by Blake Herzog
Today’s domestic cats are descended from desert felines who evolved to get much of their hydration from food. Many, though, have instinctual suspicion of still water and instead run to any faucet they can get to.
Cats need to drink about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water daily per 5 pounds if they aren’t eating wet food, according to www.pets.webmd.com.
To tell if your cat may be dehydrated, gently pinch the skin around its shoulders into a fold. If it doesn’t quickly snapback, there could be a problem; a vet visit is warranted. Other symptoms include dry gums, lethargy, and sunken eyes.
To help hydration:
- Include wet food in diet, if possible.
- Experiment with different bowls, locations.
- Wash, refill the bowl daily.
- Invest in a fresh-water fountain.
