Hydration for Cats

Water is essential for all life - in cats, staying properly hydrated is vital for maintaining healthy organ function, circulation, digestion, and waste removal【1】.

Cats lose water every day through urine, faeces, respiration, and other bodily processes【1】. If water intake doesn’t keep up with those losses, dehydration sets in - and that can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney stress, urinary tract problems, poor circulation, and more【1】.

As cats age or when they have certain health conditions (kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism), their ability to regulate hydration and sense thirst may be reduced【5】.

Typical estimates suggest cats may need around 50 mL of water per kg of body weight daily, though some sources vary【2】. This includes both the water they drink (“free water”) and the moisture they get from their food【2】. Cats that eat primarily dry food must make up the shortfall by drinking more water, since dry diets contain as little as ~10% moisture【2】.

Why Some Cats Don’t Drink Enough

• Low thirst drive: Cats are descended from desert-dwelling species and generally don’t have a strong natural drive to drink.

• Neophobia: Cats can be wary of new smells, tastes, or textures - which means they might hesitate when their water or food is changed.

• Bowl placement & type: The location, style, or material of the water bowl influences whether cats drink【3】.

• Diet moisture content: Cats on wetter diets naturally get more of their hydration through food, reducing the need to drink extra【2】【3】.

• Sensory sensitivity: The smell or taste of water (or additives) may discourage drinking.

Encouraging Hydration: Strategies That Work

• Always provide fresh, clean water in multiple bowls and locations.

• Use wide, shallow bowls (cats dislike whiskers touching sides).

• Try rotating bowls or using different materials (ceramic, stainless steel) to find what your cat prefers.

• Add moisture to food (mix in wet food or water) to boost overall intake.

• In clinical or wellness settings, veterinarians use nutrient-enriched water (NW) supplements that cats voluntarily drink, which can increase total fluid intake【3】【4】.

One study showed that cats offered NW consumed significantly more fluid than if offered only water【3】. Another found that providing NW increased cats’ liquid intake and improved hydration indices【3】.
An interesting twist: increasing the viscosity (thickness) of water slightly improved water intake in cats, possibly because it “sticks” better to the tongue during lapping【4】.

How Salmon Powder Can Encourage Hydration

Your freeze-dried salmon powder can help support hydration in cats - here’s how:

1. Mixing with water for flavoured hydration:
   Dissolve a portion of salmon powder in a little water to create a tasty “salmon-flavoured” drink. This encourages your cat to drink because it’s appealing in taste and smell.

2. Promoting extra water consumption:
   The powder’s aroma and flavour make water more attractive, encouraging lapping and voluntary drinking - similar to nutrient-enriched water strategies.

3. Flexible use:
   Sprinkle a small amount in their water bowl or serve as a broth beside meals. Over time, cats may associate the flavour with a pleasant drinking experience.

4. Dual benefit:
   Provides both omega-3 nutrition and hydration support - two benefits in one simple step.

Sample Introduction Plan

Cautions & Tips

• Monitor urine output (and dilution if possible) in cats prone to urinary or kidney disease.

• Avoid over-concentrating the powder - too strong may deter drinking.

• Introduce new flavours gradually to prevent rejection.

• Replace mixed water daily to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

Hydration is fundamental to a cat’s health - and many cats don’t drink enough on their own. By incorporating Merlins Salmon Powder into a water-based routine, you can make drinking more enticing while delivering nutrition. Over time, this approach helps your cat stay hydrated, healthy, and happy.

References

1. Cornell Feline Health Center - Hydration and Your Cat’s Health – https://www.vet.cornell.edu/.../hydration

2. Royal Canin Academy – The Water Requirements and Drinking Habits of Cats – https://academy.royalcanin.com/.../cats

3. AVMA Journal (2024) – Effects of Nutrient-Enriched Water on Hydration and Voluntary Drinking in Cats – https://avmajournals.avma.org/.../ajvr.79.7.733.xml

4. MDPI Animals (2021) – Factors Influencing Water Intake in Cats: Palatability and Viscosity – https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/7/2110

5. Purina Vet Center – Understanding the Factors in Feline Hydration – https://www.vetcenter.purina.es/.../hydration.pdf