Yes. Most cats prefer cold water since it appears to be cleaner and fresher than warm water. Even wild cats drink cold water from streams and rivers. Despite this, a few cats, especially kittens, prefer warm water since it is similar to their mother’s milk. Such a kitten may outgrow this liking after some time and start preferring cold water.
A cat not only needs food but also access to clean water. Just like most cats are picky with food, they may display the same behaviors when it comes to water. If you own a cat, you should keep them hydrated and find out the water temperature they prefer. Here is more!
The importance of water to a cat
Water is quite beneficial to a cat since it can keep them healthy. When a cat is well hydrated, they are less likely to develop conditions like kidney disease or urinary tract disease. Water can easily flush toxins from a cat’s kidneys and help the digestive system.
It is also important since it assists in blood circulation to different organs and helps in the absorption and transportation of nutrients. Water can regulate the body temperature of a cat and prevent hair loss.
When a cat is dehydrated, it can slow down its heart rate, prevent urination and make the body temperature drop. This can also lead to a reduction in energy. In some cases, when a cat goes for so long without taking water, it may start developing seizures and eventually die.
Why do cats like cold water?
We mentioned that most cats prefer cold water since it is fresher and cleaner. Wild cats often get their water from freshwater sources such as streams and rivers. Since this water is often cold, domestic cats like cold water.
They also like it since cold water can easily help them cool down, especially on hot days. Due to this preference by most cats, offering cold water can promote overall hydration. Though cold water is safe for this pet, you should avoid giving them very cold water. The recommended water temperature for a cat is between 50- 72 degrees.
Some pet owners give cats ice water. Though this can be quite refreshing during the summer, you should not do it so often since it can cause a brain freeze in a cat. If you add some ice cubes to the cat’s water to encourage them to drink more, ensure that the cubes are not too big to prevent choking.
A cat may like their water with ice cubes since this is a different experience from what they are used to, and they view the cubes as toys. Pay close attention to a cat if you add ice cubes to their water. If you notice a cat trying to chew on ice cubes, you should remove them from the water immediately since this can damage their teeth.
What makes some cats prefer hot water?
Though most cats prefer cold water, a few like lukewarm water. This should not worry you since it may just be preference. If you notice that a cat prefers lukewarm water, provide enough of it. One of the reasons some cats prefer warm water is that they are young. Most kittens associate warm water with their mother’s milk and prefer it to cold water. This preference may change as soon as they mature.
A cat may also prefer warm water when their habitat is not warm enough. Taking warm water, in this case, could help preserve body heat. Have you been giving a cat iced water for a while? If yes, they may suddenly start preferring warm water since they may have experienced brain freeze from the extremely cold water. A cat that likes cold water during the summer can also prefer warm water during winter.
Every pet owner with a cat should find out what water temperature their cat prefers. If you have no idea, you can place dishes with cold and warm water for the cat and let them pick. Once you understand their preference, always provide sufficient water at their preferred temperature.
How to encourage a cat to take more water
Change the bowl |
If you notice a cat struggling to drink water, you can try changing the bowl. Offer the cat water in bowls of different shapes, sizes, and materials. |
Change the flavor |
Have you been giving the cat tap water? You can try changing the flavor by filtering it. Using a carbon filter can help get rid of excess chlorine in tap water.
If the cat loves fish or chicken broth, consider adding a little of this to the water. Doing this can make it a more pleasant taste for a cat. |
Add ice cubes to the water |
If the cat prefers cold water, you can freeze it or add some ice cubes before giving it to them. Remember to do this in moderation. |
Consider bottled water |
If a cat is still struggling to take enough water after trying the steps above, you can get them bottled water. |
Give them more wet food |
This is important since it can help increase the hydration level of a cat. You can warm wet food to make it more appealing to the cat. |
Conclusion
A cat requires 1 or 2 cups of water every day. Most cats prefer their water cold since they perceive it to be fresher and cleaner. If you own this pet, you should apply the tips discussed above to help the cat stay hydrated.
FAQs
Should I buy my cat a water fountain?
You could consider this if the cat struggles to take stagnant water. Most cats find water fountains quite fascinating and are drawn to running water.
If I have more than one cat, how can I encourage all of them to take more water?
Rather than offering one water source to several cats, you should set up different water stations outside and inside the house to encourage them to take water.
Maria Giovanni
Maria Giovanni is a pet lover and does have a variety of pets at home, from the lapdogs to parrots and cats. The latter however seems to be her favorite because she operates a shelter that caters specifically to injured and stray cats. You can also leave your cat with her if you have to travel out of town for a longer period and don’t want to lock your cat inside. Over the years Maria has championed for the rights of animals, because of the many vices that are done to the defenseless animals around the world. Compiling information for the Simple Catguide was quite fulfilling because it allowed her to share knowledge on how best people can care for their pet cats.
