In Birmingham, a staggering 77% of cat owners worry their furry friends aren’t hydrated enough – Jungle King Sam Thompson is on a mission to change that.
Millions of moggies turn to toilets and puddles when they are thirsty, a survey of 2,000 UK owners for cat food brand Purina ONE Hydralife found.
Findings show 76% owners say they have seen their furry friend resort to ‘alternative’ water sources. These includes sinks (35 per cent), puddles (31 per cent), bathtubs (17 per cent), showers (14 per cent) and toilets (six per cent).
Three in ten felines also commonly pinch water from other pets’ bowls.
Over three quarters of UK owners – 78 per cent – say they have tried different tactics to get their cat to drink more. These commonly include dotting dishes of water all around the house (56 per cent), buying a cat water foundation (31 per cent) and flavouring their water (22 per cent).
Exactly three quarters of owners say they treat their beloved cat like one of the family when it comes to its health.
One in five owners – 19 per cent – say they even prioritise their prized pet’s wellbeing over their own.
But exactly a quarter still end up fretting that their cat is not drinking enough at least once a day.
Here are 8 simple tips from Purina ONE vet professional Adam Rampling to help keep your cat hydrated:
Always offer fresh water – Indoors and outdoors, so your cat always has access.
Place bowls in multiple, quiet locations – One per cat, plus a spare, to reduce competition.
Flavour their water – Try tuna water or poached chicken broth to spark interest.
Use a cat water fountain – Flowing water can encourage reluctant drinkers.
Incorporate interactive hydration – Lickable treats, ice cubes or floating toys in water bowls.
Try different bowls and temperatures – Wide, shallow ceramic or glass bowls work best.
Separate water from food and litter – Cats prefer to drink away from other resources.
Add a little extra with Purina ONE Hydralife – A tasty gravy-like product that helps support hydration and a healthy gut.
Alongside these tips, King of the Jungle favourite, Sam Thompson, stars in a new campaign for Purina ONE Hydralife, flexing his muscles and affection for cats in a cheeky series of ‘thirsty’ images designed to draw attention to this very issue.
