Cat Dehydration: Symptoms, Treatment and How to Protect Your Pet

Your cat is the purrfect little fluff ball, but lately seems unmotivated to play. You’re also noticing your kitty’s usually bright eyes look dull and sunken in the sockets. This could be a case of feline dehydration, and that’s serious enough to get your pet to the vet.

A quick knowledge quench: when a cat loses more body fluids than it takes in, dehydration sets in, which can lead to various health issues, some severe. This blog article will cover the whole kit and caboodle about dehydration in cats. And since you’re a responsible pet owner, you’ll want to learn what the symptoms of dehydration are, what treatment looks like, and some strategies to prevent it!

DOES MY CAT DRINK ENOUGH WATER? KNOW THE SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

So, let’s dig our claws into the facts. Cats need approximately four ounces of water per five pounds of body weight. Cat owners should be aware that if their cat is not drinking enough water, it’s, well, a catalyst for dehydration. Though there may be other more serious contributors to dehydration, which we’ll get to shortly.

So, how do you know if your cat is dehydrated? The main symptoms to watch for include:

• Decreased skin elasticity
• Dry mouth/dry, tacky gums
• Lethargy
• Sunken eyes

If you notice any of these symptoms, Veterinary Emergency Group aka VEG is here for you. Reach out with any questions. A word to the wise cat parent: monitoring your pet’s water intake and watching out for signs of dehydration is crucial. If your cat regularly laps up a bowlful of water, but now barely touches it, that’s cause for concern. Regular monitoring can help in early detection and prevention of dehydration.

THE DRY FACTS OF TREATING TREAT FELINE DEHYDRATION

The 24-hour emergency veterinarian staff at VEG can provide the necessary treatment for your cat’s lack of hydration. We’ll tailor a treatment plan that best suits your pet’s needs. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• We’ll replenish fluids and electrolytes, which can be done through intravenous (IV) fluids or subcutaneous (SC) fluid therapy, depending on the severity.
• Our team will assess if there are underlying causes using various diagnostic techniques.
• You get to stay with your cat all throughout your visit!

Causes for dehydration:

• Decreased or minimal water intake
• Diabetes
• Fever
• Heatstroke
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Vomiting

Timely emergency vet intervention at VEG can make all the difference in your cat’s recovery.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY CAT DOESN’T GET DEHYDRATED?

Ready to be a hero to your pet? Here’s how to help protect your cat from dehydration:

• Water, water everywhere: Providing continuous access to fresh water is the first step in preventing dehydration. Consider multiple water stations around your home and, if needed, a cat water fountain to encourage drinking. (Don’t be surprised if they swat at the water stream a bit before taking a sip!)
• Get set for the vet: Regular veterinary check-ups can help in early detection of conditions that might lead to dehydration.
• Nutritional value: Don’t underestimate the healthful power of your cat’s meals. Understanding the dietary needs of cats and providing a balanced diet can aid in maintaining proper hydration levels.
• As sick as a dog: If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, keep a close watch for signs for dehydration.

EMERGENCY VETERINARY HELP IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Now that you know what to look for, if you observe any signs of dehydration or changes in your cat’s drinking habits, call us or come on in. Early intervention can prevent the condition from getting worse.

VEG is always opening new hospitals too, so find a VEG veterinary hospital near you and add us to your contacts! Our ERs are open 24/7 for you and your pet. We’ll triage your cat immediately and you never have to leave your fluffy feline’s side.