Like all animals, cats need water to survive. Water is essential for overall health and bodily functions. We, humans, have seemingly limitless water choices found in stores today. Cats can be finicky drinkers and we want to ensure our beloved pets are properly hydrated.
It may leave you wondering whether your cat can get in on some of the choices. So, we are here to help answer the question; can cats drink smart water or flavored water? Smartwater, yes, but flavored water, no. We will break these beverages down below. Let’s take a closer look!
Can Cats Drink Smartwater?
Smartwater is a brand of bottled water that is considered one of the top five brands of bottled water on the market today. Smartwater is vapor-distilled water with added electrolytes for taste and hydration.
Cats can drink Smartwater, as it has no artificial or unnecessary flavors or colors included—but it shouldn’t be offered as an everyday staple. Smartwater does have added electrolytes, which means there is added sodium, and excessive amounts of sodium in the blood can be harmful to cats.
It is best to check directly with your veterinarian before offering any new products to your cat to ensure you are doing what is best for their health.
Can Cats Drink Flavored Water?
The answer to this question is a straight no if you are talking about the flavored water marketed to humans. Cats should never be offered that kind of flavored water. The flavoring in water that is meant to entice humans is not appealing, necessary, or healthy for cats.
There are a wide variety of flavored waters available today and they are not all made the same. Even flavored water that is free from artificial flavors and/or colors and is completely natural is still unnecessary for cats.
You can flavor your cat’s water with things like low sodium, natural chicken, or beef broth occasionally to help encourage drinking. This should be done under veterinary supervision though due to the sodium levels in broth.
Why Is Proper Hydration So Important for Cats?
Hydration is defined as the physiological state of balanced electrolytes, specific minerals, and fluids within the body. Water is necessary for organ function, circulation, digestion, nutrient transportation, and all aspects of body function. Having a proper balance is essential to overall health.
Maintaining proper hydration also helps the body flush out toxins. It helps decrease the chances of bladder and kidney stones, which can plague cats as well.
Cats can be finicky eaters and finicky drinkers, so sometimes you must do some trial and error to find out what works best in terms of keeping your kitty properly hydrated.
Dehydration in Cats
Cats can have low thirst drives and can become dehydrated easily. Their low thirst drive is partly due to genetics. In the wild, cats get most of their water content directly from their prey animals. Being a domesticated house cat that eats kibble does not allow for the food to provide the proper hydration as their wild diet would.
If your cat neglects the water bowl, they may become dehydrated.
- Dry gums
- Lethargy
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Elevated heart rate
If you happen to notice any of the above signs, call your veterinarian so that they can rule out any underlying illness and provide proper hydration and further guidance.
How to Get My Cat to Drink Water
Getting your cat to drink more water can prove to be a challenging feat. You may have to experiment with trial and error until you find something that works. Below are some ideas you can implement for the more finicky drinkers.
Finding the Right Bowl
Cats can suffer from whisker fatigue; these specialized hairs are especially sensitive and may become uncomfortable when touching the sides of a deep or narrow bowl. Finding a wide, shallow bowl can help prevent this. There are even whisker relief bowls on the market that are made specifically to prevent whisker fatigue.
Try a Different Location
Cats can be finicky over some of the littlest things that may not even cross our minds. Try moving their water bowl to a location that allows them to see their surroundings. This is a natural habit that is meant as a means of self-preservation. You may have to move the bowl to a more comfortable location to encourage drinking.
Offer Fresh Water
Dust, dirt, hair, and many other particles can make their way into the water bowl if it has been sitting for some time. Keeping your cat’s water fresh will help encourage them to drink, as water that has collected too much from the air may decrease their desire to drink.
Try Using a Water Fountain
Cats enjoy running water and you may even notice that your cat is more inclined to jump up onto the sink for a drink when the water is running as opposed to the bowl of fresh stagnant water on the floor. It is theorized that it may appeal to their senses due to the movement and sound. Regardless, this may just do the trick by making drinking time more stimulating.
Implement Wet Food
As mentioned, wild cats get most of their water content through their prey. Dry kibble does not offer the same amount of water as a tasty mouse. If you do not feel your cat is getting adequate amounts of water, try hydrating with wet cat food or low-sodium broths. Keep in mind that wet food cannot take the place of water altogether but additional supplementation with wet food can certainly help with dehydration.
Conclusion
Water is vital for your cat’s survival and keeping your cat properly hydrated will help ensure their overall health and wellbeing. Cats can drink Smartwater in small amounts but should not be offered flavored water that is made for humans, as it is unnecessary and unhealthy. Be sure to contact your veterinarian before offering anything new to your cat or if you have any questions about what is healthy to add to their diet.
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Featured Image Credit: Glaceau Smartwater 20oz bottle, Benjamin Ikuta, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0 International
