Water consumption of cats (Felis catus) : a literature-based project with some preliminary data from a pilot study

Sammanfattning: The main objective of this project was to investigate water intake habits of Swedish cats. A survey undertaken in this research include information of age, breed, health and food type of cats and correlate that to the 5-day trial of measuring water intake of cats from the water bowl (by weighing the water bowl twice a day). Also, other parameters such as housing, water serving type and their effect on the water intake of cats is discussed. Instructions for measuring water consumption of cats were distributed to four cat owners and the answers from the survey were compared to earlier research results. Responses and data analysis showed that the water intake from the water bowl was lower than the estimated water requirement of these four cats. Other water resources like water from outside or from other indoor sources like sink or glass of water or through their food was not measured, but probably contributed to fulfil water requirement of the cats in this study. The survey showed that the water intake differed between day and night, some cats drank more water during the day and some at night. How often the water bowl was cleaned and where water was served are factors that might influence water intake, factors to be aware of to encourage the cat to drink more water if necessary. Furthermore, this report also thoroughly explained the available literature related to cat’s water intake and its relationship to food, hygiene, and most common diseases i.e., urinary tract disease and chronic kidney disease