Most cats are not fond of drinking water. They sometimes refuse to drink water completely which can cause serious dehydration. Ideally, cats should only be given water to drink, but in some cases, the cats simply will not drink it. To encourage your cat to drink, there are other options that you can try to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Here is a list of other liquids that cats can drink besides water:
Mother’s Milk
Young kittens drink their mother’s milk until they are weaned. The first milk that a mother cat produces is called colostrum. This is high in antibodies and helps to pass on some immunity to the litter. Kittens only need their mother’s milk during their first month as it contains all the necessary components for their growth. When the mother is absent or there are reasons that the kittens cannot drink their milk, an alternative kitten formula can be provided.
Kitten Formula Milk
For orphan kittens or those that cannot drink their mother’s milk for any other reason, they should be fed with kitten formula milk. Using normal milk from another species, such as cow or goat is not recommended. This is because it will not contain the right balance of nutrients for their development.
Cat Milk
There is cat milk available in pet stores. They are lactose-reduced and have calcium to help build healthier stronger teeth and bones. However, if you decide to give your cat this milk as a treat, make sure that they are still provided with a balanced and healthy diet.
Bone Broth
Bone broth has many health benefits for cats. The taste of broth poured over dry cat food often attracts even the pickiest cat. If your cat has food allergies or sensitivities, bone broth is a good nutritional aid. It helps to remove toxins from the liver, aids in digestion, improves the health of the digestive tract, and strengthens the immune system.
It is a great dietary supplement for cats of all ages, particularly older cats. There are minerals present in a broth that is known to promote joint health. Cats with arthritis or other joint issues can experience relife by consuming bone broth a few times a week.
Regular consumption of bone broth also provides cats with significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are integral in helping cats to develop and maintain healthy teeth.
Liquids Cat Should Avoid
While it is essential to know what cats can drink, it is also important to know what has to be avoided. Below are liquids that cats should avoid drinking:
Milk and Dairy Products
Even though your cat may enjoy drinking normal milk, it does not mean it is good for its health. This is because cats have trouble digesting the lactose in milk, which can cause an upset stomach. They are not recommended to drink anything but their mother’s milk while kittens, due to the possibility of digestive issues.
Chocolate and Caffeinated Drinks
As fatal as chocolates are to dogs, it is also poisonous to cats. Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and seizures. These substances are also found in caffeinated beverages and should be avoided.
Alcoholic beverages
Ingestion of alcohol is also dangerous. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, trouble breathing, coma, and even death.
Conclusion
Cats can be picky with what they eat and drink. It is good to know that there are other options they can try for them to keep hydrated and well. If they are still not tempted by the alternatives listed above, you can try providing them with some other fun ways of drinking water such as the water fountain. If nothing happens, it is recommended to visit the vet.