Ever watched your feline friend turn up their nose at plain water? You’re not alone! Many cats are picky drinkers, which can lead to dehydration problems.
Luckily, there are several safe alternatives that might tempt even the fussiest feline to drink more. Here’s a look at ten tasty and healthy options your cat can enjoy besides regular water.
Bone Broth Delight
Simmered bones create a nutritional powerhouse that cats find irresistible. The savory aroma entices even the pickiest drinkers while providing joint-supporting collagen and hydration.
Always serve bone broth cooled and unseasoned – no onions, garlic or salt allowed! Store-bought versions work too, but check ingredients carefully for cat-safe formulations.
Goat’s Milk Magic
Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk contains less lactose, making it gentler on feline tummies. The creamy texture appeals to cats while delivering easy-to-digest proteins and moisture.
Refrigerated pet stores carry special cat-formulated versions. Start with just a tablespoon to ensure your kitty tolerates it well before offering more.
Tuna Juice Temptation
Canned tuna packed in water offers a flavorful liquid cats rarely refuse. The fishy essence drives most felines wild while adding moisture to their diet.
Remember this should be an occasional treat only – drain the water from tuna cans into a separate dish. Too much can lead to mercury concerns or thiamine deficiency over time.
Chicken Broth Sips
Homemade chicken broth without seasonings makes a protein-rich hydration source. The familiar poultry flavor appeals to carnivorous instincts while encouraging liquid consumption.
Freeze broth in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Remember commercial broths often contain onions and salt – dangerous for cats – so homemade is safest.
Cat Milk Formulas
Specially designed lactose-free milk products solve the dairy dilemma for felines. These commercial products contain adjusted nutrients specifically balanced for cat digestion systems.
Find these in pet supply stores near the treats section. They’re particularly useful for senior cats needing extra calories or kittens transitioning from mother’s milk.
Wet Food Gravy
The sauce from wet cat food serves as a tasty liquid treat. Rich in meaty flavors and moisture, it’s practically irresistible to most cats.
Try adding a splash of warm water to wet food and mashing it slightly to create more gravy. Some companies even sell gravy pouches separately as hydration boosters for finicky felines.
Catnip Tea Surprise
Brew a mild, cooled catnip tea for a special feline refreshment. The familiar herb aroma might intrigue your cat into taking sips they’d otherwise ignore.
Simply steep dried catnip in hot water, strain thoroughly, and cool completely before offering. Not all cats respond to catnip, so this works best for those who already show interest in the herb.
Clam Juice Enticement
Bottled clam juice from grocery stores offers an oceanic flavor cats adore. The strong seafood scent entices reluctant drinkers while providing trace minerals and hydration.
Look for unsalted varieties and dilute slightly with water. Serve just a tablespoon as an occasional treat rather than a daily offering due to its sodium content.
Pumpkin Water Blend
Mix plain canned pumpkin with water for a fiber-rich drink. The subtle sweet flavor appeals to some cats while supporting digestive health and hydration simultaneously.
Use one teaspoon of pure pumpkin (not pie filling) mixed with two tablespoons of water. This mixture helps with both constipation and diarrhea issues while encouraging liquid intake.
Ice Cube Playtime
Frozen chicken broth cubes create an interactive drinking game. As they melt, cats bat them around, licking the flavorful liquid that pools beneath.
This playful approach works especially well during summer months. Some cats enjoy chasing the slippery cubes across floors or licking them directly, turning hydration into entertainment.