Sindi visiting with the friendly residents at Friends of Cats shelter in El Cajon, CA.

The most important ingredient in your cat’s diet isn’t actually food. It’s love. Okay. While this actually is true, at least in my belief system, let me change my demeanor to one of a more serious nature and start again.

The most important ingredient in your cat’s diet isn’t actually food. It’s water. This actually is true and not true. Are you confused yet? Cats are 100% carnivores, which means that their digestive systems naturally process meat and only meat. So in reality, the most important ingredient in your cat’s diet is meat. However, the reason I filled in the blank with water is because our commercial pet food industry is producing dehydrating pellets by the tons and calling it food. Regardless of whether there is meat in the pellets or not, the fact that it is a dry food meant for cats is in and of itself potentially harmful. Why? Because, as I mentioned it is dehydrating. When a body, whether animal or human gets dehydrated it starts pulling water from wherever it can get it. Unfortunately, this means that moisture will start being depleted from the organs of that body. This, of course is detrimental. This survival technique of the body can lead to uncomfortable itchy, dry, flaky skin, as well as more serious conditions such as bladder and kidney issues.

By getting to know your cat and his or her preferences, you can find ways to add additional hydration to their daily routine, including encouraging water consumption. Some cats will drink from a bowl, but you might also consider trying a glass or mug or turning on the bathroom faucet to see if they like the running water. The pet supply industry also makes water fountains and other devices that allow the water to be moving, which can motivate some cats to drink more frequently. I still recommend an all wet food diet, which would eliminate the need to drink as much, if any additional water at all.

Another survival response of the body is that it gets thirsty when it is dehydrated. This is so important because it will motivate the individual to drink liquid. This will hopefully replenish the loss of moisture in the body and if addressed soon enough will lessen the chances of permanent physical damage.

So, if you feed the dry pellets a.k.a. kibble to your cat it will hopefully drink from its water bowl to counteract the dehydration factor of the dry food. The reality though, is that if your cat is drinking from the water bowl, even if he or she is drinking a lot, most likely an adequate amount is not being drank. Why? Because cats instinctively get their water from their food. It is not a natural behavior to seek out water, even though they might at times do so. Both in a domesticated environment and in the wild. Obviously this is a problem when the majority of commercially manufactured pet food is in the form of dry, dehydrating, highly processed kibble.

Okay. Are you still with me? If it is not a natural instinct for them to drink water, how can they possibly get enough of that all important ingredient in their diet? By making sure there is plenty in their bowl. While clean, fresh water changed daily in their water bowl is essential, what I am talking about here is their food bowl!

Nothing like a drink of water from their person’s glass to help a feline friend feel bonded! P.S. Kitchen counters are made for paws. Well in some households anyway.

Should you just dump water on their food? Well you can, but I have a better idea. Feed food that is already loaded with water, which would be referred to as wet food; fresh raw, frozen, thawed raw, cooked or canned. Cat food also comes in the form of dehydrated or freeze dried, which you need to add water to before serving. This is an alternative option for some cats. My cat, Misty is on a 100% wet food diet. But I still often add a little water to her food to add additional hydration. She also does drink from her water bowl on occasion, especially when the weather is warmer. Even though she is an indoor cat and our home stays nice and cool, the outside temperature seems to make a difference in whether or not she visits her water bowl.

Wondering how to help your cat or other pets have the highest quality of life possible? In addition to animal communication, energy healing and reading sessions, I offer personalized nutrition consultations for dogs and cats, as well as other animals. Just like with us humans, simply changing a diet can help lessen and heal a wide array of health conditions including, allergies, itchy skin, hot spots, hair loss, body sores, digestive upset, hairballs, watery eyes, arthritis, bladder infections, kidney issues, diabetes and even cancer.

Oh my gosh!!! Kittens!

If you have questions or could use some support with what you are dealing with, you can email me at sindi@apetpsychic.com or call or text me at 619-797-0705. Calls only can be received at my Oregon number 503-741-1344.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to helping you and your animal friends however I can. Have a wild and tame day! – Sindi