Does dry cat food make cats drink more?

Cats are fascinating little creatures. Their cuteness never fails to grab our concentration. One thing that often gets cat owners thinking is hydration. You always wonder whether feeding dry cat food makes them drink more water. It’s a question that comes to every cat owner's mind. Cats don’t always feel thirsty like we do. Therefore, keeping them hydrated is a bit tricky. 

Cats fall in the category of naturally low-thirsty animals. Therefore, food plays a big role in how much water they drink. We know that dry cat food has very less amount of moisture. Best dry cat food makes the cats drink more water to stay hydrated. Let’s dive into how food can affect their water habits.

Why Cats Don’t Drink Much Water Naturally?

Cats have an interesting evolutionary history. They evolved from wildcats that lived in the desert. We all know that deserts have fewer water channels. Therefore, these wildcats had to look for the moisture in their food. These prey creatures were basically mice and birds that were made up of about 70-80% water. This allowed cats to stay hydrated. Also, they did not have to drink much from a water source.

This survival trait has carried over to modern cats. They still have an instinct that makes them less inclined to drink water. Many cats actually depend on food for most of their hydration. That’s why your cat’s food can play a big role. This directly affects how much water they drink the whole day.

The Difference Between Dry and Wet Cat Food

Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food is like a hydration pot for your cat. This food option contains about 75-80% water content. Therefore, the moisture levels are quite similar to a cat’s natural prey. This works amazingly for cats that do not like drinking water. Every bite provides a dose of hydration. So, wet food helps keep kitties healthy.

Dry Cat Food

Dry cat food contains only about 10% water. Best dry cat food is convenient to store and lasts longer for sure. However, it doesn’t have the same hydration power as wet food. Cats who eat dry food often need to drink more water. However, dry food alone cannot solve all dehydration issues.

Does Dry Food Really Make Cats Drink More Water?

Yes, the best dry cat food might do this task. But it’s not true all the time. Some cats naturally drink water to compensate for the moisture requirement. However, other cats stick to their usual low-drinking habits. So, their hydration needs remain unmet. Here’s a closer look at why this happens.

Why Some Cats Drink More with Dry Food?

• Compensating for Low Moisture

Dry food has very little water. Therefore, cats eating it often need to drink more to balance things out. This can lead to more water bowl visits. This happens only if your cat actually feels and responds to their thirst.

• Salt Content in Dry Food

Some dry foods have added salt. This makes cats feel thirstier and drink more. Sounds so interesting right? However, you must keep in mind that dry food with too much salt is dangerous. Too much sodium may not be beneficial for your furry friend. It could lead to other health issues.

Signs Your Cat Needs More Hydration

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of dehydration. Here are a few things to watch for:

• Dry gums
• Decreased skin elasticity 
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Loss of appetite

How to Encourage Your Cat to Drink More Water?

Does your cat throw a lot of tantrums at the time of drinking water? Don’t worry! There are plenty of fun and creative tricks to keep them hydrated:

Invest in a Cat Water Fountain

Cats love running water. They feel like it is their personal mini waterfall. A cat water fountain can make drinking fun and exciting. Also, it can keep the water fresh and appealing.

Place Water Bowls Strategically

Scatter water bowls around your house in different spots. This makes it super convenient for them to grab a quick sip.

Flavor the Water

Add a little flair to their water. Try mixing in a splash of tuna juice or unsalted chicken broth. It’s like creating a tasty beverage for them. Also, they’ll love the extra flavor.

Try Mixing Wet Food

Mixing dry kibble with a bit of wet food is a fantastic trick to give the required hydration. Start with a small amount so your cat cannot feel the difference.

Keep these pointers in mind to ensure your little friend stays happy and well-hydrated!

In Conclusion

Does dry cat food make cats drink more? Yes, it can. But it’s not always enough to meet their hydration needs. Dry food encourages some cats to visit their water bowls more frequently. Other cats might fall short of daily water requirements.

Remember your goal should be to find the top cat food dry that works for your furry friend. 

A well-hydrated cat is always a happy cat. So go ahead for the best dry cat food. Your little buddy deserves it!