Hydration...

Well, I made it through 5 days of posting. I suppose it was inevitable I would forget one. Truth is, I did do a little writing yesterday.*
I've been watching my cat lately. He drinks a lot of water. This could be because his smaller, sleeker and more energetic sister wears him out in play, and he becomes parched. This could also, I suppose, be an indication that he has some type of kidney problem, although he isn't yet one year old, so that is probably not the case. Regardless of why, I constantly see him drinking water, and it challenges me. As a human (and a runner, no less), it is generally recommended by doctors that I drink 8 to 9 cups of water a day. I probably come in at 2 or 3, maybe 5 or 6 if I exercise a good deal. I decided to look it up online, just to verify that I was correct in thinking this. Interestingly enough, the amounts of water vary depending on the person, which makes sense. What I found even more interesting, though, was that really any fluid (as most you are likely to drink contain water) can count towards the daily requirement. This was especially encouraging to me, as I drink often of many fine libations. Here is a sampling of what I drink on a day off:
7-10am = Coffee or black tea (lately, after losing the gall bladder, I find black tea less evasive)
11am = Beer o'clock begins
2ish = I usually begin feeling gross and have a glass of water
Late afternoon/early evening = Beer o'clock continues
9-11pm = A glass or two of red wine (in the winter months, predominantly)
Before bed = a glass of water
And that is about the extent of it. Add in a protein shake made with almond milk on days where I do a lengthy run.
As you can see, I am clearly taking in a good deal of liquid, largely made up of water, so one would think sufficient hydration would be reached. One might also surmise that unchecked alcoholism is being reached, tackled and hogtied. What I didn't mention is that my boy cat enjoys beer as well. It's a guy bonding thing.
Ultimately, wrapping it back around here, if I had to guess why the cat drinks so much, I would think it has to do with the water coming continuously out of this fancy fountain we got for them. Cats like running water. It's clean, it's attractive, it's a challenge. Perhaps I should just get myself a fountain, all mythical protrusions and straight-nosed undersea babes. Early Greek Hellenic. Something I would enjoy wandering up to all day long and sipping from, or at least just batting at with my paw. Yes, there is much to learn from our animal friends. I may discuss hygiene one of these days, but currently the wife is away, and I'm just not up for an honest appraisal right now.

*Yesterday's writing consisted of mocking up a version of The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles for a work hosted cabaret. Probably not 'dangerous' material unless you consider copyright infringement dangerous. Right! No one ever got in trouble for that...