Switching to mixed feeding for cat hydration

Moving a 7-year-old Tonkinese from dry-only to mixed feeding is one of the best things you can do for her long-term health right now. Cats evolved in arid desert environments and have a naturally low thirst drive — which means most cats on dry food are chronically underhydrated without their owners ever realising it. That chronic low-level dehydration puts real strain on the kidneys over time, and kidney disease is actually the leading cause of death in older cats. Adding wet food is one of the two most effective ways to fix that (a water fountain is the other). Before I point you in the right direction: does your Tonkinese have any kidney or urinary issues already, and has your vet flagged anything at her last check-up?

That's the ideal time to make the switch — before there's a problem, not after. At seven, she's entering the age range where kidneys start to come under pressure, so you're thinking about this at exactly the right moment. A few quick questions so I can point you to the right wet food: is she a good eater generally, or is she fussy? And is she a healthy weight, or does your vet ever mention she's carrying a little extra?

Perfect — a good eater who's a healthy weight makes this straightforward. My recommendation is Royal Canin Sensory Feel wet food pouches in gravy. It's a complete wet food designed specifically to engage cats through texture, which helps with the transition from dry food (the different mouthfeel is often what catches dry-food cats off guard). Each pouch delivers a significant amount of moisture — wet food is typically around 80% water versus around 10% in kibble, so you're dramatically increasing her daily fluid intake just by swapping one meal. Start by replacing one of her two daily meals with a pouch for the first week or two, then move to two wet meals once she's settled. Keep a small amount of dry food available if she seems unsatisfied early on, then phase it down. It's widely available on Amazon UK and reasonably priced for the quality.

Wet food does the heavy lifting — a cat eating two pouches a day is getting roughly the same water intake as a cat drinking from a bowl several times a day, so you're in a genuinely good place. That said, I'd still suggest adding a simple water fountain at some point. Cats are instinctively more attracted to moving water than still water, and having one means she's always got a top-up option. It also gives you peace of mind on the days she eats slightly less. The Catit Flower Fountain is the one I'd suggest — it's inexpensive, easy to clean, and well-proven. But if budget or simplicity is a factor, get the wet food sorted first — that's where 80% of the benefit comes from.

Great call. Go with the Royal Canin Sensory Feel in gravy to start — the texture tends to win over cats that have only ever eaten kibble. One meal a day for the first week, then two once she's on board. If she ever seems reluctant, try warming the pouch slightly in a bowl of hot water for a minute — the smell carries more and most cats find it irresistible. You're doing the right thing for her kidneys at exactly the right age.