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Water is an essential nutrient that all living things need to survive. Not all water types are created equal, however. Tap water has a different composition than distilled water, which is void of all impurities and minerals that are naturally present in other water sources.
While distilled water may be an exceptionally pure form of H2O, it may not be right for all your family members (including those of the feline variety) to drink as their sole source of water. Read on to learn why you shouldn’t give your kitty distilled water.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a kind of purified water where salts, minerals, and organic materials are all removed. It’s made by boiling water into its steam state, collecting said steam, and condensing it.
Regardless of its source, water can have trace amounts of minerals, pesticides, contaminants, and bacteria. When water is distilled, all these impurities are removed. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of the healthy minerals found in water, too. The distillation process removes over 99.9% of minerals.
Should I Give My Cat Distilled Water?
Although not actually harmful, long term consumption of distilled water can result in essential nutrient deficiencies, so it is not deemed to be suitable for consumption. Bottled water companies that use distilled water add electrolytes back into the water to make it safe for human consumption, and this also applies to cats.
The lack of electrolytes and minerals makes distilled water ideal for use in sterilizing medical equipment, coolant production, lead-acid batteries, and other applications where mineral build-up can be detrimental, but not and ideal drinking water source.
What Other Types of Water Are There?
You might come across several water types as you begin searching for the best water for your kitty. The main types include:
- Tap water is the water that flows through a faucet. It is sourced from three locations – lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The source of the tap water that flows to your home will depend entirely on where you live. You can find simple filters that attach to your faucet to remove any odors or strange tastes. If you have a drinking fountain for your kitty, chances are it comes with a filter to achieve the same goal.
- Spring water is collected from underground aquifers as it flows to the earth’s surface. You can find bottled spring water, and it is entirely safe to offer your kitty.
- Well water, like spring water, comes from underground aquifers. Private wells are built onto rural properties and can be pumped into the home. It is often fresher and higher in nutrients, though it can be contaminated by chemicals, sewage, and runoff. The bottom line is if the well water at your home is safe for you to drink, it is okay for your pet, but must be tested regularly.
What If I Only Have Access to Distilled Water?
Distilled water is okay to offer if during a natural disaster or water crisis. However, it should not be your pet’s only source of hydration as it can strip the body of potassium and sodium.
Be prepared with backup water supplies if you live somewhere that could potentially be affected by a natural disaster. It’s a good idea to have a supply of water in jugs or bottles at your disposal, in case of an emergency. You might also consider investing in a hand-operated pump purification system or purification tablets.
Final Thoughts
While distilled water is pure and the preferred choice for many mechanical and medical applications, it isn’t the best option for cats. Although pure H2O sounds like it should be the best drinking water available, the minerals and electrolytes normally found in water are actually essential for us to consume.
See also:
- Why Does My Cat Drink Dirty Water? 5 Common Reasons
- Can Cats Drink Mineral Water? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts
If you’re in the midst of an emergency, distilled water can work in a pinch, but it should not be offered often.
Featured Image Credit: ExplorerBob, Shutterstock
2 Responses
My spouse wants us to use distilled water, they claim it helps prevent formation of kidney stones; in the cats.
Hello,
thank you for your message. Distilled water does not reliably prevent kidney stones in cats — and in some cases, it might even be less ideal than other types of water. We strongly don’t recommend giving your cat distilled water as their sole source of hydration. It should only be used as an emergency option, for example in cause of natural disasters.
Distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals or electrolytes that are essential for our (and feline) bodies. Prolonged digestion of this kind of water could lead to electrolyte imbalances or promote other health issues over time.
If you want to prevent kidney stones in your cat, you can do that by assuring your cat has proper hydration and has balanced and appropriate diet. If you would need help with choosing the best possible diet for preventing kidney stones in your cat, we recommend booking a video-call with one of our vets at Pangovet.com and consult your cat’s nutrition.
Hope this helps.