If you have noticed that your cat is obsessed with ice you may be wondering why and if this is normal…
Why is my cat obsessed with ice?
Some cats are obsessed with ice for several reasons. The most common one is that is fun for them and resembles an enjoyable game. If you see a cat playing with ice you will see them pushing around their bowl and admiring how it glides from side to side. However, there are risks with ice and cats.
So, now you know. But, can ice help your cat drink more water? Is cold water ok for cats? Should you put ice cubes into your cat’s bowl? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…
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Can Ice help a cat drink more water?
Ice can make a cat drink more water. This is because they like laying with it and even licking it. While they are there they may consume more water in the process. However, this can be improved by adding some additional flavor such as the gravy from their tinned wet food. Also, chipping up the ice can reduce the risks of the ice.
If you do this it may make them more inclined to consume more of the water due to the enhanced taste. Like most things, this is not guaranteed for all cats, because they all have different habits and personalities. But, in general, it should improve on their standard intake of water.
Are ice cubes bad for cats?
Ice cubes can be bad for cats if they attempt to bite them. This can damage their teeth. However, if they do not do this they will enjoy bashing the ice cubes around the bowl and may help them consume more water. If you do offer your cat ice it’s better to break up the ice cubes to avoid damaging their teeth.
Basically, you need to take precautions and monitor your cat with them. If you can’t do that it’s not worth the risk in my opinion. So, if there is any doubt on yr behalf then I would not give it to them.
Should you give cats ice cubes?
You should avoid giving your cat ice cubes due to the risks of its teeth. But, If you are keen on it and happy to monitor your cat while they use and play with an ice cube, it’s better to chip up the ice cubes. But, if you are too busy and can’t spare a few minutes it’s not worth offering it.
Although this may seem a bit harsh it’s the facts of the matter. An ice cube could be a great game and way to cool your cat or be used to damage its teeth if left neglected.
Is cold water OK or bad for cats?
Some cats prefer cold water, that is why some cat owners offer them ice cubes in the water. This may be because they perceive fresh cold water as safe and natural. But you will need to see how your cat responds to it.
Coldwater, in general, is not bad for cats. However, I have to say this with caution. Because the term “cold water” is quite subjective. What you deem as cold may not be cold to your cat and vice versa, are you with me?
Avoid Ice cold water
My point is, it’s not a good idea to load up your cat’s water with loads and loads of ice cubes. Avoid preparing a drink that is ice cold.
Ice cold water is not a good idea for cats. Why is this? because their metabolism rate has a high temperature. If you provide extreme cold water that they consume this can cause issues with their digestion and may even slow down your metabolism. Which, can cause a lot of other related health issues.
So for that reason, if you do want to provide cold water do it in moderation. Like most things, moderation is the key.
Also, if there is any doubt about this it’s best to check in with your vet to see what their views are on it because they know the history of your particular cat.
Is it safe to put ice cubes in my cat’s water?
No, it’s not recommended. The reason is there is a chance that it can cause issues in their mouth. In particular, biting on the ice cube could chip or break their teeth. Also, there is a chance of it choking them. Therefore, if you really want to, regardless of these risks, at least consider chipping up the ice first.
So, if you had wondered how to keep your cat hydrated on hot days (Click here to see my Best 3 Cat water Fountains to keep your cat hydrated). And you have been tempted to cool them down with an ice cube. You know if this is a good idea or not.
Now that you know the deal with ice cubes let me also explain why other cat owners argue that ice cubes are fine and low risk, in their opinion. Also, other ways to cool your cat down. The effect of the ice on their teeth and much more. Keep reading…
Why do some cat owners say Ice cubes are safe?
Other cat owners argue that Ice cubes are totally safe. And claim they have done it many times before without any issues. They argue that cats do not gulp down water, so the chances of them swallowing the ice cube is very low.
They say cats leisurely lap the water up rather than gulping it down which reduces the risks of the ice cube being swallowed. In my opinion, it’s best to be safe than sorry and avoid doing this.
Other ways to keep your cat cool.
other ways to keep cats cool
One of the biggest reasons why cat owners consider giving their cat ice cubes is keeping them cool in hot weather. In particular, in the scorching summer heat, depending on where you live it can get very hot.
To get around this temptation to use ice cubes I’m going to suggest some other methods you can use to keep your cat cool during these hot summer days.
01. Ice Cubes in Water with Ice Chippings
Instead of doing this, it is advised to place the ice cube into some water so that it doesn’t cause any issues within their mouth. But first, chip up the ice cube into smaller pieces. Which will reduce the chances of them hurting their mouth.
02. Using a fan
In this section, I’m going to explain how you can use a fan (click here if your cat is scared of them) but not in a conventional way. Firstly you need to turn the fan on but direct it towards the floor rather than at face level.
Once this is done you need to make sure that you have a wet towel on the floor. The fan should hit the wet towel and caused a nice cold breeze for your cat to feel cool in the summer period.
03. Ice balls
Another trick that you can use is to create some big ice balls. They are great because they keep your cat cool, interested (if not fascinated) and also reduce the risk of them choking on it due to the sheer size of the item.
These ice balls are easily made and very economical. All you need is a standard balloon (can the string on these be dangerous? Click here) which is inflated. You then need to fill the balloon with water and freeze it.
The only issue is the amount of freezer space it needs. If you have a deep freezer that is ideal for this. Once it has been set, remove the balloon (will it scare your cat? click here) from the freezer and along with the elastic balloon material to expose the ice ball.
You will then be left with an oval-shaped piece of ice which you can place into a container and offer to your cats to keep them cool in the sun.
04. Catscicles.
Catscicles (Click here for my article on Catsicles) are is basically a play on the word “popsicle”. You can get creative with these and cats really do love them. It’s a fun thing for your cat and you can have many different flavors and styles. The only restriction is your own imagination.
Will ice cubes affect your cat’s teeth?
Ice cubes can affect your cat’s teeth. One of the biggest reasons I say to avoid ice cubes is because of reports from vets that some cats have injured themselves by chewing on ice cubes rather than licking them.
Earlier I talked about the potential dangers of using ice cubes and why it’s better to look at alternatives to keep them cool in the summer.
The dangers of ice cubes on cat’s teeth
However, I would like to focus on your cat’s teeth for a moment. So you understand what dangers these ice cubes offer your cat.
Whilst this is a low percentage of cats because in most cases they rather lick it than bite it, it does happen. The problem is, these chipped or broken teeth can cause other knock-on issues. Such as causing choking, digestive issues, etc.
This can also lead to them having a high level of discomfort. Which can stop them from eating for a period of time which can cause numerous different related issues. This is the reason why I said it’s not a good idea to do this.
Turning ice cubes into a game for cats.
As much as we have focused on the dangers of ice cubes, cold water issues, etc. How about some fun with ice cubes? Is this possible and is it a good idea? Let Me Explain…
Yes, there is a cool ice cube game I will share with you. It is a great idea and a very economical game that you can prepare in a short space of time.
Simply get a few ice cubes. Place them into a bowl or even on the plate. That’s it, simple as that.
You’ll be surprised how intrigued your cat will be as they attack the ice cubes and watch them slide across the floor.
My only concern with this is to make sure that you clean up after they’ve had a good play because it could leave slippery wet floors after they finished playing with the cubes.
Related questions:
In this section, I will answer some questions related to cats, ice cubes, and water. If you have more questions that you need to be answered feel free to drop me a reply below.
Q: Do cats love moving water?
Yes, cats love moving water. But why is this? The reason is that it’s more like their natural habitat. They are used to water that is dripping from a river, lake, or some other natural flow.
Therefore to emulate this and also to entice them to drink more you should provide either a running faucet of water or better still an actual water fountain (Click here for my best 3 cat Fountains (Ceramic vs Stainless Steel). These fountains will provide a continuous and economical flow of water which will keep them happily entertained and push them towards drinking more water and keeping themselves healthy.
FAQs
Do cats like to be pet with ice? ›
Ice is a cat's best friend.
Cats may not seek out ice cubes like some canines, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy its frosty touch.
Yes, it's safe for cats to lick ice. Many cats are fascinated with ice cubes that's why adding it to their water can encourage them to drink more. However, it's important to monitor them closely when giving ice to make sure they don't bite or eat them.
What does putting an ice cube on a cat do? ›"Cats don't enjoy getting wet and the extreme cold of the ice could startle your cat, potentially leading them to respond and by redirected aggression onto their owner, for example, by swiping or biting."
Why do cats like to watch ice melt? ›That's where your pet comes in. It may be tempting for your dog or cat to sniff around at ice melt because of its salty taste. Or they may walk on it and get it on their paws, and then lick it off. But even table salt is dangerous for them in large quantities.
Can cats have ice packs? ›Ice packs or bottles – Frozen ice packs or frozen water bottles wrapped in a thin towel can be placed in your cat's bed, or wherever your cat spends a lot of time. You can train your cat to lay on the ice packs or bottles to keep themselves cool.
What is the ice cube challenge 😺? ›What is the ice cube challenge on TikTok and what does it entail? We've got to put it bluntly. The ice cube challenge is all about women taking ice cubes, then filming themselves (waist up) inserting them into their nether-regions. Yes, into their vaginas.
Can cats drink tap water? ›The answer is yes, it is ok to give your pet tap water. However, you may want to consider filtered water for your pet if your tap water is not of the highest quality.
Can cats have a small lick of ice cream? ›The quick answer: Not recommended. A small amount of ice cream likely won't make your cat sick, but larger amounts can cause tummy issues, and ice cream offers no nutritional benefits to a cat. Ice cream consists mostly of fat and carbohydrates.
Can cats have a few licks of ice cream? ›Cats can eat *some* ice cream flavors in teeny-tiny amounts — but that doesn't necessarily mean that they should. “Ice cream is safe in very small quantities for cats, but it isn't a recommended treat,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. “By 'small quantities,' I mean licking the spoon after you're done.”
Do cats like fans blowing on them? ›Household fans can also be a comfortable addition to the house for your cat. If your cat gets too hot, they will appreciate the breeze blowing through their fur to keep cool. If your house is not air-conditioned during the summer heat, try putting a frozen water bottle in front of the fan.
Can cats be around dry ice? ›
The biggest danger of dry ice comes from your dog or cat touching, licking or even eating it. Dry ice burns on contact and if ingested, it will burn your pet's throat and stomach. (That's true for humans too, by the way — only handle dry ice with gloves and don't let anyone touch dry ice with bare skin!).
Why is ice safe to melt on pets? ›The ingredient in those early Pet Safe ice melters, was a chemical fertilizer called Urea. Urea is fine around pets. They can eat it and it won't bother them, and they can walk on it and it won't hurt their paws.
Is ice melting salt toxic to cats? ›Depending on your pet's size, how much they consume and the specific type of ice melt, more serious concerns can arise. Ingesting too much of an ice melt can lead to an elevation in sodium level, causing tremors and seizures. If the product contains calcium chloride, ulceration to the mouth may also occur.
Does ice Cool cats down? ›Contrary to popular belief, ice can be a good and safe way to help keep your cat cool – not to mention it's refreshing and fun! The possibilities are endless with ice-filled fun – you can provide ice cubes to bat around the floor, give frozen treats, or even pop a few ice cubes in their water bowl!
Do cats fake injuries? ›Some clever kitties, however, take attention seeking to a whole new level. Thanks to anecdotal evidence, the viral nature of the Internet, and one small scientific study, we have proof that cats sometimes fake injuries and illnesses.
Do cats get cold easily? ›Get your cat a sweater
And hairless cats are super vulnerable to the cold (even if it's just air conditioning), so they may need to wear a sweater inside all the time, not just when it's cold outside.
The salt and ice challenge can quickly cause second- and third-degree injuries similar to frostbite or being burnt with the metal end of a lighter, as well as causing painful open sores to form on the skin.
How do you use ice on a girl? ›Rub it against her body Take out several ice cubes from your freezer and place them in a bowl. Then slowly gently rub a cube of ice on your partner s skin and watch her squeal with delight. Then touch her lips with the ice-cubes to see her react with pleasure.
What is the ice diet? ›The ice diet involves eating many ice cubes in order to burn calories as eating ice causes your body to spend energy to heat the ice, which in turn helps your shed calories.
Should you let your cat drink from the sink? ›You can occasionally leave the tap dripping for your cat to have a drink. Your cat will drink from any source if she is thirsty enough but you may choose to occasionally offer her water from the tap as a treat.
Do cats prefer warm or cold water? ›
Cats sometimes prefer drinking water that is cold, because they might perceive cold water to be fresher. Keep your cat's water cold by replenishing it regularly. You could even pop a few ice cubes in the bowl if the weather is particularly warm.
Is bottled water OK for cats? ›Bottled Water
Bottled water is safe to share with cats and dogs. Opt for spring water or bottled tap water varieties. Some veterinarians, including those at the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic, are skeptical of the quality of distilled water for pets and its effects on urinary and cardiac health.
Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.
Is it OK to give my cat cheese? ›Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat's delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don't tolerate dairy very well.
Can cats eat popcorn? ›Yes, but there's a catch. There's nothing in freshly popped popcorn that is toxic to cats, regardless of age or breed. However, that's only true for plain popcorn. Toppings like butter, salt, caramel, and a variety of spices and seasonings like garlic can cause health issues for your cat.
Is it OK if my cat licked a little bit of chocolate ice cream? ›Although chocolate ice cream is unlikely to kill your cat, it isn't good for them and may make them ill for a few hours. It contains not only the harmful ingredients in chocolate but sugar and lactose from the milk as well–neither of which are good for cats.
Can cats have yogurt? ›So remember, nonfat plain yogurt is usually safe and healthy for cats and dogs to eat as a fun snack — just check the nutrition label first to make sure it doesn't contain a dangerous ingredient, like xylitol. And for even more power-packed benefits, consider adding a daily probiotic to their regimen.
Can cats eat banana? ›While many "people foods," like chocolate, are toxic for cats and other pets, and they should be avoided altogether, bananas aren't toxic to pets. It is one of the fruits that cats can eat safely in small portions.
Do cats need blankets? ›Cats don't actually need blankets but they do like them. A cat without a blanket will seek out the warmest spot in the house if it feels cold. There are many blankets designed for cats but you have can be allocated to a cat – just follow our safety tips, coming up next.
Do cats like cooler rooms? ›Cats prefer warmth but will be okay in rooms hovering between 50-60 degrees. This is not ideal for them though, and you'll likely notice your cat seeking out additional heat by snuggling up to a radiator, blanket, or you!
Do cats like hot air? ›
Cats enjoy warm weather. They are also good at keeping themselves cool if necessary, with a little help from humans (so perhaps they are intelligent after all). Here's how to help protect them from excessive heat: Don't let your cat go outside between 10am and 3pm.
Do cats slip on ice? ›Dogs and cats can also slip and fall on the ice and injure themselves, she said, so owners should be concerned if they come inside limping. If weather-related symptoms are severe, she said owners should bring the pet to a veterinarian to be checked out.
Is heat or ice better for cat bite? ›Apply ice on your wound.
Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Step One: Cut a Hole. Cut a hole (approx. ...
- Step Two: Put the Styrofoam Cooler into the Bin.
- Step Three: Add Straw. Add straw in between the cooler and the bin for extra insulation. ...
- Step Four: Add the Lids. Place the Styrofoam lid onto the cooler and secure it with duct tape. ...
- Step Five: Mark & Place the Shelter.
Pet Winery has done it again - Introducing the first ever ICE CREAM for CATS! Indulge your cat with a cool, healthy treat they will surely enjoy. Our Cat Ice Cream is purrfect for those hot summer days! Made with REAL goat milk powder and mixed with a flavor your feline friend will love...
Can you freeze milk for cats? ›Cool recipes for cats: Frozen cat milk “surprise”
Instead of frozen water, treat your cat to a cube of frozen cat milk! Simply pour some cat milk into an ice cube tray and freeze. You can make the cubes a lot more exciting by dropping in some surprise cat treats like thrive or a sprinkle of catnip.
Homemade milk replacer for kittens1 • 6 tablespoons (90 ml) condensed milk • 6 tablespoons (90 ml) water • 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain yogurt (not low fat) • 3 large or 4 small egg yolks Blend uniformly and warm to 95-100°F. + Refrigerate between uses.
Is Deep Freeze toxic to cats? ›Pets may find it smells and tastes sweet, but it is poisonous and can cause serious health issues. If a pet accidentally ingests antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Are cats attracted to Icy Hot? ›In the case of topical pain creams and ointments, most of them include wintergreen or menthol in their formula, and both Bengay and Icy Hot contain lots of menthol. Cats can be attracted to them for the same reason they can be attracted to cat mint — it's all in the same family.
Is salt lamps bad for cats? ›Salt lamps are toxic to cats because they contain high levels of sodium. The accessibility that cats can have to salt lamps can be a big issue as well. Cats like to climb and be on elevated surfaces and if they see a new glowing pink lamp, they may be inclined to discover what it is.
What is the safest ice melt for pets? ›
What type of ice melts are safe for pets? Potassium Chloride melts ice slower than other types of products, but is the safest to use around pets.
Is calcium chloride ice melt pet safe? ›Calcium chloride quickly melts ice, but it also absorbs moisture, making surfaces wet and slick. As a result, the chances of slipping and falling increase. In pets, it can cause burns to the tongue and throat, increased thirst, vomiting, and stomach ache.
What sidewalk salt is pet safe? ›Developed with the help of veterinarians, Morton Safe-T-Pet is the safer choice for your four-legged friends. Its formula is free of both salts and chlorides to be less irritating to pets' paws than plain salt, keeping your pets safer during the winter months. Not all ice melts are created equal.
Can ice hurt cats? ›Yes, it's safe for cats to lick ice. Many cats are fascinated with ice cubes that's why adding it to their water can encourage them to drink more. However, it's important to monitor them closely when giving ice to make sure they don't bite or eat them.
Can cats lick pink salt? ›Though one or two licks may not be terribly fatal, repeated exposure can cause sodium poisoning, which is a critical condition capable of causing fatality in cats. Salt in toxic doses can cause poisoning indicated by the following symptoms: Vomiting. Reduced appetite.
Will ice melt hurt cats? ›As the snow and ice begin to blanket the ground, so does the ice melt. While ice melt is important for our safety, it can mean health issues for your dogs and cats. The biggest pet health danger is ingestion of the ice melt salt, either while outside or after a walk when pets clean their paws.
Do cats like to cuddle when its cold? ›Cats Are More Likely to Cuddle When It's Cooler
It may sound a little silly, but your cat is far more likely to want to be cuddly and lie on you if your house is a little cooler. Cats are more likely to seek out your lap in the winter when they're feeling cold.
Cat lovers rejoice! It's time to stop trying to convince your dog-lover friends that your cat doesn't hate you by sharing riveting stories of that one time Fluffers sat on your legs or the time you pet Cupcake and she didn't slink away.
What temperature are cats happiest? ›Your cat needs to maintain a body temperature of above 90 degrees to ward off hypothermia, so keeping your thermostat around 70 degrees is a good way to ensure they'll stay cozy all winter long. How cold is too cold for indoor cats? Cats prefer warmth but will be okay in rooms hovering between 50-60 degrees.
How do cats stay warm in extreme cold? ›Yes, their thickened winter coats help feral and stray cats weather winter's chill, but they still need warm, dry, well-insulated and appropriate-sized shelters.
How can you tell if a cat is cold? ›
- Shivering. If your cat is really cold, he may start shivering, just like a person would. ...
- Hunching Down & Puffed. Cold cats may hunch down closer to the ground and puff their fur up a little. ...
- Colder Extremities. ...
- Seeking Warmer Places.
Some veterinarians recommend leaving the AC on a moderate but still comfortable setting, such as 75–78℉. Leaving the fan on without the AC isn't enough. Fans don't cool cats (or dogs) nearly as well as they cool humans. So keep that air conditioning running.
Can I put a wet towel on my cat to cool down? ›Wet towel. Most cats hate getting wet, so they're unlikely to want to take a dip in any water to cool off. But wet a small towel in cold water and dab over your cat's fur, or just stroke cat with wet hands, to bring some relief from hot weather.
Do cats like icy water? ›Cool water
Cats sometimes prefer drinking water that is cold, because they might perceive cold water to be fresher. Keep your cat's water cold by replenishing it regularly. You could even pop a few ice cubes in the bowl if the weather is particularly warm.
Cats are often attracted to menthol smells. Menthol is common in products like Ben Gay and other creams like Vicks vapor rub.
Are cats attracted to anti freeze? ›Cats may be attracted to ethylene glycol by its sweet taste. Many animals will voluntarily drink ethylene glycol if antifreeze is spilled or leaks onto garage floors or driveways. Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety – which means that a cat could easily drink a toxic dose.
What is a cat kiss? ›Noun. kitty kiss (plural kitty kisses) (slang) A cat's slow blink, interpreted as a sign of friendship.
What language do cats think in? ›Cats lack the cognitive skills to interpret human language, but they recognize when you talk to them. To put it another way, cats comprehend human language in the same way that we understand meowing. It's similar to how you interpret your cat's language by "reading" how they arch their back or swish their tail.
Does a cat trust you if it sleeps next to you? ›Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.