During hot summer months, we need to be extra careful especially when it comes to caring for our cats. As a cat owner, we need to make them safe and comfortable as much as possible especially if the weather gets warmer. Some cat owners keep their pet cool by giving them unlimited access to water but some people step up by putting some ice cubes in their usual bowl of water. But the question is, is it really safe for felines to have ice cubes in their drink?
Are you considering ice cubes to make your cat drink more? Here are some tricks you probably haven’t tried!
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Are ice cubes safe for cats?
According to experts, it is relatively safe to put ice cubes in your pet’s water. However, it is very essential that you keep on monitoring them every now and then to prevent any danger to take place. Some felines really like to have ice in their water, most especially during summer. Iced water even encourages cats to drink more and it also keeps them more entertained since they like to play with it. And as long as your fury friend does not eat the ice cubes, then you can give it to him as his cool treat from time to time.
Because of the fact that most cats have thick fur and they tend to produce little sweat, chances are they might find it quite difficult to get themselves comfortable naturally during hot summer months. This is why putting some ice cubes in the drink of your cat is a very inexpensive and simple way to make them cool and to prevent them from overheating. But when you do this, bear in mind that it can come with risks so make sure that you keep an eye on them while they’re enjoying their treats.
Tips for your cat’s ice cube treats
A squat, plain ice cube does not quality as a great treat for people, but for felines, an ice cube is literally a cool toy. Simply add 2 to 3 cubes to your cat’s water bowl daily or give it to him on a plate without anything but ice cubes and watch how he licks, sniffs, and swats at them. Most felines are really fascinated by ice and may even knock the cubes all over the floor in your kitchen, leaving a trail of melt down.
You can make your fury friend’s ice cube treat last longer by giving them larger ones or you can also filly a disposable bowl or cup with water and then freeze overnight. For more enjoyment, you can also pour some cat food gravy or tuna juice over your cat’s ice cube treat for make it look like a popsicle. This will surely help your cat stay hydrated during hot summer months.
Aside from that, you can also make some ice layered with some dry bits of cat food inside, just like what zookeepers do, and give them as a treat to your cat. He can lick the ice cubes so it will melt and get the dry food piece inside. Another exciting thing you can do is to purchase shaped ice cube molders to add more fun to your cat’s cool treat.
Common questions about why cats like iced water
Why does my cat like ice water?
Felines are very sensitive to temperature and taste differences. This is the reason why cold, fresh, and running water appeals really good to them instinctively, as does any form of water that is as close to neutral taste as possible. Since cold water resembles neutral cool taste, cats like it a lot and it can be safely given to them most especially during warmer weather.
Is cold water bad for cats?
Just like humans, most cats also prefer their drinks cold. In fact, if you give ice cubes or cold water to your cat, you are promoting more water consumption. It is hard to keep refilling the water bowl of your cat, but fortunately, you can be able to purchase products that you can keep chilled for hours or just a plain clean water will do and keep it chilled or frozen for hours.
Is it OK to give cats ice cubes?
While people usually add ice cubes to their drinks to keep them cool and refreshed during the hot summer season, you may wonder if it is also okay to give your cat some ice treats. The answer is yes – you can definitely put some ice cubes to your cat’s drink, or give it to them plainly as a treat and it’ll be a great way to keep them cool and comfortable during the warm season.
Conclusion
Ice cube treats in your cat’s water is very safe as opposed to what most cat owners think. Cats won’t choke on ice cubes since they do not gulp. In fact, they lap very little amounts using their tongue so giving them ice cube treats will really encourage them to stay hydrated. Most cats love cold water as well so if you want your cat to stay comfortable during summer, make sure to toss a couple of ice cubes in his drink daily.
