Summer in India, with its tropical climate and extreme humidity, is far from the pleasant, much-needed warmth that many other countries experience. The summer brings searing heat, with temperatures regularly
exceeding 40°C in many parts of the country, making the weather almost unbearable for humans. And while we often make an effort to stay as hydrated, we can voice our discomfort or just avoid stepping out in the heat, our furry feline friends depend on us to ensure they are hydrated and safe, too.
Cats are infamous for not drinking sufficient water and during the summer, this habit of theirs can be harmful to their life. We speak to Satinder Singh, General Manager, Royal Canin India, who shares a few tips to get your drink lapping all the water they need to life a purr-fect life.
Why hydration matters more than you think
By nature, cats have a low thirst drive. Unlike dogs, your feline friends don’t eagerly drink water throughout the day. In the wild, cats often derive much of their required hydration and moisture from their prey, but your indoor cat doesn’t have that advantage. This makes summer a genuinely risky season for them.
Cats roughly require about 50 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. During peak summer, when the heat becomes unbearable, this need only goes up. Water intake that is less than the required amount can result in dehydration and make your cat prone to various conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), Urolithiasis, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), primarily due to concentration of urine or a slowed rate of toxic substance excretion from the body. So, it’s imperative for pet parents to be proactive in ensuring their cat stays hydrated throughout the day.
Water bowls and fountains: Getting the basics right
Placement matters more than most pet parents realise. Keep water bowls in multiple spots around the house, especially near places where your cat likes to rest. Shaded corners, away from the food bowl (cats instinctively avoid water close to their food), are ideal. Refresh the water at least twice a day, as warm, stale water is a turn-off for most cats.
Wide, shallow bowls work better than deep ones. Cats can dislike their whiskers touching the sides, so a narrow bowl can actually discourage drinking. A wide, shallow bowl also works well for some cat breeds like Persians, as they have flat snouts, which can make it difficult for them to drink if the bowl is deep and narrow.
It’s also worth considering investing in a cat water fountain. The sound and movement of running water naturally draw them while keeping the water cooler and oxygenated. If your cat is reluctant, adding a few ice cubes to the bowl can help make it more appealing.
Wet diets: Sneaking in the hydration
One of the most effective ways to keep your cat hydrated during summer is to incorporate wet food into their daily diet. Wet food typically contains up to 80% moisture, meaning every meal actively contributes to your cat’s daily required water intake. This is particularly beneficial for cats that are reluctant water drinkers. If your cat is currently on a dry food diet, it’s important to consider including wet food into their diet. But this has to be done gradually, to allow your feline friend to adjust without any digestive disruption.
Hydration is one of the primary requirements to keep your feline friend healthy and comfortable. But apart from keeping them hydrated, pet parents must learn to recognise signs of discomfort and dehydration in their cats. Check for dry or sticky gums, vomiting, lethargy, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, and decreased skin elasticity regularly. If your cat shows any of these signs, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Monitoring your cat’s water intake regularly and refilling their bowl accordingly is the simplest and most effective way to ensure your cat is hydrated and can thrive even in the sweltering heat. After all, hydration isn’t a one-time fix. It’s a habit to build for your cat through consistency.
