Summer is coming! When it comes to cat care, hydration is one topic that is front and center at this time of year. Kitties can overheat very quickly in hot weather! One of the best things you can do for Fluffy is make sure she is staying hydrated. A Marietta, GA vet offers some advice on this below.
Water Bowls
First and foremost, make sure that Fluffy always has clean water. If you have more than one cat and/or a large home, set out extra bowls. Drop an ice cube into your kitty’s dish on hot days if you like.
Kitty Fountains
Many of our feline companions prefer running water. (This is likely related to the fact that, in the wild, standing water is more likely to be contaminated than running water.) Consider getting Fluffy a fountain.
Outdoor Water Stations
We always advise keeping cats indoors, for safety reasons. That said, if you do let your furry buddy roam, make sure that she always has fresh water available to her outside. Be sure to wash and refill outside bowls at least once a day, as they will quickly collect dust, bugs, and germs. Yuck!
Food
Picking cat food isn’t rocket science, but there are some things you’ll have to decide on, such as whether to offer wet food, dry food, or both. One benefit of canned food is that it does have more water content than kibble. (This also makes it a bit closer to Fluffy’s natural diet of freshly-killed prey.)
Snacks
Moisture content is also something to consider when giving your feline buddy snacks. You can find squeezable liquid treats for Fluffy. You can also make your own. Dribble wet food or tuna juice over shaved ice, or mix it with water in a blender.
Broth
Broth can be a purrfect snack for kitties. It contains electrolytes, which are great for hydration. Offer Fluffy a small bowl of chilled sodium-free chicken, fish, or beef broth. You can also freeze small portions in an ice cube tray overnight for her.
Signs Of Dehydration
It’s also important to be aware of the potential signs of dehydration. These can include things like. If you notice any of these, immediately give your cat some water and contact your vet.
As your Marietta, GA animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
