Conference misery::feline_v1

    >Does anyone have any alternative suggestions. Is drinking only
    >milk bad for them?
    
    Yes, it is bad for them if that's all they drink.  
    It could be that they're getting all the water they need from
    the canned food.  You could mix some more water into it for
    good measure.
    
    If you are concerned about FUS be sure that the food your feeding is
    low in ash.  That's about 1.5 % in canned and 5% or lower in dry.
    
    Also, some cats are picky about the water they'll drink.  Most cats
    insist on fresh water - you should change their water twice/day.
    Other's won't drink the water if its positioned so that they are in
    a vulnerable position when drinking. Finally, some cats won't drink
    if the water is near their food.  Try putting fresh water in two
    or three locations and see how they do.
    
    I give Mao about 1 Tbsp of cream in the morning when I make my coffee.
    I wouldn't give any more than that.
      Nancy DC
    
    

	I had the same problems with my cats, and although they wouldn't drink
	skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, they would drink half full milk/half 
	water. Don't ask me why.

	I have cut this very gradually, and I'm now on 75% water/25%milk.

	That's about as low as I think I can go, as they start to turn their
	noses up at any less................but I'll try to reduce the milk
	again in another month or so.


	Heather    
    

	Our cat was very picky about the kinds of containers
	that she would drink water out -- she hated stainless
	steel for instance.  So I would suggest putting the water 
	in different types of bowls and see which they prefer.  
	Also, I've been told that soap residue on the bowl will 
	turn a cat off.

I recommend well-cleaned glass/china dishes for water.  Plastic leaves an
oily film that makes the water unpleasant - also can make the wrong "color"
water depending on the color used.  The fact that they are licking wet things
indicates they are needing water and not getting a source that is acceptable
to them.  Try all suggestions - and yes, it is bad to feed milk/cream products
to them if they are overweight.  I would recommend you stop.  

another idea:  try bottled water - they might not like the taste of tap water
where you are.

    I learned the hard way about milk and kitties.  I have moved several
    times and asked each new vet if milk was ok for Willie.  Each vet said
    sure, as long as it didn't upset her tummy.  Well, last year was a very
    bad year for Willie.  She turned 6 and had many of her teeth pulled and
    was diagnosed with diabetes.  Willie had been drinking half and half
    for years since she wouldn't touch my skim milk.  The vet said that
    milk isn't good for kitties since it sticks to their teeth and can
    cause gum disease.  The high fat content of the milk most likely
    contributed to her developing diabetes as such a young age.  I was
    first told to switch her to skim milk.  Once she got used to that, then
    switch her to water.  The vet suggested putting 2 water bowls out, one
    with tap water and the other with distilled water.  The distilled water
    has no funny smell or taste.  Willie has adjusted to tap water when a
    year ago she wouldn't touch it.  Since diabetic cats are very thirsty I
    may have had an easier time getting Willie to drink water.
    
    A footnote on the R/D dry food...  I put a little bit of water on
    it and she really gobbles it up like it's a special treat. 

    Thanks folks - I'll try all those suggestions.
    
    I do leave out fresh water (changed at least twice a day), usually in a
    glass bowl next to their food.
    Actually the water doesn't taste that great around here - goodness
    knows whats in it. I don't know why the thought of bottled water hadn't
    occurred to me before. 
    
    I'll try putting water in different containers in diffent places
    somewhere away from their food.  I'll also make sure the dishes are
    extra well rinsed.
    
    In the meantime I'll add a little more water to the canned food to
    be sure.
    
    If they don't take to water soon I'll try Heathers suggestion of
    half & half.
    
    I think Pip is in serious danger of following in Willies foot(paw?)-
    steps as he already has bad teeth, so no more milk for him! 
    
    Rosemary and a soon to be slimmer Pip & Domino

    Try getting them to get into the tub, and drizzling a little water out
    of the faucet.  That's how I got Benj to drink water in the first
    place.  He had urinary blockage problems, and I was determined to get
    him interested in water!
    
    I think most cats are fascinated by the water falling and making little
    droplets.  
    
    This will sound crazy, but I also make a big deal of Benj's water dish
    when he walks by it - wiggling the water around with my finger and
    encouraging him to try it.  Also, an ice cube floating in the water in
    hot weather gets his interest.  I'll do anything to keep him from
    getting another urinary tract problem - I liken the discomfort to a
    human drinking a six-pack, and being unable to go.  Ouch!

    Dusty loves the dripping tub faucet, too.  In fact, that is one of his
    favorite "drinking holes."  The other is the sink in the upstairs bath,
    but the water cannot drip from the faucet here.  No, we have to fill
    the sink up in order for him to drink...;].  He will never drink from
    his own dish, so I don't even put one out for him anymore.  I've tried
    putting dishes of water all over the house, different containers, but
    Nothing beats the tub/sink trick.  He lets me know when he wants a
    drink - I'm usually pretty receptive to his thirsty look, but I do
    worry about him because sometimes I get preoccupied & don't notice
    right away.  The biggest problem is when he wants a drink at an
    inconvenient time - like the middle of the night, or just when you are
    leaving for work.  I don't leave the tub faucet dripping all day, so I
    have to stick around and wait while he takes a ** leisurely ** drink!!
    
    
    

    Tiger's fav place to drink water is from the bathroom sink.  He will
    jump up and start licking the spout until I get the hint and turn
    on the water for him.  If I want to use the bathroom sink, too bad.
    I have to wait my turn.  This can be very inconvenient if I am in
    the middle of brushing my teeth and I have to fight him for the
    sink.  I worry when I am gone and there is no one to turn on the
    faucet.  I found that if I leave water in the sink, he will drink
    that if he is desperate enough.
    
    Nancy