For those who battle to get your kitty to drink water, you might have bought a cat water fountain to encourage them to remain hydrated. The always operating water could also be extra interesting to your cat than a bowl of water. Whereas the motion helps the water keep more energizing, you must nonetheless change the water in your cat’s fountain no less than as soon as per week primarily based on the producer’s suggestion. Nevertheless, you must change it extra regularly in case you have a number of cats.
On this article, we’ll cowl how you can know when to vary the water in your cat’s fountain and the opposite steps you must take to maintain it clear and sanitary. We’ll additionally talk about different methods to encourage your cat to drink extra and why protecting your pet hydrated is significant.
Determine How Usually to Change the Water in Your Cat’s Fountain
A number of components assist decide how typically you must change your cat’s water in a fountain.
First, what number of cats are utilizing the fountain? The extra cats that drink from the fountain, the quicker the water disappears and the faster it will get soiled with particles. In case you have a number of cats, you could want to vary the water as typically as each 2–3 days.
You must also take into account the producer’s suggestion for the water fountain. Cat water fountains normally include filters that hold the water clear, however all of them work a bit in another way. Learn the instructions in your fountain to learn the way typically the corporate recommends the water be modified.
Lastly, study the water within the fountain. Does it look cloudy, soiled or slimy? If that’s the case, go forward and alter it.
Hold Your Cat’s Water Fountain Clear
Any vessel that holds water will ultimately develop slime and mildew if not cleaned recurrently. To forestall this downside in your cat’s water fountain, clear it totally no less than as soon as per week. Observe the producer’s suggestion for cleansing primarily based on the kind of water fountain you’ve gotten.
Some components of your water fountain could also be dishwasher protected, whereas others will should be hand-washed. While you clear the fountain, exchange the water fully. In case your water fountain has a filter, change it in line with the beneficial schedule, normally each 2-4 weeks.
Why Is It Essential for Your Cat to Drink Water?
Cats will drink completely different quantities of water relying on what they’re fed in addition to their dimension, exercise ranges and well being. Moist meals accommodates 70-80% water, so in case your cat recurrently eats moist meals they might want to drink much less water.
It will be significant for cats to remain hydrated and identical to us they will get dehydrated if their water consumption will not be sufficient for the fluids they’re dropping. This may be if they’re unwell and never consuming and consuming as a lot, or it may be brought on by sickness and elevated lack of fluids like with vomiting or diarrhea. The indicators of dehydration will differ relying on the severity however can embrace:
- Dry gums
- Decreased pores and skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes
- Weak spot
- Constipation
In case you are involved your cat will not be consuming sufficient or they’re exhibiting indicators of being dehydrated or unwell then contact your veterinarian.
Different Tricks to Encourage Your Cat to Keep Hydrated
Not all cats take pleasure in consuming out of a water fountain. Some dislike the noise or discover the method unusual and unfamiliar. To assist these cats keep hydrated, you’ll have to attempt completely different methods.
First, you’ll be able to experiment with differing kinds and areas in your cat’s water bowls.
Attempt glass, ceramic, or metallic bowls in numerous styles and sizes, plastic bowls can taint the water. Place a number of water bowls round the home at numerous heights, together with on counters, tables, and the ground. Cats desire to not drink water which is close to their meals or toileting space. Change the water within the bowls day by day and hold them clear to forestall slime buildup.
You possibly can add a number of drops of tuna juice or unsalted rooster broth to your cat’s water every now and then to encourage water consumption.
An alternative choice is adding canned food to your cat’s diet or switching from kibble fully.
Conclusion
Depending on how many cats you have and the precise suggestions in your cat water fountain, you must count on to vary the water each 2–7 days. Cats normally don’t like consuming soiled water, so there’s not a lot level in switching to a water fountain should you let the water get soiled.
In case your cat suffers from health issues like diabetes or urinary tract illness, it’s particularly essential that they drink loads of water. Discuss to your vet about monitoring your cat’s water consumption and extra methods to make sure they keep hydrated.
Featured Picture Credit score: Vershinin89, Shutterstock
