How Long Can A Cat Go Without Water?A Deep Look To The Question

Meta Data: If you are wondering how long can a cat go without Water, the answer is 3-4 days at the top, depending on different conditions and factors. 

Cats are fluffy and cute, but they are obligate carnivores that need Water and other national essentials to survive, just like humans. Felines need proper hydration to maintain all of their body functions. If we talk about domestic cats, then ideally, they drink 100-150ml of Water on a daily basis, depending on how many times they eat in a day. 

Sometimes, cats reduce their drinking water or may not have access to it. However, if it has limited access to water, a cat does try to keep itself hydrated in hot, moderate, or cozy weather. 

Here today, you will find out everything about how long a cat can go without Water, including other things about cat hydration. 

Importance of Hydration for Cats:

Biologically, cats have a lower urge for Water than other animals, mainly because of their background. Domestic cats are used to drinking clean Water, unlike wild cats, which take most of their Water from prey. Here are some reasons why hydration is important for cats.

1,Cats keep hydrated to regulate their body temperature. 

2,Hydration helps cats in digestion and mainly nutrient absorption

3,The kidneys stay healthy, and they eliminate any toxic substances. 

4,Hydration helps cats lubricate tissues and joints.

5,It allows cats to prevent urinary tract infections and kidney diseases.  

Water needed for a cat in a day:

Experts and vets recommend that a cat drink about 4 ounces of Water per day based on its 5-pound weight. Likewise, if you have a cat that weighs 10 pounds, then it should drink a cup of Water per day. 

Moreover, the amount of Water they consume depends on the food they eat. If you feed wet cat food, they might not drink or need that much Water; likewise, if you feed dry food, they will need more Water to drink. 

It's pretty obvious that your cat is not solely drinking from its bowl of Water; there are many other water sources it may drink from. So, it is not easy to measure exactly how much your cat is drinking a day. All you need to know is that your cat is healthy and hydrated and shows no sign of an unwell stomach, infection, or dryness on its coat. 

If your cat shows signs of illness or dehydration, take it to a vet, who will determine the cause. Not drinking water may not be the only problem. 

How Long Can a Cat Survive Without Water?

If a cat is healthy, it will survive for 3-4 days without Water. However, the exact duration is unknown, and diverse factors affect the duration of survival without Water. These factors include age, Health, diet, and some specific environmental conditions. 

Following are some factors that can increase or decrease the survival of cats without Water. Age and Health play a key role in cats' survival without Water. A healthy young cat will survive for more days without Water than an unhealthy cat. 

Diet: It states that a cat on a dry food diet will require more water than a cat on a wet food diet. 

Active level: If a cat is always engaged in some activity, it will lose more Water through exertion, and hence, it will get dehydrated, and its survival will be at stake. 

Stress and Anxiety Level: One of the main reasons a cat might diverge from drinking Water is a high anxiety level, which can cause a cat to avoid Water. 

Signs of dehydration in Cats:

If your cat is not drinking enough Water and if they are on a dry food diet, there is a high chance of dehydration. In fact, the same dehydration can be life-threatening. Here are some of the symptoms a dehydrated cat will have. 

a,Cats might show symptoms of Lethargy and weakness. 

b,Sunken eyes are very common among cats during dehydration

c,They may lose their appetite due to too much dryness

d,It will be hard for them to breathe, especially problems like panting and rapid breathing. 

e,Dehydration targets cat gums; they get sticky gums and dryness in their skin.

f,Another symptom includes poor skin elasticity. 

How do I check if my cat is dehydrated?

You can check your cat at home to see if it is dehydrated. You can pinch the skin on the back of the cat's neck. If your cat doesn't show any reaction, like snapping back, it means it is dehydrated. Likewise, you can check your cat's gum. If you find it dry or sticky, it means it is dehydrated. 

How can you encourage your cat to drink more Water?

If your cat is not drinking Water, you should first take it to a vet. However, if there is no medical issue and your cat still doesn't drink enough Water, you can encourage it to drink more Water. 

Following are some ways to encourage a cat to drink more Water. 

1,Start Wet Food Diet: 

Wet Cat Food comprises more than 70% water, which keeps your cat hydrated. Dry food, on the other hand, is not an ideal diet, especially in hotter climates, because your cat will need more Water for hydration and digestion.

2,Keep fresh Water in the bowl: 

Cats love fresh Water. So, always make sure to add fresh Water to the bowl on a daily basis without any clean water. 

3,Get Cat Water Fountain: 

Some cats love to drink from running Water. You can get special cat water fountains. You don't have to fill the bowl again; all you need to do is keep the fountain and pump clean.

Some cats prefer running Water over stagnant bowls.

4,Change your current water bowl: 

Cats are very choosy creatures. They may not like the current water bowl. If you change it to some ceramic, stainless steel or even a glass, they may start drinking regularly. 

Cats may dislike the taste of plastic bowls. Use ceramic, stainless steel, or glass.

5,Add a flavour to Water: 

It is a traditional technique to add a flavour that your cat likes. You can add a small amount of tuna water or bone broth so your cat can drink Water. 

6,Place more than one water source: 

Make sure your cat has more sources of Water than a single bowl. To make it more accessible, you can place water bowls in different places in your home. 

When you should see a veterinarian:

If your cat has been refusing to drink Water for more than a day, you should consult a vet. There may be some issues with your cat's inability to drink Water. Remember to take your cat to a vet quickly before dehydration can lead to other severe problems. 

FAQs:

• 1.How long can a cat go without Water before becoming dehydrated?

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  A cat can go for 2-4 days without Water, mainly depending on their age, health and weather conditions. Dehydration in cats occurs quickly, as cats are active animals. There is a high chance your cat will get dehydrated in the first 24 hours. 

• 2.How to rehydrate a cat?

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  The best way to rehydrate a cat is to feed it wet food, or you can add Water to its existing food to increase its water intake. Moreover, you can add a flavour to Water, like a small amount of tuna water or chicken broth. These things will make it tastier for a cat to drink. 

• 3.Is wet food enough to keep my cat hydrated?

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  Wet food is best for keeping your cat hydrated. It contributes to its hydration, though your cat still needs another source of Water to drink. 

• 4.How much Water should a cat drink daily?

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  A cat should drink 50-60 ml of Water per kg of body weight per day. Measure your cat's weight and then do some math to determine the exact amount of Water your cat needs to drink in a day.

• 5.Will a dehydrated cat urinate?

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  A dehydrated cat will reduce its urine output. If you notice that your cat's urine output is low and darker in colour, it is a sign of dehydration. In this case, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible. 

Conclusion:

Water is important for any creature living on this earth, including cats. Cats need to maintain good hydration and health. Dehydration in cats can lead to life-threatening problems. A cat can go all day without water and generally then can even survive for 3 days, depending on conditions. However, it is important if you own a cat to make sure it keeps itself hydrated. Make everything possible and easy for your cat to maintain its hydration, like using a Cat water fountain or filling fresh Water in its bowl on a daily basis. Above is everything you need to know about cats and Water.