Tips for Encouraging Your Cat to Drink

Tips for Encouraging Your Cat to Drink

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Proper hydration is crucial in the healing process; however, the ill or painful cat may not be interested in drinking. It is important NOT to force water into your cat, as it could lead to aspiration pneumonia if your cat is not swallowing appropriately.

Listed below are several options to encourage water intake.

1. Give your cat an ice cube to lick.
2. Give a cat a running faucet or fountain dish from which to drink.
3. Allow your cat to lick water from your hand or your finger.
4. Feed canned cat food, as it has a higher water content.
5. Add warm water, tuna juice or low-sodium broth to your cat's food.
7. Adding an ice cube to the water bowl can encourage some cats to drink.

If your cat is weak and not interested in food or water, see your veterinarian.


 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles