Cats are very particular about what they eat and drink. This is due to their greatly heightened sense of smell. Yet they seem to love drinking from the most peculiar sources. If you are concerned that there might be something wrong with their water bowls, this article will clear some of your doubts.
The general rule of thumb is that if humans can drink from the tap, it should also be suitable for cats. There are certain components in hard water that are especially harmful to pets, but only when present in extremely large amounts.
Dehydration can cause kidney problems in your pet, and cats are more prone to urinary health conditions than dogs. Thus it is crucial to keep their water bowl always full. In this article we will discuss the effects of tap water in cats, and other ways to clinch your kitty’s thirst.
What are the components in tap water and how do they affect your cat?
Urinary tract infections in cats and dogs has been linked to hard water ratings in US cities. Areas with ‘extremely hard water’ ratings (as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA) correlates with higher incidence of urinary complications in cats.
It is known that certain hard water compositions can cause medical issues in humans, thus it is only logical that it can also affect cats.
Let’s explore what is found in unsoftened water that may be damaging to felines.
Fluoride
Water fluoridation in the US started in the 1940s, but its benefits have been disputed in the last decades. Fluoride is added to drinking water supplies to prevent tooth decay. All we really know is that in high levels, fluoride is toxic to both humans and pets.
But it is very improbable for a cat to drink the volumes of water necessary for it to be poisonous in the short term. In the long term, there may be a link between fluoride and bone cancer. Yet the higher exposure to fluoride comes from other sources such as certain foods and toothpaste rather than tap water.
Chlorine
Municipalities add chlorine during water treatment as an effective way to kill parasites and bacteria. Not only does it neutralize the waterborne microorganisms that come from the tap, but also the ones that the cat carries in their tongue.
High concentrations of chlorine may cause minor gastrointestinal irritations, red eyes and itchy skin, but there are no serious concerns with regards to the levels present in tap water.
The only issue is that the smell and taste of chlorine is generally unpleasant for cats. This can be solved with a carbon or charcoal filter, or even easier, by letting the water sit in the bowl for a while so that the chlorine evaporates.
Calcium, magnesium and iron
Calcium, magnesium, and iron are minerals commonly found in hard water.
Calcium naturally exists in water in the form of dissolved rocks such as limestone, marble, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, fluorite and apatite. Together with magnesium, they are closely related to the formation of crystals in pets’ bladders. At the same time, high amounts of iron in water may cause diarrhea and vomiting, loss of appetite or low blood pressure in your pet.
However, the levels of calcium, magnesium and iron found in ‘slightly hard’, ‘hard’ and ‘very hard’ water ratings is minimal. These minerals show no significant harm to cats as they can easily process them through their digestive system.
Inactive male cats are more likely to develop urinary tract problems due to this mineral trio, especially in areas with ‘extremely hard’ water. But they are actually an essential part of a balanced diet, thus the higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium and iron are found in their food.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a common contaminant used in municipal water treatment systems for decades. It combines with chlorine to form chloramine for enhanced and prolonged disinfectant effects. The parts of ammonia that do not react with chlorine remain free in your drinking water.
Higher levels of ammonia can be found in areas that become contaminated with fertilizers, chemical runoff or animal waste. Normal levels of ammonia are not hazardous for humans or cats, but they create an unpleasant smell and taste that felines tend to dislike.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EPA do not consider the levels of ammonia regularly found in drinking water to be a concern.
However, it can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
Lead
Lead is present in some homes with lead service lines that connect the house to the main water line. Chloramines and other components in the water supply slowly corrode these pipes, leaching lead into your drinking water. While the level of lead exposure required to produce serious medical issues is high, it does accumulate in the body over time.
This is a problem because lead is tasteless and odorless, making it hard to identify before any symptoms are shown. Children and pets are susceptible to lead poisoning, though cases are rare and there are several government measures taken to prevent it.
Lead consumption is more likely to happen to dogs rather than cats, as they are more prone to licking lead paint or ingesting other materials containing lead such as golf balls, batteries or bullets.
Soft water
A water softener will remove the hard minerals in your tap water, and replace them with sodium ions. Depending on the hardness of the water, your tap water will become more or less salty once filtered.
While a water softener will decrease the amount of excess minerals, it does not remove contaminants. Plus, there is a chance that your kitty might not like the saline taste.
Alternatives to tap water
You should check your municipality’s reports on water hardness to make sure you, your family and your cat can safely drink the water coming from your faucets. If you have a well, you should have it inspected at least once a year to check that the quality of the water meets the recommended standards.
If your tap water is not apt for drinking or your cat has a health condition that makes them more sensitive to certain minerals, you might be tempted to try different alternatives.
Below are some of the most obvious substitutes to tap water and the effects they can have on your cat.
Bottled water
Surely an expensive alternative, bottled water is not necessarily the best idea. Not only does it contribute to the concerning global plastic pollution, but it also exposes your cat to BPA and other toxins. BPA is a compound linked to medical issues in humans that can also affect pets.
Premium bottled spring water might come in BPA-free materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and offer a healthy, chemical-free source of hydration for your feline. But plastic bottles, as well as plastic bowls, also provide a propitious environment for the growth of bacteria, thus the cost-benefit ratio is not the most convenient.
Distilled water
Distilled water is made by boiling regular water and capturing its vapour into sterile containers. This process removes impurities but also essential minerals and electrolytes that are beneficial to your cat. Besides, distilled water is acidic, which could result in lowering the pH in your cat’s urine causing renal stones or crystals. This water can also lead to sodium and potassium deficiency as it can leach these minerals from the animal.
Filtered water
This might be the easiest and most affordable option. A simple filter will remove unattractive odors and tastes as well as chlorine, lead, arsenic, bacteria and other contaminants. However, the lack of chlorine means that the water is more susceptible to developing bacteria while sitting in the bowl.
This can be solved by changing the water regularly or adding a little chlorinated water from another tap into the bowl. You can also consider purchasing a water fountain for your cat with incorporated filters. This will satisfy your cat’s obsession with running water while preventing the growth of pathogens.
Rain water
You might think that rain water is the cleanest option, but that is not necessarily true. Rain water carries pollutants from the air, and it also comes in contact with contaminants from a roof/water tank surface or the ground.
Pests, worms and flies breed in stagnant rain water. You can give your cat rainwater that was collected directly from the sky, unless you live in a major city with contaminated air. Avoid gathering rain water in galvanized vessels, as the zinc coating is harmful to your pet.
Water temperature
Cats being so finicky means that you will probably need to experiment with different temperatures to find the one that suits your kitty. Also, their preference may vary from one season to another, as much as it does with humans.
Most grown cats prefer to drink chilled or lukewarm water. During hot summer days, they might even enjoy licking on an ice cube as it melts inside their water bowl. In the case of kittens, warm water reminds them of their mother’s milk.
Other considerations
Clean water is the main source of hydration for your cat and should not be replaced with any other liquid. That, combined with a well balanced diet, are enough for your cat to receive all the necessary nutrients to live a happy and healthy life.
However, there is a tendency to assume that cats need to drink milk. Next, we will delve into the available types of milk and other beverages, and their consequences in a cat’s well-being.
Cow’s milk
The ultimate myth with regards to cats’ care is that they should be given milk. This is far from being true. In fact, most cats do not have the necessary enzymes to digest lactose. Just as in a lactose intolerant human, milk can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains in a feline. Also, the fat content in cow’s milk – what makes cats so attracted to it – is too high for a cat with a balanced diet.
Not only does milk not supply the essential nutrients that your cat needs, but also the high fat content can displace their appetite for the foods that actually support their health. Plus, the fat and lactose combination are the perfect mix to upset their stomach.
Almond milk
Manufactured from crushed almonds, this plant-based milk does not contain lactose. Although almonds in moderation are safe for pets, its milk is a source of empty calories that do not contribute to the necessary supply of nutrients for a healthy cat.
Besides, some almond milk contains additional sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners can be toxic to pets, and natural sweeteners can lead to tooth decay and obesity.
Organic almond milk, without any preservatives or sweeteners, is safe for cats to drink when consumed in moderation. However, it should be fed as a special treat and not as a substitute to their regular diet.
Oat milk
With minimal levels of sugar, oat milk is not particularly bad for cats, as long as there are no additives or extra ingredients to enhance taste that represent a risk. It is not toxic to cats but it restricts them from receiving the necessary amino acids they get from other foods.
Natural, non-processed oat milk is safe for cats to consume but it provides no nutritional value. While it represents a better alternative to cow’s milk, felines need a protein-based diet. Oat milk should be given in small quantities, not as a meal.
Salt water
Not only can cats’ kidneys tolerate higher salt intakes than dogs, but they can also filter out the salt from water which allows them to hydrate from it. This does not mean they should regularly consume salt water.
Cats can tolerate salt water, and even get hydrated from it when fighting for survival. However, high amounts of salt can negatively impact their health. When a feline has access to freshwater and a balanced diet, there is no reason for them to consume salt water.
Can cats drink water before being neutered/spayed?
Pre-surgical instructions vary depending on each veterinary clinic. Your cat’s vet will advise at what time they should begin fasting before being neutered or spayed.
In most cases, cats are required to stop eating the evening before surgery but are allowed to drink throughout the night. Usually, all pets can have water even up until the time of surgery.
Final words
Just like humans, fresh water is the best beverage for cats to stay hydrated.
In normal circumstances, if you can drink it then tap water should not represent a hazard to the health of your feline. It is recommended that you stay updated with any notices regarding the quality of your local water supply, or schedule regular inspections if you have a private well.
There is no harm in getting a water filter to avoid long term exposure to unwanted elements. Monitor your cat to make sure they drink enough water and check for signs of dehydration or urinary problems.
Finally, make sure their bowl is always clean and full.
