this post was edited on September 28th, 2024 by Lisa
Ever tried getting your senior cat to drink more water?
It’s like convincing a cat to stop chasing that one rogue string—they just won’t listen. 😅
But as our feline friends age, keeping them hydrated becomes more critical for their health and happiness.
Whether your senior cat is a stubborn sipper like my Finnegan or a curious explorer like Madison was, here are some purrfect tips to ensure your aging cat gets enough hydration without turning it into a daily battle of wills. 💧🐾
1. Switch to Wet Food—It’s Hydration in Disguise!
Let’s be real, most cats are not huge fans of drinking water straight from a bowl.
But wet food?
That’s a different story! 😸 Wet cat food can be a sneaky way to increase your senior cat’s water intake since it’s packed with moisture.
When Madison was older, he couldn’t resist the wet food, and it kept him hydrated without him even knowing. (Sneaky, right?)
If your cat is like Finnegan—super picky about their food—try mixing wet and dry food for the best of both worlds.
Crafted by a team of feline nutrition specialists, their commitment to cat health shines through in every aspect of their product. Their expertise in feline wellness ensures that cat owners can rely on them to deliver nothing but the best for their furry companions.
Their formula prioritizes protein, boasting a meat-first approach with cage-free chicken and rabbit as primary ingredients. This high-protein recipe is designed to meet your cat's dietary needs, supporting their overall wellness and vitality.
Not only does their food provide essential nutrients, but it also offers additional benefits for your cat's health. From aiding in digestion to promoting a shiny coat, preventing hairballs, and ensuring proper hydration, their formula covers all bases to keep your cat feeling their best.
And perhaps most importantly, their commitment to quality means their product contains none of the harmful additives often found in other cat foods. With no fillers, grains, preservatives, gluten, soy, feed-grade meat, or artificial colors or flavors, you can trust that every bite is packed with goodness and nothing else.
A little gravy goes a long way. 🐟🥩
2. Add Water or Broth to Their Meals
Do you love soup? Well, so do cats! (Sort of.) Adding a bit of water or low-sodium chicken broth to your cat’s wet food can trick them into getting extra hydration. When Finnegan was having some health issues, this trick worked wonders. It turned his meals into a delicious, hydrating feast—without adding any unnecessary stress to either of us! 🍲
Just make sure the broth doesn’t have any added salt or seasoning because, let’s face it, cats don’t need gourmet flavors. They need simple, nutritious options that hydrate and fuel their day.
3. Invest in a Pet Water Fountain
Ever noticed how cats seem more interested in drinking from the faucet than from their bowls? That’s because moving water is more appealing to them. It’s their natural instinct to avoid stagnant water, which they perceive as unsafe.
Finnegan has a little fountain of his own, and guess what?
He drinks way more when he hears that gentle trickle. 🏞
He also loves it when I run the water in the bathroom sink, a little tiny trickle.
Pet water fountains are a great investment, especially for senior cats who may be less inclined to drink from a regular bowl. Plus, they’ll love feeling like royalty with their personal drinking fountain! 👑💧
4. Place Water Bowls Around the House
Sometimes, cats are just too lazy to walk all the way to their water bowl. (We can all relate, right?) 💤 Placing multiple water bowls in different locations around your home makes it easier for your senior cat to stay hydrated.
If Finnegan has a water bowl within paw’s reach, he’s more likely to take a sip—and your senior cat might, too.
Pro tip: Use shallow, wide bowls. Cats don’t like their whiskers touching the sides of the bowl while they drink. (Whisker fatigue is real! 😉)
5. Serve Ice Chips or Cubes as a Treat
Some cats love playing with ice cubes—and it’s a bonus if they nibble on them! Try adding a couple of ice cubes to their water bowl or offering small ice chips as a treat. This works especially well in the summer or if your home tends to run warm. It’s like a mini hydration game. 🧊 Plus, it’s fun watching Finnegan bat the ice cubes around like he’s on a mission to conquer the cold!
6. Monitor Their Hydration Levels
Here’s a little tip I picked up: if you’re unsure whether your senior cat is getting enough water, try the “pinch test.” Gently pinch the skin at the base of their neck. If it snaps back quickly, they’re likely hydrated. If it’s slow to return, they may be a little dehydrated. 😬 If you’re ever concerned, consult your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
7. Set a Routine
Cats thrive on routine, and hydration is no different. Create a hydration schedule by offering water or broth-infused meals at regular times during the day.
Once Finnegan got into the habit of expecting his “hydrating meals” around the same time every day, his water intake improved. It’s all about consistency—cats are creatures of habit! ⏰
Final Thoughts 🐱💭
Keeping your senior cat hydrated doesn’t have to feel like a Herculean task. With these simple, manageable tips, you can help ensure your aging kitty stays healthy, happy, and well-hydrated. After all, a hydrated cat is a happy cat—and nothing beats a content purring machine lounging around your home! 😊
So, which tip are you going to try with your senior cat first? 💦
🐾 Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC! 🏡 She’s got a dapper
As a kid, Lisa shared her home with a Poodle and a chirpy parakeet! 🐩🐦
