Do Cats Like Cold Water or Hot Water?
Cats are fussy water drinkers and sometimes we as cat purrents get curious about their preferences. I know I’m not the only one who’s wondered if cats like cold water or warm water.
In this article, we’ll delve into the debate of what water temperature cats prefer, and explore the potential health implications of their water temperature preferences.
Key takeaway:
- Some cats will prefer ice in their water while others will prefer warm water.
- Warm water (lukewarm) has more health benefits compared to cold water.
- Do not give your cat frozen water.
What temperature of water do cats prefer to drink?
During the spring season, cats may prefer drinking lukewarm water while in the summer cats may find relief from the heat with cold water and ice cubes. In the winter, cats may prefer their water to be slightly warmer to help keep them comfortable.
Do cats like cold water?
Most cats tend to prefer cool to cold water over warm water. This is likely a trait they carry over from their wild roots, as they would prefer to access cool water from a flowing spring. Additionally, cold water can help to cool cats down in hot weather, making it a more appealing choice.
Is cold water good for cats?
Cold water is Ok for cats and is unlikely to cause any issues. Some cool water on a hot sunny day would be a great option for your kitto to cool their body down.
Can cats drink ice water?
Do not give your cat frozen water as it can affect their health. The iced water slows down the digestion process as well as nutrient absorption. The ice cubes can also cause brain freeze and tooth damage to your cat.
What are the benefits of giving cats cold water?
Cold water can help cats regulate their body temperature in hot weather. Additionally, because some cats will willingly sip on some chilled water, their hydration levels will be maintained.
Do cats like hot water?
Cats will not drink hot water. The furthest they can go is drinking lukewarm water but never hot. Hot water will burn their tongues as they slurp. Additionally, their bodies have a higher temperature so they’ll try to keep off hot drinks.
Do cats like warm water?
Some cats like drinking warm water. Cats’ body temperature is typically higher than ours, and they seek out warmer spots to lie in. We keep our houses cooler than what they would prefer, which is why many cats take advantage of the chance to drink warm water when they can.
Other cats may prefer different temperatures depending on the fluid they are taking.
Take my cat Chacha for example. She prefers room-temperature water but will ignore cold broths and stocks. You just have to experiment and find out what your cat likes.
Will cats drink warm water in winter?
Cats may prefer drinking some lukewarm water in winter. Warm fluids are an excellent way to maintain body temperature, especially during cold weather.
| Temp | Season | Preferences |
| Cold | Summer | Preferred |
| Cool | Spring, Fall | Preferred |
| Luke warm | Winter | Preferred |
| Room temp | Year-round | Varies by cat |
Cats are finicky about water and it can be difficult to know how much water your cat is taking. As with any living being, cats can’t survive without water and it is very important to hydrate throughout the day. This post on how much water should cats take in 24 hours has all the answers plus tables guiding you depending on your catto’s weight.
What are the benefits of giving cats warm water?
1. Can help soothe inflammation and pain in cats
Giving cats warm water can help soothe inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, joint stiffness, and other conditions. The heat helps increase blood circulation, relax stiff muscles, and reduce soreness. It also helps to reduce swelling, which can reduce pain and stiffness.
According to the Cambridge Cat Clinic, warmth is very important when treating and managing arthritis. By giving your catto some warm fluids, the heat can quickly spread from the beverage to the rest of the body.
Warm water also helps to relax the nerves and reduce stress, which can also help reduce pain.
2. Helps ease upset stomachs in cats
You know when you were a kid and had a stomach upset and you would be given some warm water sometimes with salt? Surprise, surprise, this also works with cats, of course minus the salt part.
When cats suffer from an upset stomach, warm water can be used to help ease the discomfort and provide relief. Hot water can help reduce the severity of cramping and spasms associated with an upset stomach. It also has the potential to help improve the digestion process.
By increasing the temperature of the water, it can help loosen muscle spasms and help decrease nausea.
Additionally, hot water has the potential to help provide relief from bloating and flatulence. As warm water is ingested, it can help reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract, allowing the cat to expel it more easily.
4. Warm water can warm up cold-weather cats
Giving warm water to cats in cold weather can help them warm up by providing them with a source of heat. The heat from the water helps to regulate the cats’ body temperature, keeping them warm and comfortable.
5. Warm water can help stimulate cats’ digestive systems
Giving cats warm water can help stimulate their digestive systems by providing warmth to the body, which can help to improve their metabolism. It can also help with digestion, as it helps to break down food particles more easily and can reduce the risk of stomach discomfort.
Additionally, warm water can help to flush toxins from the body, which helps to keep cats healthy. Finally, it can aid with blood circulation, which helps to transport nutrients more effectively and can improve skin condition.
8. Hot water can be used to treat certain diseases in cats
According to the VCA animal hospital, heat is known to have therapeutic effects on certain illnesses and can be used to help improve circulation. It can also help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
It is important to consult with your vet before using hot water treatments as it may not be suitable for all cats.
How do you know which type of water your cat prefers?
To determine the best option for your cat, try giving them both cold and hot water in a small bowl. Observe your cat and see which one they prefer. If your cat doesn’t seem to prefer either, offer a variety of temperatures to see which one she gravitates towards.
What if you’ve tried everything but still your cat isn’t taking much water. What next?
Well, there are several ways you can encourage your catto to take up more. If you’d like to know more on this topic, check out this blog post on 16 tricks and tips to encourage your cat to drink more water.
FAQs
Does cold water help with a cats heat?
Many cats prefer cold water for a variety of reasons – it can help to cool them down, it is perceived as being fresher than warm water, and it can provide a refreshing drink when it is hot outside.
However, it is important to consider that cats are homeotherms, meaning that they maintain a steady body temperature of 101-102 degrees. This is higher than humans, so cold water may not be as effective in cooling them down as it is for us.
Still, providing cold water as an option in hot weather can be beneficial for cats, as it offers them a way to stay hydrated and cool down.
Ultimately, cold water can be beneficial for cats in hot weather, but it is important to ensure the water is not frozen and to monitor your cat’s behavior to ensure they are comfortable with the temperature.
Can cats have ice water? Is it ok to put ice cubes in a cat’s water bowl?
Yes, cats can drink water with ice cubes. However, there are some risks associated with ice cubes, such as brain freeze and potential tooth damage if the cat attempts to eat the cubes.
There’s also a choking risk if your cat manages to swallow one.
Can cats get sick from drinking cold water?
Although drinking icy cold water is usually not dangerous for cats, it can still cause some problems. Cold water can cause stomach discomfort and slowed-down metabolism if given to them on a regular basis.
Cats could experience brain freeze if they drink too much cold water too quickly, which can deter them from drinking.
What should I consider when giving my cat cold water?
When giving your cat cold water, there are a few things to consider:
- Know your cat’s preference when it comes to the temperature of their water. Experiment with different temperatures and observe your cat to see which one they prefer.
- Make sure the ice cubes you give them are not too small, as they may try to bite and eat them, which can be a choking hazard.
- Consider the temperature of the room when offering them cold water. If the room is too warm, your cat may not want to cool off with cold water, and if the room is too cold, your cat may already be chilled and not want to drink ice-cold water.
- Monitor your cat while they are drinking, licking, or playing with the ice cubes to make sure they don’t get a brain freeze.
Are there any risks associated with giving cats cold water?
As with anything, giving your catto cold water comes with risks. Brain freeze is the most common complication for cats, who experience a similar sensation to that felt by people who consume too much ice cream.
In addition, cats may also experience stomach discomfort or slowed-down metabolism from drinking ice-cold water too much at a time. Damaged teeth are another issue if they try to bite the ice cubes.
Does cold water help in digestion in cats?
Too much icy cold water at a time can cause stomach discomfort and a slowed-down metabolism over time if given to them regularly.
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