Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young coconuts. It is full of electrolytes and is known to offer benefits to humans when consumed. Coconut water is not toxic to cats but can cause digestive upset. It’s not natural for cats to drink, and they don’t appreciate the sweet taste. So while you can offer some coconut water, we don’t think it’s worth it.
If your cat consumes a small amount, it’s probably nothing to worry about, but if they drink too much, you need to call your vet and monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset. Some cats may be more sensitive to coconut water than others.
About Coconut Water
Coconut water is the liquid found inside young coconuts. As the coconut ages, the moisture inside is replaced by flesh. Water is rich in carbohydrates and contains electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium. People are encouraged to consume coconut water because it can help fight high blood pressure and is also a good source of hydration and electrolytes after exercise.
Coconut water is different from coconut milk which is made by mashing the flesh of the fruit with water. It is also not the same as coconut oil which is the oil extracted from coconut milk.
Benefits of Giving Coconut Water to Cats
Coconut water is not toxic to cats, so if your cat consumes a small amount, there is nothing to worry about. Watch for signs of diarrhea and vomiting, and talk to your vet, if your cat is suffering from gastrointestinal upset.
If your cat can taste a little coconut water, it will help your cat fight dehydration by providing fluids and electrolytes.
Can cats have coconut water? Potential Risks
However, while a small amount of coconut water can be beneficial, it does not agree with all cats, and there are some risks associated with giving too much of this substance.
Digestive Issues
As mentioned earlier, the most common issue after drinking coconut water is gastrointestinal upset, especially if a large amount is consumed. If you offer coconut water to boost their hydration, you can make them more dehydrated if they lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea.
High in Sugar
Natural coconut water is lower in sugar than some other drinks, but it still contains more than water. Commercial coconut water is often sweetened with sugar. Cats cannot taste the sweet taste so the benefit will still be lost on them. Over time, too much sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity which increases your cat’s risk of developing diabetes, urinary issues, and joint problems. While the artificial sweetener xylitol is more toxic to dogs, it’s still not something we recommend giving your cat.
High Potassium Levels
Potassium is an important mineral found in many ingredients and food sources. Your cat needs potassium because it helps with many body processes. Healthy cats can tolerate a lot of potassium because their kidneys will remove any excess. However, if they have certain kidney or urinary tract problems, excess potassium can build up.
High potassium concentrations lead to a condition called hyperkalemia that can prevent the heart from working properly and can lead to paralysis, arrhythmic heartbeat, and general weakness.
Sensitivities and Allergies
Although rare, some cats are allergic to coconut water. This can lead to signs of an allergic reaction such as itching, swelling, and redness. It can also cause stomach upset and can lead to dizziness and other problems.
5 Tips to Help Get Your Cat to Drink
One of the reasons why some owners consider giving coconut water to their cats is as a form of hydration. While some cats will drink water from a bowl, many refuse, and even the liquid in wet cat food may not be enough to ensure they are properly hydrated.
Instead of offering coconut water, there are steps you can take to help encourage your cat to drink.
1. Ensure Proper Water Bowl Placement
Cats are sensitive creatures, and can easily be restrained from an area. Because of this, the water bowl needs to be positioned appropriately to encourage a cat to drink from it.
Do not place the bowl near cat litter and keep it away from noisy areas. It is common for owners to place food and water bowls next to each other, but not only can this potentially lead to food contaminating the water, but cats do not drink water near their food source.
2. Make sure the water is fresh
Cats prefer fresh water to stale water, just like humans do. Refill the bowl when it is empty but make a habit of draining out the old water and replacing it with fresh water once or twice daily. It is good practice to do this in the morning and at night.
3. Try Another Bowl
Cats can be very picky, and they have certain standards that need to be upheld. This is not only true of their food or toys; this can also be true of their bowls. If your cat refuses to drink water, try a different bowl.
Small bowls can cause discomfort if the cat’s whiskers touch the bowl when they drink. Therefore, most cats prefer wide, shallow bowls to narrow, deep ones. Some cats may prefer metal, glass, and ceramic bowls over plastic ones.
4. Try the Water Fountain
Cats prefer running water. A water fountain designed for cat use not only refreshes the water and gets your cat’s attention, thanks to its constant movement, but it also lets the cat know that the water is fresh.
5. Add Some Flavor
The purpose of a water bowl is to make sure your cat gets enough water but adding a few drops of something tasty won’t hurt and can help make sure they’re drinking enough fluids. Consider using plain spring water tuna juice or another fish oil. Add a few drops and see if it encourages your cat to drink water.
Conclusion
Cats can be picky eaters and can be picky about what they drink, leading many owners to look for alternative sources of hydration to water. Coconut water is not toxic but can cause gastric upset, although small amounts are likely to be fine. However, given too often or in large volumes, it can cause diarrhea and weight gain.
Featured Image Credit: Photoongraphy, Shutterstock
