Cats have a reputation for being finicky and picky be it sustenance or toys. Recently there have been a few new trends in the feline world that have left cat owners pondering. One of these is: can cats drink softened water?
Now, this leads to a range of other questions like what is softened water, do cats even need water, etc. Well, don’t worry because we are here to answer all these queries and get to the bottom of whether or not cats can drink softened water.
So, let’s dig right in!
What Is Softened Water?
Softened water is water treated to remove contaminants and hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. Most US households have a water softener system installed to make drinking water safer and cleaner, and to overall improve the quality of water for human use. However, in many households with cats, it has become a great concern for pet parents. They are wondering whether it is safe for their feline companions to drink the softened water.
How Is Water Softened?
Almost 85% of the homes in the US have a hard water supply, whether itr’s city water or from a well. Hard water leads to mineral deposit, scale build build and dry patchy skin. Since hard water can damage the skin, appliances and plumbing, it is best to convert hard water into softened water. There are many ways to make hard water soft like boiling water or treating it with water softeners like vinegar.
However, these hacks do not provide a long term solution. Therefore, most households invest in a water softening system. Installed water softeners remove hard minerals from water and purify it for drinking, bathing and general usage in the house. There are many models available in the market with different prices.
Can Cats Drink Softened Water?
To answer simply, yes, cats can drink softened water. But it’s not as simple as this. While softened water removes hard minerals, it can be slightly higher in sodium content. And as most cat wonders would no, sodium is not great for cats. In fact, high amounts of sodium intake can cause a range of health issues in cats. These include thirst, weakness, lethargy, etc.
Well, fortunately, the amount of sodium in softened water is not enough to cause these issues in cats. A 10 pound cat only needs about a cup of water a day to stay hydrated. So, there’s not enough sodium to hurt the cat. Therefore, your cat can safely drink softened water without the risk of any side effects.
Do Cats Like Softened Water?
Many cat owners have noticed that they’ve found their cats liking the softened water more than regular tap water. While every cat reacts differently, most of them do actually like softened water more. Here’s why this could be:
- Taste and Odor: As you may already know, cats possess a heightened sense of taste and smell. Softened water often lacks the mineral content found in regular tap water, it tastes better and has no odor. This is why cats may prefer the milder taste of softened water as it is more palatable than the natural minerals present in tap water.
- Texture and Sensation: Cats are known for being sensitive creatures, and the texture of water can play a role in their drinking preferences. Softened water has a smoother and silkier feel due to the absence of hard minerals. So, this unique sensation may appeal to the cats, making them gravitate towards softened water.
- Hydration and Health: Another reason why your cat may prefer softened water is the health benefits that it might offer to your feline friend. Due to the absence of certain minerals in softened water, it is easier on a cat’s kidneys and urinary tract. So, this might make your cat feel better.
Is Softened Water Safe For Cats?
Yes, softened water is safe for cats. There are no negative health implications of softened water on cats. However, there is a misconception that softened water can be bad for cats because of the sodium content. Cats have a low tolerance for excessive sodium intake, and it can lead to health issues such as electrolyte imbalances and increased blood pressure.
As we stated earlier, the amount of sodium in softened water is not enough to cause any side effects. Thus, softened water is safe for cats to consume. You have nothing to worry about!
Wrapping Up
So, is softened water safe for carts? Can cats drink softened water? The answer is YES. Soft water balances the pH and is much healthier than hard water. It does not lead to any adverse effects in cats as many think so. So, don’t be afraid to let your kitty sip on some soft water throughout the day.