Introduction
During winter, we begin to wear sweaters, drink hot drinks, and cuddle in the house, but what about our cat friends? Cats are also vulnerable to the drier, colder air like us. Although cats cannot tell it, they are more prone to dehydration during winter than you can think.
To ensure the health, comfort, and well-being of your cat, ensure that it is hydrated during winter. There are factors regarding food and water that can ensure your kitty remains perfectly hydrated as the temperature decreases.
The Reason Why Cats Become Dehydrated During Winter
Cats do not drink a lot of water like dogs. They tend to use the water content of their food to hydrate themselves. During the winter, the heating makes the air in houses drier, and most cats tend to drink less than normal anyway.
This may cause issues such as dry skin, constipation, urinary tract infections, and kidney strain. This is why it is important to increase hydration through diet and environment in the colder months.
Tips to Keep Your Cat Hydrated During Winter
1. Offer Wet, Hot Foods
Adding more wet food to your cat is one of the simplest ways to keep your cat hydrated. The canned or pouch foods are usually 70-80 percent water, which is a great source of hydration. Wet food can be warmed before serving; it will smell good and will be attractive to your cat in the winter cold.
When your cat normally consumes dry kibble, you can add some warm water or low-sodium broth to it. You can also give warm treats, such as cat-safe broths or soups. Make healthy meals for your cat that are hydrating.
2. Make Water Bowls Clean and Attractive
Cats are quite selective about water. They avoid it in case it is not clean or attractive. This is why it is important to change water bowl of your cat daily, or even twice a day.
These are some of the fast tips:
- Bowls: use ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (not plastic)
- Put water bowls in several silent areas throughout the house
- Add some tuna water or chicken broth to get attention
- Use a pet water fountain, which most cats like due to the movement of water.
A pet water fountain will help cats drink more due to the filtered running water.
3. Moisturize the Environment
Low humidity combined with indoor heating causes the skin to dry. You can also use a humidifier in the rooms where your cat spends most of the time. This helps in healthy skin, coat, and internal hydration.
Ensure their bedding is not near radiators and heat vents. Although cats prefer warmth, excessive heat may dry up their surroundings and prevent them from moving around to drink or eat.
Want more ideas on how to make your home cat-friendly during cold weather? See these warm winter cat tips.
4. Encourage Healthy Sipping
If your cat doesn’t seem interested in their water bowl, try getting creative:
- Offer ice cubes made from tuna water or broth
- Float toys or treats in water bowls to spark curiosity
- Provide cat-safe soup as a midday snack.
Hydration doesn’t always have to come from water alone. These little additions can make hydration a fun and engaging part of their routine.
5. Look out for Dehydration Signs
Despite your best efforts, be aware of the symptoms of dehydration so that you can intervene in time. Some of the common signs are:
- Sticky or dry gums
- Dullness or decreased interest in play
- Skin elasticity (pull the skin between their shoulders, and see if it snaps back; if not, they are dehydrated)
- Loss of appetite or urination
If you observe any of these symptoms, visit your vet. It is always good to be on the safe side, in winter, when minute changes are easily overlooked.
Conclusion
The key to winter hydration is balance. Your cat is warm, comfortable, and well-fed, and finds ways to add moisture. It can be changing to wet food, changing their water frequently, or making your home a humid place, but every little step counts towards the health of your cat.
