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The Purrfect Guide to Keeping Your Cat Hydrated: All About Cat Waterers

Cats are notorious for being finicky eaters and drinkers. But when it comes to their health, staying hydrated is absolutely crucial. A lack of water can lead to a host of health problems, including urinary tract infections, constipation, and dehydration.

That's why choosing the right cat waterer is so important. But with so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cat waterers, from the different types to the features you should look for.

Types of Cat Waterers

There are three main types of cat waterers:

cat waterer

Gravity waterers: These are the most common type of waterer. They work by using gravity to fill a bowl with water. The bowl is typically made of plastic or stainless steel.
Circulating waterers: These waterers use a pump to circulate the water. This helps to keep the water fresh and free of bacteria.
Fountain waterers: These waterers are similar to circulating waterers, but they also have a fountain feature. This attracts cats to the water and encourages them to drink more.

Features to Look For

When choosing a cat waterer, there are a few key features you should look for:

Material: The material of the waterer is important for both safety and durability. Plastic waterers are lightweight and inexpensive, but they can be easily chewed or scratched. Stainless steel waterers are more durable, but they can be more expensive.
Size: The size of the waterer will depend on the number of cats you have. A good rule of thumb is to choose a waterer that holds at least 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
Shape: The shape of the waterer can also affect how much your cat drinks. Some cats prefer to drink from wide, shallow bowls, while others prefer narrow, deep bowls.
Features: Some cat waterers come with additional features, such as filters, heaters, and fountains. These features can help to keep the water clean and fresh, and they can also make it more appealing to cats.

Why Your Cat Needs a Cat Waterer

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their natural diet consists primarily of meat. Meat is a good source of water, but it doesn't provide cats with all of the water they need. In addition, cats often don't drink enough water on their own.

That's why it's important to provide your cat with a cat waterer. A cat waterer will help to keep your cat hydrated and healthy.

The Purrfect Guide to Keeping Your Cat Hydrated: All About Cat Waterers

The Importance of Hydration for Cats

Water is essential for life. It makes up about 60% of a cat's body weight. Water helps to:

Regulate body temperature
Transport nutrients
Remove waste products
Lubricate joints
Prevent dehydration

Dehydration can occur when a cat doesn't drink enough water. Dehydration can lead to a number of health problems, including:

Types of Cat Waterers

Urinary tract infections
Constipation
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Death

How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

If your cat isn't drinking enough water, there are a few things you can do to encourage them:

urinary tract infections,

Place the waterer in a convenient location. Cats are more likely to drink water if it's easily accessible.
Keep the water fresh. Cats prefer to drink fresh water. Make sure to change the water in the waterer every day.
Add a flavoring to the water. Some cats are more likely to drink water if it has a flavor they enjoy. You can add a small amount of tuna juice or chicken broth to the water.
Use a circulating or fountain waterer. The sound of moving water can attract cats to the waterer.
Talk to your veterinarian. If you're concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water, talk to your veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that's causing your cat to avoid water.

Stories and What We Learn

Here are a few stories about cats who didn't drink enough water and what we can learn from them:

Oliver: Oliver was a 6-year-old cat who was brought to the vet with urinary tract infection. The vet found that Oliver was dehydrated and had crystals in his urine. The vet prescribed antibiotics and a special diet. Oliver's urinary tract infection cleared up, but the vet warned his owners that he would be at risk for future infections if he didn't drink more water.
Lily: Lily was a 2-year-old cat who was brought to the vet with constipation. The vet found that Lily was dehydrated and had hard, dry stools. The vet gave Lily an enema to relieve her constipation and prescribed a laxative. The vet also recommended that Lily's owners provide her with a circulating waterer. Lily's constipation cleared up, and she started to drink more water.
Max: Max was a 10-year-old cat who was brought to the vet with kidney failure. The vet found that Max was severely dehydrated and had high levels of urea and creatinine in his blood. The vet started Max on intravenous fluids and prescribed a special diet. Max's kidney failure was irreversible, but the vet was able to make him more comfortable. Max died a few months later.

These stories show the importance of keeping your cat hydrated. By providing your cat with a clean, fresh water source, you can help to prevent a number of health problems.

Effective Strategies

Here are a few effective strategies for getting your cat to drink more water:

Place the waterer in a convenient location. Cats are more likely to drink water if it's easily accessible.
Keep the water fresh. Cats prefer to drink fresh water. Make sure to change the water in the waterer every day.
Add a flavoring to the water. Some cats are more likely to drink water if it has a flavor they enjoy. You can add a small amount of tuna juice or chicken broth to the water.
Use a circulating or fountain waterer. The sound of moving water can attract cats to the waterer.
Talk to your veterinarian. If you're concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water, talk to your veterinarian. There may be an underlying medical condition that's causing your cat to avoid water.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for getting your cat to drink more water:

Put a few drops of water on your cat's nose. This will encourage your cat to lick its nose and ingest some water.
Offer your cat ice cubes. Cats love to play with ice cubes. They will often lick them and ingest some water in the process.
Place a water bowl in your cat's food bowl. This will make it easy for your cat to drink water while it's eating.
Try different types of waterers. Some cats prefer to drink from bowls, while others prefer to drink from fountains. Experiment with different types of waterers to see what your cat prefers.
Be patient. It may take some time for your cat to get used to drinking more water. Be patient and consistent with your efforts, and you will eventually see results.

FAQs

Q: How much water should my cat drink each day?

A: A good rule of thumb is to provide your cat with 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.

Q: Why won't my cat drink water?

A: There are a number of reasons why your cat may not be drinking water, including illness, medication, stress, and changes in routine. If you're concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water, talk to your veterinarian.

Q: What are the signs of dehydration in cats?

A: The signs of dehydration in cats include lethargy, loss of appetite, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased urination. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Q: How can I prevent my cat from getting dehydrated?

A: The best way to prevent your cat from getting dehydrated is to provide it with a clean, fresh water source at all times. You should also make sure that your cat is eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Q: What should I do if my cat is dehydrated?

A: If your cat is dehydrated, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will likely start your cat on intravenous fluids and prescribe a special diet.

Q: How can I make my cat's water more appealing?

A: There are a few things you can do to make your cat's water more appealing, including adding a flavoring to the water, using a circulating or fountain waterer, and placing the waterer in a convenient location.