Any change to your cat's habits can be concerning. And if you've recently added wet food to your cat's feeding routine, you may have noticed them drinking less water. But is wet food enough water for cats? Asking questions like these shows you're paying attention to your cat's behaviors, which is key to being a responsible pet parent and caring for their health. Here's what you should know if your cat doesn't drink water but eats wet food.
Tasty Tips
How Much Water Does Your Cat Need?
Like humans, maintaining healthy hydration is essential to many of your cat's bodily functions, such as blood pressure, temperature regulation, digestion, kidney function, and skin and coat health. Your average 10-pound cat needs about 1 cup of water daily to stay hydrated. This includes the water they drink directly from their bowl (or the faucet!) and the water they consume through food. Of course, this is an average, and several factors can affect how much water your cat needs to thrive. The food they eat, their medications and their overall health all influence their hydration status.
For example, if your cat has ever had urinary issues, such as lower urinary tract disease or urinary crystals, your veterinarian likely recommended increasing your cat's water intake as part of their treatment. Maintaining adequate water intake and hydration is also important for healthy digestion, so cats with constipation may benefit from a fluid boost.
Do Cats Drink Less Water When Eating Wet Food?
Cats aren't huge water drinkers, so changes in water intake can be subtle. (And cats typically drink less than dogs of the same size, so comparing their drinking habits is like comparing apples to oranges.) That said, it's normal to notice your cat drinking less than usual after starting them on wet food. Wet food contains more water, so your cat gets more fluids through their meals.
Different types of wet food contain varying amounts of water. Most range between 70% and 80% water. Compare that to dry food, which typically falls between 6% and 10% water, and it's easy to see the difference. Think of it this way: If your cat eats 8 ounces of canned food per day, roughly 6 ounces of that is water. And if you're feeding them stews, soups or gravies, the water content may be even higher.
"It is normal to notice your cat drinking less than usual after starting them on wet food. Wet food contains more water, so your cat gets more fluids through their meals."
Is Wet Food Enough Water for Cats?
By offering your cat 6 ounces of wet food a day, you're increasing your cat's water intake by over 4 ounces — almost half their daily water requirement. When your cat's body absorbs that water, the thirst receptors in their brain signal that all is well and there's no need to drink additional water.
So, if you used to feed your cat exclusively dry food and recently added wet food or switched to wet food entirely, you'll likely notice them drinking less. This isn't anything to worry about. But what if your cat doesn't drink water but eats wet food? How can you tell if they're getting enough through wet food alone?
Signs of Dehydration
Cats who aren't getting enough water will show signs of dehydration, including:
- Decreased skin elasticity (turgor)
- Tacky or sticky gums
- Lethargy
- Sunken-looking eyes
- Little to no urine output
While these are all signs of dehydration, some overlap with other health conditions. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat (and their urine) to your vet for a checkup.
Keeping an Eye on the Litter Box
If you have a single indoor cat, monitoring their litter box can help you evaluate their fluid intake. A decrease in size or number of urine clumps indicates your cat is consuming less water. Most pet parents who switch from dry food to wet food or take a mixed feeding approach may notice an increase in urine since more water coming in means more water going out. Of course, a drastic increase in urine warrants a visit to the vet.
Supporting Your Cat's Health
While feeding your cat wet food can reliably increase their water consumption, keep fresh water out at all times. Most cats who eat wet food still drink water, even if it's not as obvious. If you're ever concerned your cat isn't getting enough fluids or is drinking an excessive amount of water, contact your vet. They can perform urine and other tests to evaluate their hydration status and identify any underlying concerns. At the end of the day, keeping tabs on your cat's water intake is part of helping them live a longer, healthier life.
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