what most encourages your cat to drink.

The risks of inadequate fluid intake in cats

Inadequate fluid intake can lead to serious health problems in cats. Dehydration can increase the risk of kidney problems and urinary tract diseases. These diseases are not only painful for the cat, but can also lead to long-term damage and high veterinary costs. That's why it's important to make sure your cat drinks regularly and enough.

Cats that do not drink enough fluids may also show signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. It is crucial to monitor your cat's drinking habits and react quickly to any changes. Adequate hydration can help prevent such conditions and contribute to your cat's healthy and active life .

How Much Should Cats Drink? A Guide

Cats have different fluid intake needs and the amount they should drink depends on a number of factors. A rule of thumb is that an adult cat should drink between 50ml and 70ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 4kg cat, this means around 200ml to 280ml of fluid per day. But there is more to consider, such as:

• The body weight of the cat
• The water content in the feed
• The activity of the cat
• The ambient temperatures

For example: A calm house cat with a body weight of 4.5 kg needs about 210 ml of liquid daily. If this cat eats wet food with a high water content, its liquid requirements can be almost completely covered by the food. This is different with dry food, because here the additional intake of water is unavoidable. Your cat does not drink all at once, but in many small portions throughout the day . It is therefore important to always provide fresh water so that your cat can drink regularly and as needed.

Flappie: Support for your cat's well-being

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• Selective access control : Prevents your cat from entering the house with prey.
• Prey detection : A camera with AI technology reliably identifies prey.
• Flappie App : Allows you to control the cat flap from anywhere and keeps you updated with push notifications as well as videos and statistics. For a healthy and happy cat life, visit https://flappie.ch now and find out how Flappie can make your life easier too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better for cats, milk or water?

Water is the preferred and healthiest drink for cats. Milk is a common myth and can cause health problems in cats such as diarrhea and vomiting because they cannot digest the milk sugar. Milk should be avoided especially in adult cats who no longer produce the enzyme lactase. There are lactose-free alternatives specifically designed for cats, but these should also only be given in small amounts and water should always remain the main source of fluids.

How to make water tasty for cats?

To make water more palatable to cats, you can place several water bowls around the house, use drinking fountains that attract cats' interest, or add flavor to the water, for example with a few drops of tuna juice or unseasoned meat broth. It is important that the water is always fresh and that the water bowl is not placed directly next to the food bowl, as cats prefer separate places for eating and drinking.

Which tea is good for cats?

There are safe alternatives to water, such as natural herbs like chamomile or valerian, which can be offered in the form of tea. A weak tea made from catnip can also be an attractive and safe option. However, it is important to use these in moderation and always consult a veterinarian first, especially if the cat has health problems. Water should always remain the primary source of fluids and tea should never be used as a substitute for water.