Although cats aren’t known to lap up a bowl of water like dogs, it is still important for them to remain hydrated, and it is also crucial for their water to be clean and healthy. There are a few sources of water and different ways it is treated, and it makes a difference to the health of our fur babies, so which water is best? In this article, we’ll go through the seven best waters you can safely give your cat to keep them optimally hydrated! Let’s have a look.
The 7 Best Types of Water for Cats
1. Spring Water
Natural spring water is one of the best and most natural water sources for your cat. It can be collected straight from a natural spring if you can access one, but it is also bottled 1. It is free from harmful chemicals and is naturally enriched with minerals.
It comes from groundwater and as it naturally flows to the surface of the ground, it is collected at the opening of the spring. It is considered pre-purified because it has traveled through natural filters like clay, sandstone, and limestone.
Once spring water is collected, it is analyzed to ensure that it meets the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it is bottled and sold.
2. Filtered Water
Filtered water has been filtered after coming out of your tap at home. It can be purified using a filter attachment on your sink or a jug with a built-in filter. Filtered water is one of the cheapest, easiest, and most convenient ways to ensure your cat gets clean water. Filters remove impurities and debris to make the water safe and healthy for your cat to drink.
3. Mineral Water
Mineral water has trace amounts of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can improve the taste of the water as well as the health of your cat 2.
Some mineral waters are carbonated, which can add to their refreshing qualities. However, cats should only drink plain mineral water without CO2.
- Magnesium carbonate
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium sulfate
- Potassium
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Carbon dioxide
5. Alkaline Water
Bioavailable minerals and electrolytes from natural alkaline water can promote improved health for your cat since alkaline water is easier for body tissues to absorb 3. The pH of alkaline water is eight or nine, which is higher than regular water and neutralizes acids in the body. The alkaline minerals give the water antioxidant properties. Benefits of alkaline water include:
- Immune system support
- Colon-cleansing
- Cancer resistance
- Detoxifying properties
- Hydration
6. Reverse Osmosis System Water
The reverse osmosis system removes up to 98% of dissolved solids, which makes it one of the healthier types of water for your cat to drink 4. It removes harmful contaminants, foul odors, and tastes and reduces sodium when pressure forces the water through a semipermeable membrane. It can easily be installed under your sink at home and is more environmentally friendly than bottled water.
It is one of the best waters you can give to your cat because the process filters out any contaminants without adding other chemicals to the water.
7. Tap Water
Tap water is the simplest solution, and it can generally be a trusted source of water since it is regulated and checked to ensure it is safe for human consumption. However, you must ensure that your tap water is of the best quality for your cat. If you won’t drink it, your cat shouldn’t.
Frequent Asked Questions
Can Cats Drink Carbonated Water?
Carbonated or fizzy water is unsuitable for cats as it can cause gastric upset. High carbonation levels can lead to bloating, which can be risky for your cat. Your cat may also vomit or experience diarrhea, so keeping carbonated water out of their bowl is best.
Is Vitamin or Smart Water Good for Cats?
Cats can have a little vitamin water since it is spring water with added electrolytes. Electrolytes can be helpful if your cat has battled diarrhea and helps rehydrate them. However, vitamin water is not essential to your cat’s health, so they shouldn’t drink it all the time.
Is “Dirty Water” Safe for Cats?
It’s not uncommon to see your cat drinking from a puddle, the bath, a potted plant, the pond, and the toilet! This is often because they are dissatisfied with the shape of their bowl, the water inside the bowl, or the bowl’s position. If the water hasn’t been circulating, it is stagnant and has a high chance of harboring bacteria and contaminants that can harm your cat. Some puddles may include harmful substances that you are unaware of, so you should try to keep your cat away from stagnant water sources.
Ponds and lakes often contain algae that can be toxic to your cat, and pool water contains chlorine, which can dehydrate your pet. The toilet bowl can be contaminated with cleaning agents, leading to health issues if your cat drinks it often.
How Much Water Should My Cat Drink?
Your cat’s water requirements depend on their age, size, activity levels, and climate. Generally, cats should drink 4 ounces for every 5 pounds of body weight. Therefore, a 10-pound cat will need 1 cup of water daily. The most important thing is that your cat’s water is clean. The best thing to do is ensure that your cat has access to clean, fresh water daily by refreshing the water several times or buying a cat water fountain.
Conclusion
When it comes to your cat’s hydration, the water quality is very important to their health. Your pet must have clean, fresh water that’s free of chemicals and contaminants. Spring water and filtered water are the better options, and you can easily add a filter to your tap for the easiest and most convenient water source. Purchasing bottled water can be very wasteful and expensive. You should also ensure you find the best way to give your cat water, whether with multiple bowls or a water fountain. This will ensure your cat doesn’t choose toilet water over the water bowl.
Featured Image Credit: BeautifulPicture, Shutterstock
