Maintaining Hydration and Health

July is the month we recognize Pet Hydration Month. It's important to keep your cats (and other pets) hydrated during the hot summer months to keep them healthy, happy, and cool. We've share numerous photos over the years of Truffle and Brulee drinking from one of the pet fountains throughout our home. Since Truffle had surgery to remove bladder stones last year, keeping her hydrated with plenty of water is of the utmost importance!

Pioneer Pet® Big Max™ Stainless Steel Fountain

We reviewed the Pioneer Pet® Big Max™ Ceramic Fountain last summer. We were very impressed with this fountain, but Mom Paula had some difficulties when trying to move the fountain because the tower and bowl were not attached - they were two separate pieces. When Mom Paula visited Global Pet Expo this year and talked with the representatives from Pioneer Pet, she discovered the Big Max was also available in stainless steel with the tower located inside the bowl. 

Brulee checking out the Pioneer Pet Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain

The Big Max™ Stainless Steel Pet Fountain is designed very similar to the ceramic fountain. Both ceramic and stainless steel water fountains are better for your cat's health because they are less likely to harbor bacteria that can make your cat sick or cause feline acne on her chin. The fountain includes a replaceable charcoal filter that keeps the water clean, pure, and healthy. There are three ways your cat may drink from the fountain: the large bowl, the bubbling top of the tower, and the stream that flows down from the tower. This is a large fountain (128 oz capacity) that allows almost any size cat or dog the ability to drink from the bowl. Brulee enjoys the large bowl because her flat face can drink from it without causing whisker stress. The fountain is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. Both Truffle and Brulee are drinking from the Big Max fountain and it is extremely quiet. When introducing a fountain to your cats, be patient. Remember to put the fountain away from your cat's food dish. It may take a little bit of time for your cat to become adjusted to the fountain. I always put a new fountain near a fountain they've used in the past to they are comfortable around the new one. Even though we may not hear the noise from the pumps, a cat's hearing is very acute, and they notice something is different. 

The Big Max Stainless Steel Fountain is available on the Pioneer Pet website as well as other online and retail pet stores. It's retail value is $89.99.

Methods to Keep Your Cats Hydrated

Truffle likes having an additional pet fountain where she can stay hydrated

It's hot outside, especially in the South. Our temperatures have already reached 100+ temperatures. Both Truffle and Brulee were exposed to different types of pet fountains as kittens in their previous homes, so thankfully, the movement of the water of sound didn't frighten them when they came to live with me. Not all cats (or dogs) like pet fountains and it's important for the pet owners to find ways to provide appropriate hydration since water is such a vital component of all cells and an essential nutrient for life. Pet parents should take everyday measures to promote hydration and prevent dehydration.

• Provide clean and fresh water with the same level of purity you'd drink. This means that water bowls shouldn't be sitting around all day for multiple days where microorganisms or toxins can cause mild to severe illness. We've read where many people only give their pets bottled water to drink. We know our water at home is filtered, but with Truffle's bladder stone issues, I'm considering using bottled water in the pet fountains. Some people add ice cubes to the water bowl during the summer because of the intense heat.
• Feed your cats a moist diet. There are many thoughts about what an appropriate diet is for cats. Whether you feed a raw, freshly cooked, canned, or kibble diet, it's important to ensure the food provides appropriate hydration. If your cat will only eat kibble, consider adding water to the bowl each day to provide additional hydration. 
• Minimize the time your cat spends in the sun and extreme heat. We've had temperatures in the 90s-100s with 100+ heat index lately with more on the way. Truffle and Brulee do not go outside, but I make sure there are plenty of places for the girls to be cool. Truffle likes to rest under the bed near the AC vent and Brulee prefers resting on the cool tile of the bathroom floor. If your cat does go outside, make sure there are places he can get out of direct sunlight and easy access to plenty of water is made available.
• Use pet fountains to promote your cat's curious interest in drinking. I said earlier that Truffle and Brulee were exposed to pet fountains since they were kittens. I have multiple pet fountains placed throughout my house for the girls to have easy access to water. I've intentionally placed a fountain beside my bed and the chair in the living room so I can monitor their consumption of water. I always feel better when I look over and see them drinking from the flowing water.
• Provide alternatives to water when cats are ill. Cats are known for not eating or drinking when they are injured or ill. One recommendation to encourage your cat to drink is by giving them broth or tuna-water cubes that can be made with tuna juice and some water. Pour the tuna-water mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them overnight. The coolness and smell of the tuna may entice your cat to get some hydration. 

Giveaway

We're excited to announce that Pioneer Pet® agreed to allow us to host a giveaway where one of our readers has the opportunity to win a Big Max™ Stainless Steel Pet Fountain for her pet(s).  No purchase necessary. The giveaway is open to residents of the United States (48 continental state), 18+ years, except where prohibited by law. The giveaway will run from July 16 - 26, ending at 11:59 pm ET on the 26th. One winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter (powered by Random.org) and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim her prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize and a new winner will be randomly chosen. To qualify for the giveaway, a comment must be left on our blog post.  Other entry options are available after a comment is left.  Please check your email and be sure to add sweetpurrfections@sc.rr.com to your address book! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway