5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated and Healthy This Summer
Cats Drinking Water in Summer: 5 Essential Tips to Stay Hydrated and Happy
As the summer heat intensifies, you may find your cat becoming less active or even losing a touch of weight. This is perfectly normal. Similar to humans, cats need additional care during the warmer months to ensure they stay vibrant and healthy.
So, here are our top 5 tips to make sure your cat is drinking enough water and remaining healthy and happy all through the summer season!
Water: The Unsung Hero for Your Cat’s Health
At the top of the list is water, an integral factor to our cats’ well-being. It’s instrumental in temperature regulation, aiding digestion, lubricating joints, and transporting nutrients throughout your cat’s body. A typical cat, weighing around 4.5 kilograms, needs approximately half a litre of water every day.
Select the Best Diet for your Cat
In the scorching summer sun, ensuring your cat is drinking enough water is even more important. Continue to offer them their favourite diet of dry food, which not only caters to their natural grazing instincts but also contributes to maintaining their dental health. Remember, cats consuming dry food may need to consume more water. If you’re concerned your pet isn’t drinking enough, consider occasionally complementing their diet with some wet food.
Recognise the Signs of Dehydration
Being aware of your cat’s hydration levels is the first step to preventing dehydration. Watch out for signs like lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, dry gums, and in extreme cases, sunken-looking eyes.
Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water
To promote more water intake, ensure fresh water is always readily available in easily accessible spots. Some cats may be attracted to water fountains, which can lead to increased drinking. Consider adding a little water to their food, or for those with particularly discerning palates, try enhancing the water’s flavour with a hint of tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth. It might be too tempting for them to resist!
Consult a Vet When Necessary
If you suspect your cat isn’t drinking enough water and is showing signs of dehydration, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local vet. They can help address the issue and administer necessary fluids. Ensuring adequate water intake is often a top priority when dealing with various feline health conditions.
Remember, while summer is a time for fun in the sun, it’s also a time when we need to ensure our cats are drinking enough water. Stay hydrated and happy, dear feline friends!