We know very well that felines are very demanding with textures and flavors. In addition, due to their own nature and evolution, cats do not usually feel a great sense of thirst, which in the middle of summer can become a challenge to keep them well hydrated. If you're looking for quick options to freshen up your days and want to take care of your urinary health, you're in the right place!
Below, we will explain in detail how feline hydration works and we will give you a series of very easy homemade ideas, which have tricks and with which it is very difficult not to succeed. Take note and start preparing your most refreshing summer menu!
Why do cats drink little water in summer and how does the heat affect them?
To know if a cat is dehydrated by heat, the direct answer is that you should look at the loss of elasticity of its skin (if it takes time to return to its place when you pinch it slightly), if it has dry or whitish gums, and in a drastic drop in its daily activity.
Today's domestic cats come from the African wildcat, a species native to Africa and western Asia. It is a predatory animal that feeds on small prey, so its body is prepared to obtain water directly from the animals it ingests, instead of looking for external sources. In the wild, a feline hydrates itself by eating.
In many households, cats' diets are based exclusively on dry food. In these cases, felines may need extra water that they often do not seek on their own. When temperatures rise in summer, the risk of heat stroke or urinary system problems (such as the dreaded crystals or infections) increases, so helping them to drink fluids in a fun and tasty way is not just a whim, it is a great help for their health.
How to make homemade ice cream for cats easily at home?
If you want to surprise your feline with refreshing snacks, here are four express recipes that you can prepare in just a few minutes:
Cold tuna bites (A sure hit!)
This is the express recipe par excellence and one of the most successful. To make it, you only need natural tuna and a little water, mix everything together and let it cool in the fridge for a few hours. The result is a soft and fresh texture that they love and that, in addition, provides them with a large amount of liquid directly.
Fish stock cubes
The next time you prepare fish at home for yourself (remember to always do it without salt, onion or any type of seasoning), save the cooking liquid. Use this homemade broth without salt and freeze it in small portions in an ice bucket. These cubes are perfect for hydrating and refreshing your daily routine in the hottest months; You can put one directly in his water bowl to play lick or offer it on a plate as a summer treat.
The trick of the creamy frozen snack
If your cat misses out on the typical creamy snacks in a tube, this trick will save you on the hottest days. Put your favorite tubes in the freezer for a couple of hours. You will get a kind of creamy and icy popsicle that will force you to lick slowly, stimulating your mind while lowering your body temperature instantly.
Homemade chicken jelly
Prepare a traditional homemade chicken broth (remember: clean, without salt or additives). Mix the broth while it is still warm with a little bit of neutral unflavored gelatin and pour the liquid into small molds. When left to rest in the fridge, it will take on a gelatinous and wobbly texture that will completely awaken your curiosity, your exploratory instinct and your desire to chew a fresh snack.
What are the best tricks to get a cat to drink more water?
The best way to get a cat to drink more water at home is to place multiple drinking points away from their food, use moving water fountains to activate their instinct, and offer a daily combination of quality food and wet food.
Aside from homemade recipes, there are small changes to your home routine that can greatly improve your daily hydration:
Separate water from food: In the wild, felines avoid drinking near where they have hunted their prey to avoid water contamination. If you put his water bowl in a different room from the one where the food is, you'll see how he drinks a lot more.
Go for glass or ceramics: Plastic often traps odors that cats deeply dislike. Glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowls keep the water fresh and leave it free of strange tastes.
The power of moving water: A cat fountain is an excellent investment. The sound of running water simulates a natural spring and is infinitely more attractive than the standing water of a normal bowl.
What is mixed feeding and why is it key to your cat's health?
Beyond homemade treats and bowl tricks, the most effective and safest way to ensure optimal hydration throughout the year (and especially in summer) is what experts call mixed feeding or combi-feeding.
This consists of combining their usual daily feed with portions of high-quality wet food. Wet feeding provides up to 80% water per serving, which helps maintain the health of your urinary system.
To do it in the best way, we recommend you take a look at our Ownat Wetline wet food range, made with 100% natural and grain-free ingredients that provide all the flavor and hydration your feline needs. And if your companion is spayed and you need to control their weight, remember that you can find ideal options in our guide to choosing the best food for your cat, where we help you find the perfect recipe for their lifestyle.
And remember: in summer, a well-hydrated feline is a much happier feline!
In short: the most effective homemade ice cream for cats are tuna bites, unsalted bouillon cubes and chicken gelatin. Combine them with a water fountain, multiple drinking points and quality wet food to keep your cat well hydrated all summer long.
