Cats are uniquely challenged in meeting their daily water needs, writes Katy Miller DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS. In this article she shares helpful facts worth including in pet owner communications. Pet hydration is a good topic for veterinary technicians to prioritize with clients. Talking about pets and water is also a good topic to include when making school visits.
Here are some key facts that Miller shares:
- Cats offered dry food rarely compensate by drinking sufficient water, leaving many in a state of chronic, low-grade dehydration
- Water provided within the cat’s food is key to achieving the hydration levels needed to protect urinary tract health and reduce the recurrence of urinary tract disease
- Providing a moisture-rich diet reduces the workload on the kidneys, dilutes urinary waste products, and may play a critical role in preventing the gradual decline that leads to CKD
Source: Pet Age, October 1, 2025. Link.
From kidney function to digestion, hydration plays an outsized role in keeping cats healthy.”
Photo by Carolien van Oijen on Unsplash