Cat Water Intake Calculator
Cat Water Intake Calculator
We created this cat water intake calculator to estimate the appropriate amount of water a cat should consume daily. This calculator takes into account factors such as the cat’s weight, diet type (dry or wet food), and environmental conditions to provide a recommended water intake range.
Consider a 10-pound (4.5 kg) cat that primarily eats dry food:We input the cat’s weight and diet type. The calculator might suggest a daily water intake of approximately 7-10 ounces (200-300 ml) per day.
Cat Water Intake Chart
| Cat Weight (lbs) | Cat Weight (kg) | Dry Food Diet (oz) | Dry Food Diet (ml) | Wet Food Diet (oz) | Wet Food Diet (ml) | Daily Water Intake (oz) | Daily Water Intake (ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.3 | 3.5 – 5 | 100 – 150 | 1.5 – 3 | 45 – 90 | 3.5 – 5.5 | 100 – 160 |
| 8 | 3.6 | 5.5 – 8 | 160 – 240 | 2.5 – 5 | 75 – 150 | 5 – 8 | 150 – 240 |
| 10 | 4.5 | 7 – 10 | 200 – 300 | 3 – 6 | 90 – 180 | 6 – 10 | 180 – 300 |
| 12 | 5.4 | 8.5 – 12 | 250 – 360 | 3.5 – 7 | 105 – 210 | 7 – 11 | 210 – 330 |
| 15 | 6.8 | 10.5 – 15 | 310 – 450 | 4.5 – 9 | 135 – 270 | 8 – 12 | 240 – 360 |
| 18 | 8.2 | 12 – 16 | 340 – 450 | 5 – 10 | 150 – 300 | 9 – 13 | 270 – 390 |
| 20 | 9.1 | 13.5 – 18 | 400 – 510 | 6 – 12 | 180 – 360 | 10 – 14 | 300 – 420 |
Cat Water Intake Formula
Here’s formula:
Daily water intake (ml) = Body weight (kg) x 50-70 ml/kgFor cats on a primarily dry food diet, use the higher end of the range (70 ml/kg). For those on a wet food diet, use the lower end (50 ml/kg).
Consider a 12-pound (5.4 kg) cat on a dry food diet:
Daily water intake = 5.4 kg x 70 ml/kg = 378 ml (approximately 12.8 oz)How much water should a cat drink per day?
As a general rule of thumb, cats typically need about 3.5-4.5 ounces (100-130 ml) of water per 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of body weight daily.
Consider an example of a healthy, 9-pound (4.1 kg) adult cat. This cat would need approximately 6.3-8.1 ounces (185-240 ml) of water per day.
This is just a starting point. Cats on a wet food diet may need less additional water, as their food already contains significant moisture. Conversely, cats on a dry food diet may need to drink more to stay properly hydrated.
How many times a day should a cat drink water?
Healthy and active cats generally drink water 2-3 times daily. Cats, like humans, should have constant access to fresh, clean water throughout the day.
Unlike some animals that drink large amounts at once, cats typically prefer to drink smaller amounts more frequently. This behavior aligns with their natural instincts as descendants of desert-dwelling animals.To encourage regular water intake:
- Provide multiple water sources throughout your home
- Use wide, shallow bowls that don’t irritate your cat’s whiskers
- Consider a cat water fountain, as many cats prefer moving water
- Refresh water daily and clean bowls regularly
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