Can Cats Drink Flavored Water?
Flavored water makes hydration fun and less boring for us. But can cats drink flavored water safely?
Cats should not drink flavored water. Some brands of flavored water are loaded with a lot of artificial flavors and colorings that are unhealthy for cats. The added sugar is also a waste since cats can’t taste sugar sweetness.
Should I Put Anything in My Cat’s Water?
To add some flavor to your cat’s water, you can add some tuna juice, bone soup, broth. The tuna should be packed in water and not oil. Only use bone soups and broth with minimum salt as too much can harm your cat.
Can Cats Drink Flavored Water with Fruits?
Cats can drink fruit water occasionally. Fruit water provides needed vitamins and minerals which can help boost a cat’s health. Do not give your cat fruit water with added sugar. Fruit water should never replace water as a cat’s primary source of hydration.
You have to keep in mind not all fruits are safe for cats. For example limes, lemon, oranges and grapes are some fruits which can harm cats.
If you’re unsure which fruits are okay for your cat, you can view the complete list of safe fruits for cats before attempting to give them.
Can Cats Drink Smart Water?
Cats can drink Smart water as long as it is the plain bottled water. However,it should not be frequent or their main hydration source as Smart Water has added electrolytes, like sodium. In large amounts, sodium is harmful to cats.
What Types of Smart Water Are Best for Cats?
Smart water original is the safest for cats. It is pH balanced, free of sugar and other additives making it the best option. However, it still has added electrolytes which can create an electrolyte imbalance in cats which in turn affects their normal body functions.
Electrolytes are essential substances that help our bodies do normal things. For example, hydrating you and balancing fluids, and helping muscles to contract.
Electrolytes are important to cats just like they are to us. Our bodies work pretty much the same way. We both lose electrolytes through urination and sweating so a regular intake is important.
If electrolytes are so good, then what’s the issue with giving my cat some? Because too much can cause an imbalance in your cat’s body. Signs of electrolyte imbalance include:
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Kidney failure
- Vomiting or nausea
Can Cats Drink Electrolyte Water?
Cats can drink electrolyte water especially when they are dehydrated. Dehydration makes cats lose important minerals alongside fluids. Any electrolyte water, including Smart water, can remedy the situation by providing some electrolytes.
However, under normal circumstances, electrolyte water should be avoided since it may cause an imbalance. For example, an excess of potassium intake can easily cause your cat to develop heart problems.
Electrolyte imbalance can occur both ways. Cats do not sweat the same way as us and giving them electrolyte water meant for humans can be harmful in the long run.
If you’d like to learn more on this topic, check out this post on recognizing and treating electrolyte imbalance in cats.
Why Does Hydration Matter to Cats Anyway?
Proper hydration is important to cats as it helps them live normal lives. A well-hydrated cat will be able to effectively flush out toxins, digest their food properly, effectively absorb nutrients, and maintain organ health (kidneys, bladder, heart, etc.).
Hydration is considered proper only when there are balanced electrolytes, minerals, and fluids in the cat’s body.
Examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
If you’re unsure whether your cat is hydrated or not, observe them for the following dehydration signs:
- Lethargy
- Dry gums
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive meowing
- Loss of skin elasticity (pinch the skin and if it doesn’t go back immediately, your cat is dehydrated)
Wondering how much water is enough for your cat per day? You can check out this post I wrote on the amount of water cats need daily . The post will help you calculate how much water you should be providing for your catto.
What Is the Best Water for Cats?
Cats can drink from taps, bottled water, filtered water and spring water. Bottled water is the safest for cats since it undergoes purification removing any chemicals and contaminants.
How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water?
Now that you’ve seen the importance of hydration to cattos, you really want to up your game and get yours to drink some water.
Provide your cat with wet food instead of dry food. The added moisture will help in meeting their daily water intake target.
Also, avoid placing their water bowl next to the litter box. Even I wouldn’t drink water next to a smelly toilet so I totally understand your cat.
Next, you need to add more water spots. This is especially important if you have more than one cat. The ratio should be 1 cat to 2 watering spots.
You might also want to place the watering spots at different locations. It helps to reduce conflict and bring some sanity in your house.
If you’d like to find out more, check out this post I wrote on tips & tricks to make your cat drink more water.
FAQ
Should I Add Salt to My Cat’s Water?
Do not add salt to your cats water. Sodium (the main compound in salt) is lethal to cats if taken in large quantites. It can lead to bladder problems and kidney failure.
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