It’s a sweltering summer day. Temperatures are in the high 80s. A quick glance at the weather app on your phone reveals its set to creep into the low 90s in the afternoon. As a proud pet parent, you know it’s your job to keep your pets hydrated.
However, how do you accomplish this? Sometimes your cat and dog are totally disinterested in drinking from their water bowl. And anyways, aren’t cats descended from desert-dwelling felines? They don’t require that much water, right?
Myth: Cat’s Don’t Need Much Water as They Evolved in the Desert
Your cat’s ancient ancestors can be traced back to desert-dwelling wildcats between 70,000 and 100,000 years ago. This ancestry has given rise to the myth that modern cats share a similar trait to the thorny devil and the camel—the ability to survive and thrive on very little water. This is false.
Like humans, cats require around-the-clock access to fresh drinking water to avoid dehydration—perhaps even more so. While 60% of a human’s body weight is made up of water, for cats this number climbs to 80%. And the same is true for dogs.
While the exact amount varies depending on breed, environmental factors, and more, we’ve compiled a basic guide for how much water your pets need per day.
How Much Water Do Cats and Dogs Need Per Day?
The amount of water your cat or dog requires depends on their size and body weight. Heavier dog breeds such as malamutes need more water per day than, say, your average cat or chihuahua.
Your Pet’s Required Daily Water Intake
10 lbs. = 10 oz.
20 lbs. = 20 oz.
40 lbs. = 40 oz.
80 lbs. = 80 oz.
How to Tell if Your Cat or Dog is Dehydrated
Dehydration sets in when your fur baby isn’t consuming enough water. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious health complications, so it’s critical to your pets’ wellbeing that you’re aware of the signs of dehydration in cats and dogs. Here’s what to look out for:
