Cat Nutrition FAQs: Feeding, Hydration & Diet Questions

Cats need approximately 50ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. A 4.5kg (10 lb) cat needs about 225ml of water daily. This includes water from food — wet food is ~80% water, dry food is ~10% food. Cats on dry-food-only diets need to drink significantly more.

Источник: Cat Hydration Calculator

Signs include lethargy, dry gums, loss of skin elasticity (gently pinch the scruff — slow return indicates dehydration), sunken eyes, and decreased urination. Cats on dry-food-only diets are at highest risk because they have a naturally low thirst drive inherited from desert ancestors.

Источник: Cat Hydration Calculator

Cats evolved from desert wildcats and have a naturally low thirst drive — they are biologically programmed to get most water from prey. A mouse is ~70% water, so cats never needed to drink frequently. Modern dry kibble at 10% moisture creates chronic low-grade dehydration. Solutions: switch to wet food, use a cat water fountain, place multiple water bowls around the house.

Источник: Cat Hydration Calculator

Wet food provides critical hydration (75-80% moisture) that supports kidney and urinary tract health. Most cats on wet food have lower rates of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) and chronic kidney disease. However, dry food is more convenient and can be left out for grazing. A combination approach is often ideal.

Источник: Wet vs Dry Food for Cats

Veterinary nutritionists generally advise against free feeding for most indoor cats. 60% of indoor cats are overweight, and free feeding is the #1 contributor. Best practice is scheduled meals (2-3 times per day) with measured portions. Puzzle feeders can simulate natural grazing while preventing overeating.

Источник: Wet vs Dry Food for Cats

Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) 1-9 scale. Feel your cat's ribs — you should feel them with slight fat cover. Look from above — there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. Look from the side — there should be an abdominal tuck. About 60% of indoor cats are overweight (BCS 6+).

Источник: Cat BCS & Weight Tracker

Cats should lose weight very slowly — 0.5-2% of body weight per week is the safe maximum. Rapid weight loss (>2% per week) can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition where fat overwhelms the liver. For a 6kg cat that should weigh 5kg, this means 2-5 months to reach the target safely.

Источник: Cat BCS & Weight Tracker