July marks National Pet Hydration Awareness Month—a timely reminder that proper hydration is just as vital for our favorite felines as it is for us. Cats, with their desert ancestry, are notorious for having a low thirst drive, making them especially prone to dehydration. This month is the perfect opportunity to explore creative ways to keep your cat hydrated, healthy, and mentally stimulated—all while making mealtime and playtime more enjoyable. Together we can keep your Houston cat hydrated and happy!
Why Hydration Matters for Cats
Water is essential for every bodily function in cats, from regulating temperature to supporting kidney health and digestion. Chronic dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and constipation. Since many cats don’t drink enough water on their own, especially if they eat mostly dry food, it’s important to find ways to boost their fluid intake.
Wet Food and Squeezable Treats: A Hydration Boost
One of the simplest ways to help your cat stay hydrated is to incorporate more wet food and squeezable treats like Churus into their diet. Wet food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble, helping to supplement your cat’s water intake. Squeezable treats, often with a high water content, can also be a tasty way to encourage hydration.
If you’re able, it’s actually best for cats to be on a fully wet diet to ensure they are getting proper hydration. In the wild, cats get most of their hydration from their prey. If they are not eating moist tissue and drinking blood – ew! The meals we feed them in our homes need to make up for that. Some studies report that cats on a dry food-only diet are at higher risk of dehydration-related illnesses.
Enrichment Toys and Puzzles: Making Hydration Fun
Feeding time doesn’t have to be boring. Indoor enrichment toys and puzzle feeders are excellent for both mental stimulation and encouraging healthy hydration habits. These tools allow cats to express their natural hunting instincts, slow down their eating, and make mealtime last longer—all while providing opportunities to use wet food and squeezable treats.
Top Puzzle Feeders and Toys for Wet Food and Treats
Lick Mats
This textured mat is ideal for spreading wet food or squeezable treats. It slows down fast eaters and provides a soothing licking experience, giving cats the experience of foraging.
Nina Ottosson Puzzles
Toys like the “Buggin’ Out,” “Melon Madness,” and “Rainy Day” puzzles are designed for both wet and dry food, offering multiple levels of difficulty to challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills.
Doc & Phoebe’s Wet Food Feeder
Perfect for cats who eat too quickly, the Doc & Pheobe wet food feeder helps prevent “scarf and barf” by portioning out wet food in a way that requires effort to access.
Trixie Pet Fun Board
With various modules, including sections for wet food, this board encourages foraging and paw use, making meals interactive.
Ice Cube Trays and Homemade Puzzles
For a DIY option, spread wet food or treats into an ice cube tray or muffin tin – with or without water or bone broth. This simple hack turns an ordinary meal into a stimulating activity because your cat cat lick the ice or frozen broth while trying to reach the food or treat.
Benefits of Enrichment Feeding
Using puzzle feeders and enrichment toys offers a host of advantages beyond hydration:
- Mental Stimulation: Keeps your cat’s brain active, reducing boredom and associated behavioral issues
- Physical Activity: Encourages movement and natural hunting behaviors, which can help manage weight and provide more satisfaction at mealtimes
- Slower Eating: Reduces the risk of vomiting and improves digestion by preventing your cat from eating too quickly
- Stress Reduction: Studies show that puzzle feeders can decrease axiiety and improve overall feline welfare
Keep Your Houston Cat Hydrated and Happy
- Start Easy: Introduce puzzle feeders gradually, beginning with simple designs and some food in a regular bowl to avoid frustration
- Keep it Clean: Wash enrichment toys regularly, especially when using wet food, to prevent bacteria buildup
- Monitor Portions: Ensure that treats and wet food given in puzzles fit within your cat’s daily caloric needs; don’t underestimate, which can lead to weight gain
National Hydration Awareness Month is the perfect time to rethink your cat’s hydration and enrichment routine. By combining wet food, squeezable treats, and interactive toys, you’ll help your cat stay hydrated, healthy, and happily engaged, no matter how hot Houston gets!
The Best Care for West Houston Pets
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog sitting, cat sitting, dog walking, and, of course, chicken care, in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
