As any cat caregiver will tell you, their pets have particular tastes and habits, especially when it comes to food. But to keep your beloved cat healthy and happy, moisture really matters.
Dr Charlotte Gray, who works with us at Healthy Pet Store, shares her expertise on why incorporating moisture into your cat’s diet is essential and how it can help prevent common health problems:
Cats are descended from desert-dwelling animals, which means they’re naturally programmed to get the bulk of their hydration from their food. In the wild, a cat’s prey contains around 70% moisture, ensuring they receive enough hydration without needing to drink water frequently. However, in domestic settings, dry kibble—often with a moisture content of only 10%—can leave cats dehydrated if they’re not drinking enough water alongside it.
Most cats eating a dry diet tend to live in perpetual dehydration, which can lead to health issues over time. One of the most common issues linked to inadequate moisture in a cat’s diet is cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder. Cats are also more prone to developing urinary crystals or stones, which can be painful and potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
Proper hydration helps flush out toxins and keep the urinary tract healthy, reducing the risk of these conditions. A diet with adequate moisture can also support kidney health, maintain a healthy digestive system, and contribute to overall vitality in cats.
There’s an ongoing debate about whether dry food is linked to kidney disease in cats. While dehydration is linked to urinary issues and stones, which can indirectly affect kidney health, the connection is complex. While it may be a contributory factor, other factors, such as the stress of living in multi-cat households, access to water, and whether a cat lives indoors or outdoors can all affect hydration and health.
While wet or raw food is generally recommended to boost moisture intake, some cats are notoriously averse to changes in their diets and may prefer the crunch of dry food. It’s important to find a balance that works for your pet while still prioritising hydration.
Here are some practical tips:
Add water to dry food: You can try adding water to your cat’s dry food, but some cats may turn their nose up at the idea. If your cat doesn’t enjoy soaked kibble, there are other options.
Use cat fountains: Cats often prefer running water because somewhere from their distant past, running water equals safety; standing water equals stagnancy. So, investing in a water fountain can make drinking more appealing. The sound and movement of a fountain can encourage even the most reluctant drinkers.
Offer bone broth or cat soups: If your cat won’t drink plain water, consider offering them watered down bone broth, or specially formulated ‘cat soups.’ These tasty liquids can provide extra hydration while appealing to a cat’s love of savoury flavours.
Provide multiple water stations: Place several large bowls of fresh water around the house, away from food and litter trays. Cats tend to be more willing to drink if water sources are in multiple locations. Have you ever found your cat drinking from the tap? Consider even placing a water fountain at height. Again, as a result of evolution, cats will drink from water sources they consider clean and safe, and that means away from food.
Mix in wet food gradually: If your cat is stuck on a dry food diet, try gradually mixing in wet food to help them adjust. This will increase their moisture intake and help them develop a taste for a diet that’s healthier in the long run. Try the Two Bowl Method: This is where you use two entirely separate bowls so as not to trick your cat. You present their current food in one bowl and leave a bowl alongside with a small amount of their new food. You can chip off bits of frozen raw food or freeze wet food so as not to waste food when following this transition.
Common questions from concerned pet parents who would like to transition their cat to raw food:
What options are there to feed my cat a species-appropriate diet?
There are three ways to feed raw food to cats— a home-prepared diet of a variety of minces, a complete and balanced raw cat food brand with synthetic vitamins and minerals added, and DIY, also known as bones and chunks. Examples include day-old chicks, chicken wings, chicken liver, beef heart, or a mix of all three!
How can I transition my cat to raw food?
Consider the two-bowl method. Another option is to move from dry, to moistened dry, then to wet food (cans, pouches, or trays), and finally to raw. Buy small pouches or single day-old chicks to minimise waste during the transition.
Isn’t food high in protein bad for cats?
No, this is a myth. In fact, raw food isn’t high in protein. It contains normal levels between 16 to 20%, with moisture as the primary constituent. For more details, check out this article.
Aren’t I paying for water when I buy raw food?
Yes, you are, but it’s like buying dairy or nut milk, which is nearly 90% water. Cats can’t drink enough water to make up for dry food’s lack of moisture, so raw food helps provide the hydration they need.
My cat has kidney disease. Do you offer a meal formulation service?
Yes, we do! For more information, visit the Healthy Pet Store meal formulation service page.
At Healthy Pet Store, we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of your pets, and we have a wide range of wet and raw foods, broths, and hydration options to suit every cat’s preference. If you have concerns about your cat’s diet or hydration, speak with a vet, like Dr Charlotte Gray, who can offer guidance. Our experienced customer advisors are also available on 02380 868598 or visit our store at 27 Salisbury Road, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 3HX.