Each and every life here on earth requires water for survival, cats included. About 60% of a cat’s body is water, sustaining much of the animal’s basic body functions. Without water, cats cannot swallow or digest food. A major blood component is water, and blood is essential in the nutrient and oxygen delivery systems of the body. Also, water has a major part in urine production, helping to remove waste products in the body.
Healthy average-sized adult cats require around 7 – 8 oz. of water daily. But the actual quantity your cat has to drink could differ depending on their meal’s water content. Dry cat food only has around 10% water. Therefore, if your cat eats only kibble, then you want to ensure that she is drinking lots of water. Canned or wet cat food has around 75% water, so then it should be okay for cats who are fed this kind of food to drink a little less.
Specific health issues could also impact the amount of water a cat needs. For instance, cats suffering from kidney issues are not able to create concentrated urine. This means that water is lost more whenever they urinate, therefore they need to be drinking lots more water compared to healthy cats so that they can stay hydrated. Diabetic cats and those who have urinary problems must also be drinking more water.
If your pet is showing signs of dehydration, contact your veterinary clinic San Diego, CA immediately.
