Drinking water is not only a chief thing in our lives but also a chief thing in the lives of cats!

Like humans, cats consist of about 2/3 of water, so they need to consume enough water to stay healthy.

Unlike dogs and humans, cats have evolved as desert-dwelling animals that obtain moisture mainly from their prey rather than actively seeking out water sources, so cats don't naturally crave water as much.

But that doesn't mean they have enough water to meet their body's needs.

Some people are puzzled: We have not seen cats surviving in the wild and often drink water, but they are still alive and well.

Wild cats usually prey on mice, birds, insects, and other animals in the body containing 70% -80% of the water, which can provide cats with the water they need.

For domesticated cats, if they eat dry food (with only 10% water content), they need to drink more water to rehydrate.

If eating dry food with wet food, such as canned cat food (which usually contains 70% water), the amount of water to drink can be slightly reduced.

What happens if a cat drinks less water?

The most immediate sign that a cat is drinking less water is dehydration, which can cause:

1. Bladder problems and urinary disorders, which include kidney disease and feline lower urinary tract disease.

2. Bladder infections, bladder ruptures, tumors, and stones.

3. Bladder stones can lead to life-threatening urethral blockages.

How can you tell if your cats are dehydrated?

Cats that consume the right amount of water have soft and supple skin like a baby.

To test if your cat is dehydrated, gently pull up the skin on the cat's shoulder blades, and if the skin doesn't bounce back quickly within a second, then it may be dehydrated.

How can we increase your cat's water intake?

One effective method is to provide multiple sources of fresh water throughout the house. Cats are more likely to drink when water is readily available and easily accessible.

It is recommended to have water bowls in various locations, away from litter boxes and food bowls, as cats prefer to have their water source separate from their eating and elimination areas.

Additionally, some cats prefer running water, as they are instinctively attracted to moving sources.

Consider investing in a cat water fountain, which provides a constant stream of fresh, filtered water that can entice cats to drink more.

It is also advisable to feed cats foods with a high water content diet, as cat wet food naturally contains a higher moisture content than dry kibble.

Wet food can help supplement a cat's water intake and improve overall hydration.

If none of these methods work, then syringe feeding is recommended.

Feed 20-25ml of water at a time, depending on the cat's weight.