Water Additive for Cats: Benefits and Uses

Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on 12/20/2024. Published on 12/20/2024

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Providing proper dental care for cats is essential to protecting their health, yet many pet parents find it challenging to maintain their cat’s oral hygiene. As a result, 50 to 90 percent of cats older than 4 develop some form of dental disease (1). This is where water additives for cats can help.

So, how exactly do water additives work and what should you look for in a quality water additive for cats? We spoke with two veterinarians to get the inside scoop.

Water Additive for Cats: What Is It?

Water additives are liquid solutions added to your cat’s drinking water, designed to help support their dental health.

Though they provide useful benefits, water additives are not a substitute for regular brushing, which remains the most effective way to remove plaque from your cat’s teeth. Think of water additives as an extra layer of defense against issues like bad breath and plaque buildup.

Compared to other dental care products like gels, powders, or wipes, water additives stand out for their ease of use. Unlike gels or powders that need to be applied directly to your cat’s teeth, or wipes that require some handling, water additives are more passive, working as your cat hydrates throughout the day.

Should You Consider a Water Additive for Cats?

“Water additives are primarily preventive,” says veterinarian Dr. Penny Coder. “They help slow down or prevent plaque and tartar buildup, but they can’t cure or reverse existing dental issues like gingivitis, resorptive lesions, or advanced periodontal disease.”

For cats with existing oral health problems, Dr. Coder says a veterinary visit is necessary for more intensive treatment, such as professional cleanings or extractions.

Benefits of a Dental Water Additive for Cats

While water additives for cats aren’t a magic cure-all, incorporating one into your cat’s routine can be a simple and effective way to support their oral health. Below are some of the key benefits:

Makes dental care less stressful

Brushing a cat’s teeth can be a feat, and some pet parents aren’t able to do it as much as they’d like (if ever). Water additives offer a stress-free approach to dental care, allowing your cat to drink as usual while receiving dental care benefits, says Dr. Gabre Denton, a veterinarian at TeachMe.To.

If brushing isn’t an option, a daily water additive is a helpful alternative. However, it’s still important to schedule professional dental cleanings with your vet once a year or every couple of years, he advises.

Fights plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your cat’s teeth after eating. If it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to eliminate and can only be removed by a vet during a professional cleaning.

Plaque buildup is a leading cause of dental issues in cats, including gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease, which is a more advanced stage of gum disease. When left unchecked, plaque and tartar can cause painful inflammation, infection, and even tooth loss.

“Water additives often contain prebiotics, enzymes, or antibacterial agents that help break down plaque and prevent tartar formation,” Dr. Coder says.

Reaches areas toothbrushes can’t

Even with regular brushing, it’s difficult to reach every nook and cranny in your cat’s mouth. Water additives get to those hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of plaque accumulation in less accessible spots.

Freshens breath

A cat’s breath will never smell like roses, but really bad breath is often a sign of underlying dental problems. Water additives are formulated to combat bad breath by targeting the bacteria responsible for it, helping keep your cat’s breath fresh, according to Dr. Denton.

Things to Consider When Using Water Additives

While they can be a helpful part of your cat’s dental care routine, there are a few things pet parents should keep in mind about water additives:

They can’t cure or reverse oral health problems

“Water additives are great for preventing dental issues by reducing plaque and freshening breath, but they won’t cure or reverse existing problems like dental calculus, tooth resorption, or bone loss due to dental and gum disease,” Dr. Denton says. If your cat already has dental problems, a visit to the vet is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

They can’t replace brushing, checkups, and professional care

“While water additives can be a supplementary tool, brushing is still the gold standard for removing plaque, reversing early periodontal disease, and maintaining optimal dental health,” explains Dr. Coder. “Additionally, regular dental exams are important for detecting issues early, as many dental diseases in cats can be hidden without obvious signs until they become severe.”

They may cause some cats to avoid drinking water

While many water additives for cats are flavorless, some have a taste or smell. Some cats might be sensitive to these changes, which could cause them to drink less water. It’s important to monitor your cat’s water intake when introducing an additive to ensure they aren’t avoiding their water.

They may not work with cat water fountains

The filter in cat water fountains may remove key ingredients in the water additive, or the ingredients might interfere with the pump. Check if the product is safe to use with fountains before adding it to your cat’s water.

They may cause side effects in some cats

While water additives are formulated to be safe, some cats may experience side effects like digestive upset or allergic reactions. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits after introducing a water additive, discontinue use and check in with your veterinarian.

How to Choose the Best Water Additive for Cats’ Teeth

Not all water additives are created equal. Here’s how to find a safe, effective option that gets your cat’s stamp of approval:

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation

Your vet is your best resource when it comes to your cat’s health. They can recommend safe and effective products based on your cat’s individual needs.

Look for VOHC approved products for cats

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) evaluates dental products for pets, and their seal of approval means the product has met certain standards for effectiveness and safety. Choosing a VOHC approved water additive can give you peace of mind that you’re using a trusted option.

Test a few to see which your cat prefers

Since some cats can be picky about changes in their water, you may need to try a few different additives to see which one your cat accepts best. Some products are flavorless, while others have a mild taste—so monitor your cat’s reaction to make sure they’re still drinking enough water.

Ensure compatibility

Consider whether the additive is compatible with your cat’s current water setup, particularly if you use a water fountain.

Water Additives to Consider

While cat additives can be purchased from local pet stores or various online retailers, there are significant benefits to buying directly from your veterinarian or their online pharmacy.

Buying through your vet’s pharmacy ensures that you’re receiving a genuine, high-quality product. It eliminates the risk of counterfeit or low-grade additives that may be found on less regulated online platforms.

Additionally, since your veterinarian has a thorough understanding of your cat’s medical history, they can recommend water additives that work best for your pet’s specific oral health concerns.

So, which water additives should you consider? Here are some pet parent favorites:

Vetradent Water Additive for Dogs & Cats

This water additive, designed to fight plaque and tartar, is formulated using cutting-edge research on bacterial biofilms. Its active ingredients bind to magnesium, calcium, and iron found in dental biofilm, effectively removing the food source of harmful bacteria.

Virbac C.E.T. AQUADENT FR3SH Dental Solution

This water additive contains pomegranate extract, a natural antioxidant that helps reduce plaque and bacteria, as well as inulin, a prebiotic that promotes bacterial balance to fight bad breath. It has a mint scent, which some cats may enjoy, while others might not.

Oxyfresh Premium Pet Care Solution Cat & Dog Dental Water Additive

This water additive features a blend of Oxygene and zinc to eliminate bad breath, reduce plaque buildup, and protect your cat’s gums. It’s completely tasteless and odorless, so your cat won’t notice any change to their water.

Oratene Enzymatic Brushless Water Additive

This flavorless water additive contains enzymes that work together to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and reduce plaque formation. It does so by making plaque water-soluble, preventing it from binding to the teeth.

Dental Fresh Advanced Plaque & Tartar Dog & Cat Dental Water Additive

Is your cat already dealing with dental problems? This water additive is designed to help protect against the progression of moderate to severe periodontal issues when used as part of a daily oral care routine.

Water Additives for Cats: Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are some tips to help your cat accept the water additive and get the most benefit from it:

Introduce gradually

Some cats may be sensitive to changes in their water, so introduce water additives gradually. Start by adding a small portion of the recommended dose to their water dish and slowly increase as tolerated. This can help your cat adjust to any changes in taste or smell without becoming discouraged from drinking water.

Replace water daily

Water containing an additive should be dumped out and replaced daily. This helps keep the additive fresh (and most effective) and the water clean.

Ask your vet about interactions and safety

If your cat is on medication or has a health condition, check with your veterinarian to ensure the water additive won’t interfere.

The Bottom Line on Water Additives for Cats

Let’s wrap up with a reminder from one of our veterinary experts: “Water additives are a nice boost for your cat’s dental health, but they can’t replace daily brushing or regular vet checkups,” notes Dr. Denton. “Brushing is still the best way to remove plaque, and checkups help catch any issues early, so think of the additives as a helpful extra in your cat’s dental routine.”