How hydrated is your cat? New study investigates feline feeding habits

With more than 40 per cent of New Zealand households owning at least one cat, they are the country’s most popular pet. Yet despite their popularity, there is limited information about how cats are eating and drinking in everyday home environments.

Existing research shows most pet cats are fed a combination of commercial wet and dry foods. Wet food is typically between 70 and 80 per cent water, while dry food contains around 10 per cent water. Dry food is often left out for free feeding, while wet food is usually served at mealtimes.

Previous studies have shown that cats fed lower-moisture diets may consume less water and produce more concentrated urine, factors that are associated with urinary and kidney health concerns. These effects are most commonly seen in aging cats and those with underlying health conditions.

However, it remains unclear how the moisture content of cats’ everyday diets influences long-term health. This project aims to build a clearer picture of how real-world feeding practices affect cats’ total water intake and whether long-term consumption of diets with different moisture levels influences health outcomes.

The research is being led by Research Officer in Companion Animal Nutrition Dr Margreet Hekman, who says understanding how cats obtain water through their diet is critical.

“For the typical New Zealand house cat, we don’t know how much of each type of food is fed, how often it is fed or what the overall moisture content of their diet is. By collecting data from cat owners across the country, we can better understand what cats are really eating at home, how feeding practices influence their health and ultimately develop feeding recommendations that support healthier, happier cats.”

She adds that a cat’s evolutionary history may make staying hydrated more challenging than many owners realise.

“Cats evolved to eat their moisture, rather than drink it. Their natural prey contains around 70 per cent water, and their desert-dwelling ancestors would not have had reliable access to water sources. While modern cats have adapted well to living alongside people, their evolutionary history may still influence how they meet their hydration needs today. As more cats are kept indoors to protect both themselves and native wildlife, understanding how they obtain moisture through modern feeding practices is becoming increasingly important.”

Dr Hekman says the study will provide valuable insights into one of the most common health challenges facing older cats.

“Domesticated cats are living longer than ever before, but with increased longevity comes a greater risk of chronic disease. Chronic kidney disease affects around 10 per cent of cats overall and as many as 35 per cent of older cats. Understanding how cats are fed, how much moisture they consume and whether hydration is associated with long-term health outcomes could help identify practical feeding strategies that support healthy aging and inform further research into disease prevention.”

The anonymous online survey is now open and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Questions cover pet owner demographics, information about your cat, feeding frequency, food types, water availability and awareness of dietary moisture content.

Participants can also choose to provide an email address to receive a summary of the survey findings.

Complete the Cat Diet and Moisture survey.