Whether you’re a new cat owner or have had cats as pets for years, it’s tempting to let them drink whatever they want.
As humans, we can drink everything from water to orange juice and almost anything in between. But can cats?
We’ll find out what cats can drink and more in the article below.
What Can Cats Drink?
Cats, of course, can drink water, but cats can also drink their mother’s milk, kitten formula milk, cat milk, bone broth, and on occasion, apple juice.
Hydration is important for your cat and not drinking for an extended period of time can lead to severe dehydration and other health issues you don’t want your pet to have to deal with.
What Liquid Is Best For Your Cat To Drink?
Ideally, cats should only be given water to drink. It’s important to note that even a small deficit of water can lead to your feline companion becoming dehydrated and can make a big difference in your cat’s health.
While water is the best liquid for your cat, the liquids listed above can be given as well. Just try not to substitute those liquids for water on a regular basis.
Can Cats Drink Milk?
Cats can drink milk. However, it’s not meant to be a meal replacement, and you should certainly not give it to them every day. Too much milk can lead to digestive issues in cats and upset stomachs, at the least.
Whether your cat can drink milk or not also depends on the cat themselves. Some cats are lactose-intolerant, and some just can’t handle drinking milk.
If your cat is one of the lucky ones who do well with milk, it’s best to give them cow milk or goat milk for the best results. Of course, they can drink their mother’s milk, and there are some types of cat’s milk you can get on the market as well.
Limit their milk drinking to maybe once a month, and don’t give your feline any at all if milk makes your cat’s stomach upset.
Can Cats Drink Tea?
No, your cat should not drink most teas. Cats shouldn’t drink tea with caffeine in it in any form, whether it’s green, black, yellow, or white tea.
No matter how small the amount of caffeine is in the tea, it’s not good for your cat. It’s also important for your cat to avoid drinking herbal teas, as some of the herbs we enjoy can be toxic to felines.
With that being said, there are a couple of tea options that are considered to be a little safer for cats. In a weak form, a small amount of chamomile tea and licorice tea can be ok for cats to drink infrequently.
Can Cats Drink Broth?
Yes, your cat can drink bone and chicken broth. Bone broth is actually a healthy addition to your cat’s diet if given in moderation.
However, it’s not a substitute for their regular food, as cats are carnivores and need plenty of protein in their diets.
The health benefits of feeding your cat bone, beef, and chicken broth are the same as the benefits to humans. However, make sure the broth is plain and has no garlic or onion in the broth, as both of these are toxic to felines.
Can Cats Drink Juice?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Cats can drink apple juice, but only in moderation. Stick to giving your cat apple juice only once or twice a month since apple juice contains sugar they can’t drink it regularly.
Keep in mind that all cats may not be able to tolerate drinking juice as it could upset their stomach. If you want to give your cat juice, it’s best to consult your vet first so that they can give you some guidance.
Also, it is best to keep commercial forms of juice away from your cat as they contain a lot of added sugar and some other ingredients that aren’t good for felines.
Can Cats Drink Gatorade?
The answer to this question is yes, but only if your vet approves, and only a few diluted sips at the time.
If your cat is sick, vomiting, or has diarrhea, sometimes a little diluted Gatorade could give your kitty the energy to get through his sickness and come out healthy on the other side.
Can Cats Drink Pedialyte?
Cats can drink unflavored Pedialyte, but it is recommended to only give Pedialyte to your cat if they are sick and becoming dehydrated. However, if your cat is sick you should consult your vet to ensure nothing serious is going on before resorting to Pedialyte.
As with the other drink on this list besides water, you shouldn’t give Pedialyte to your cat regularly.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few drinks other than water that can be given to your cat. Remember, water is the best liquid for your cat, and you should keep fresh water available to your cat all the time.
If you do decide to give your cat any of the other drinks listed above, make sure you consult your vet first and only give the drinks to your cat infrequently.