Voluntary acceptance of nutrient-enriched water supplement and promotion of water intake in clinically dehydrated cats.

ObjectivesThe aim of this prospective observational study was to quantitate voluntary consumption of a nutrient-enriched water (NW) supplement and assess any improvements in serum biochemical values, clinical hydration assessments or quality of life (QoL) parameters in clinically dehydrated feline patients.MethodsA total of 13 stable, clinically dehydrated pet cats, for which outpatient management was deemed clinically appropriate by the attending veterinarian, completed the study between May and December 2023. Cats were offered NW based on body weight, along with ad libitum water. Fluid intake was measured, and changes in blood urea nitrogen and other biochemical measures of hydration, body weight, clinical hydration and owner-perceived QoL) survey scores were assessed at baseline and at 48 h.ResultsVoluntary NW intake (median 38.9 ml/kg/day) was significantly higher than ad libitum drinking water consumption (13.7 ml/kg/day; P = 0.005). Owners perceived the NW to be well accepted by their cats. Cats had a median total fluid intake of 47.2 ml/kg/day and every participating cat exceeded a target total fluid intake of 30 ml/kg/day. There were no changes in biochemical markers or body weight over 48 h of NW intake. Clinical assessments of hydration significantly improved (P <0.004), as did owner-perceived QoL (P = 0.001).Conclusions and relevanceClinically dehydrated pet cats voluntarily accepted the NW and consumed more NW than water. Median NW intake exceeded commonly prescribed feline subcutaneous fluid doses of 20 ml/kg/day, and both clinical hydration and owner-perceived QoL improved over the study duration. NW provides a well-tolerated, low-stress and voluntarily accepted method to promote fluid intake in feline patients.