Keeping Fluffy Hydrated

July is Pet Hydration Month! Cats can overheat very easily when it’s hot, so you’ll need to make sure that your feline friend is getting enough fluids. After all, Fluffy already has a fur coat on, and panting won’t cool her off the way it does dogs. Drinking water is extremely important at this time of year. A Hudson Valley, NY vet offers some helpful tips on keeping kitties properly hydrated below.

Water Stations

First and foremost, make sure Fluffy always has fresh water available. If you have more than one kitty, multiple floors, a senior cat, and/or a large house, set out more than one bowl. Clean and refresh these daily to keep bacteria and dirt from spoiling the water. Automated waterers can also be beneficial.

Broth

Did you know that sodium-free broth is a good snack for our feline pals? It contains electrolytes, which helps with hydration. Offer your kitty a chilled bowl of fish, beef, or chicken broth on occasion. You can also give Fluffy frozen broth cubes.

Kitty Fountains

Many cats prefer drinking running water. This isn’t necessarily just Fluffy being a little diva: it actually may be a natural inclination. In the wild, standing water is always much more likely to be contaminated by parasites, algae, and/or insects than running water. Get your furry buddy a pet fountain, and see if she likes it.

Food Choices

There are several things to consider when choosing cat food, including quality, price, and your feline buddy’s age and health. This is one area where canned food has a definite advantage over kibble. It contains more water content than kibble, and is closer to Fluffy’s natural diet of freshly-killed prey.

Keep Kitty In

Keeping your cat indoors will also help, albeit indirectly. Your feline companion will be much cooler—and therefore, less thirsty—indoors, especially on scorching days. (Plus, Fluffy will be safer inside, where she’s protected from things like predators, weather, and traffic.)

Treats

Consider moisture content when offering your furry friend treats. Many of the kitty snacks that come in squeezable packets have a lot of moisture in them. Fluffy can also have some cat milk or kitty yogurt. She may even like some tuna juice mixed with shaved ice.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Is Fluffy due—or overdue—for an exam? Contact us, your Hudson Valley, NY animal clinic!