Can Cats Drink Salt Water? Is It Safe! [Update 2024]

Before you take your cat to the beach or saltwater pools a question may pop up in your mind, can cats drink salt water?  Is salt water safe for cats? I did a quick research on this topic and here’s what I Know:

can cats drink saltwater? Surprisingly the answer is yes, cats can drink salt water. Cats can certainly consume salt water if they choose to do so. For the most part, it is safe for them to drink saline water because of their unique physiology and natural defenses against dehydration. The tolerance level of salt water in cats is higher than in humans and many other animals. 

According to Angel Alvarado, LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician): drinking salt water from pools is generally safe for cats. Salt water pools contain a low concentration of salt, which cats can easily tolerate. 

Is Salt Water Bad for Cats?

Saltwater is not only bad for cats but it is also bad for humans and other animals. Cat kidneys can filter out the excess amounts of sodium than human kidneys do, but there is a limit on how much the kidney can process.

Though your cat can tolerate high levels of salt in their diet, this does not mean that it should be part of their daily diet.  If you allow your cat to drink excessive amounts of saltwater, there is a good chance their kidney will get damaged.

Studies have found an excess amount of salt in the cat diet could result in many health conditions besides kidney damage.  Following are the list of excess salt effects on cats’ body:

• Increase the risk of cardiovascular disease 
• Can lead to stomach cancer. 
• Feline Osteoporosis (weakens bones)
• Dehydration 

How Much Salt Water Can a Cat Tolerate? 

Average-sized cats can tolerate a minimum of 21 milligrams and an excess of 42 milligrams of salt in their diet per day. Too much salt in cats’ diets can result in many health problems including kidney and heart conditions. Sometimes your cat may even die of dehydration from drinking too much saltwater. 

According to cat expert, Sandy Murphey (Researching cat behavior, health, food ingredients, vaccines, drugs): “Adding excess salt may lead to salt poisoning which is when the electrolyte balance is disturbed.

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.

Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death”

You can also read my other post- 7 common diseases in cats, where I explain more about cat disease & symptoms.

Why Do Some Cats Crave Salt?

The fluid in cats’ bodies contains salt, and when they lose that fluid, (like by sweating) the body wants to make up for it, so it sends the signals to get more, which is the craving!

All Cats have different likings and cravings. If your cats have craved salt, it’s quite normal. But many times young cats want to eat salt which is an unusual behavior of cats.

Of course, young cats will love to eat salt but the question is how much can their body tolerate? In this case, you need to talk to the veteran for a good solution. 

No veteran will ever recommend feeding direct salt to the cats. Instead, they will recommend is to mix the salt with cat foods. Cats usually drink salt water when they are thirsty, so make sure you offer your cat enough pure water to keep them hydrated. 

What Should Cats Drink?

Cats should really drink one thing to stay hydrated that is freshwater, which is safe for the cats. Young kittens can drink the mother’s milk until they are weaned. Young cats older than 4 weeks can drink water as well as their mother’s milk. 

Most adult cats love to drink milk (cow milk) but should not provide them milk because they are lactose intolerant. If your cat does not loves to drink direct water, mix water with their food. 

Following are 7  tips to make your cats drink more water:

• Add cat food flavor to your cat’s water.
• Mix water with dry food.
• Keep the water container in multiple places.
• Use drinking fountains.
• Clean the water bowls once a week.
• Replace their water at least once a day.
• Provide good quality water.

How Much Water Does a Cat Need?

Drinking water is important for all living species including cats. Water helps to operate the natural functioning of the body efficiently.

Every living mammal needs to drink the necessary amount of water to keep healthy, which leads to the question of how much water a cat should drink every day to keep healthy?

Actually, it depends on the cat’s age, size, life stage, and some other factors.  Especially senior cats will need more water than young cats. 

• Cat about 4 kilograms should drink 200 ml to 250 ml water per day.
• A cat that weighs 5-pound should drink 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per day.
• A cat that weight 10-pound cats should drink 7 to 9 ounces of water per day
• An adult cat that eats weight food regularly needs to drink 3.85 to 4.4 ounces of water per day.

Can Cat Drink Saline Solution?

Cats can drink saline solution, but how much they drink will depend on the specific situation. If a cat is experiencing acute renal failure, then giving them extra fluids in the form of saline solutions may be necessary.

However, cats should not receive high doses of these fluids for long periods of time unless they are experiencing severe dehydration due to chronic kidney disease while also on dialysis.

Otherwise, if a cat needs slight amounts more fluids than what their kidneys provide them with nature, then giving them small amounts per day may help improve the cat’s appetite.

 Note: If the saline solution is to concentrate,  then it may be harmful to their kidneys. 

Is Epsom Salt Safe For Cats To Drink?

Epsom salt is not completely safe for cats to drink.  However, your cat will be fine, if they drink a small amount but it could be dangerous if they drink large amounts at the same time. 

Is it important to note that this is not recommended and drinking Epsom salt should not be your cat habit? Too much Epsom salt can make the cat vomit and could lead to dehydration.

Is It Ok For My Cat To Drink Bathwater?

There are mixed opinions on the matter. Some people believe that bathing your pets is good and they should be allowed to drink the water as well, while others say there can be bacteria in the water which could make them sick. and they should only drink fresh, clean water.

Sometimes bathwater may contain soap solution and if your cat drink bather water with soap solution, immediately seek veteran guides.

Did I Answer Everything You Want to Know About Can Cats Drink Salt Water?

Maybe you are surprised to learn that the cat kidney can process a large amount of saltwater than humans and many other animals. Cats can drink saltwater in a small amount, but make sure it does not become their habit.

If your cat drinks salt or seawater every day it can cause many health problems. Though the cat’s body needs sodium ions for natural functioning, I recommend mixing a small amount of salt with their food will help.  

Salt or seawater is not the solution to keep your cat hydrated. I suggest you provide your cat with fresh water alongside a wet food diet. 

If your cat drinks water from saltwater pools, make sure you cover your saltwater pools with pool covers or barricades to restrict your cat’s access.