Veterinarians: a non-drinking cat is a sorrow in the family

      Cats naturally drink little — this is related to the fact that their ancestors lived in desert conditions and obtained moisture mainly from food. However, such a regime can be dangerous for domestic animals.

      As noted at the veterinary center "Together with a Loyal Friend," the conditional norm of liquid consumption for cats is about 50 ml per kilogram of body weight per day. If a pet systematically lacks water, it can lead to kidney diseases, metabolic disorders, and digestive problems.

      At the same time, specialists emphasize: forcing a cat to drink is not allowed. This causes stress and only worsens the situation. Instead, owners are advised to create comfortable conditions.

      First of all, it is important to pay attention to the quality of water. Filtered or bottled water is best. Boiled and mineral water is not recommended for regular use.

      The type of bowl also matters: the bowl should be wide and comfortable so that the whiskers do not touch the edges. Optimal materials are glass, ceramic, or metal. It is advised to place water and food separately, and it is better to put several bowls in different places around the house.

      Increasing interest in water can be helped by wet food, liquid treats, or adding a light scent — for example, a little broth.

      Water should be changed daily, and the bowl should be thoroughly washed. Additionally, access to alternative sources of liquid — toilets, water from plants, and other potentially dangerous options — should be limited.