FOCUSED NUTRITION
Renal & Urinary Disorders
FOCUSED NUTRITION
Helpful information about the unique nutritional needs of dogs and cats with certain lifestyles or health challenges.
Myriam Hesta
DVM, PhD, Dipl ECVCN
Ghent University
Merelbeke, Belgium
Q. When is increasing water intake indicated for cats?
A. Encouraging water intake can be useful for the health of all cats, but is particularly important for cats with specific medical conditions, including:
- Feline lower urinary tract conditions such as urolithiasis
- Constipation
- Chronic kidney disease
Q. What strategies can be implemented to help increase water intake in cats?
A. There are several different techniques that can be used to increase water intake in a cat with lower urinary tract disease. Strategies may differ depending on the primary condition, but include:
- Provide fresh, clean water at all times
- Clean water bowls daily
- Offer and test a variety of water bowls and water sources
- Have water bowls available in different locations throughout the house
- Feed canned food or make dry food wet by adding water
- Provide a diet with a moderately increased sodium concentration
- Use water fountains or address other individual preferences for drinking
- Add flavoring to water
- Use hydration supplements (e.g., nutrient-enhanced water supplements) to increase water intake
Q. How can a veterinary team assess the success of these strategies?
A. The success of individual tactics will depend on the owner, as well as the cat and their preferences. Success can be assessed by measuring urine specific gravity and by owner observation as well as monitoring for signs of the primary health concern, such as stranguria or inappropriate urination for cats with lower urinary tract disease.
Related Tools and Content:
HYDRATION IN PETS: Strategies To Manage Water Balance In Cats And Dogs
Water is an essential nutrient and is considered the nutrient most critical for survival. Losses in body water of just 10-15% can cause death, with animals able to tolerate much higher fat or protein losses.
Practical Approach to Feline Hydration
Learn more about strategies to optimize voluntary water intake of cats.
Medical benefits associated with a higher water in-take in cats
Cats are efficient at maintaining hydration. However, those cats with certain health conditions may benefit from greater total water intake. Dr. Sparkes provides a brief overview of feline hydration and the conditions in which water intake may be critical for health.
Hydration support and encouraging voluntary fluid intake in cats
Encouraging cats to consume more water is an important recommendation in a number of situations, including conditions associated with polyuria or increased fluid loss, lower urinary tract disease, chronic constipation and advanced age. Using different cases from her practice, Dr. Caney provides suggestions for supporting patient hydration and encouraging voluntary fluid intake.