How To Tell If A Cat Is Dehydrated
Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water. This can lead to dehydration in your feline friend, which can be life-threatening. So if you see that your cat is dehydrated, what can you do about it?
Why is water so important for cats?
It’s important to remember that cats are desert animals. Their ancestors lived in hot, dry climates and evolved to conserve water as much as possible. They don’t have a large body of water to drink from, and they don’t sweat—they lick themselves clean with their tongues. Cats also have a much smaller surface area than humans, so they absorb less moisture through their skin than we do (and even then, it’s not that much). This means that cats can get dehydrated faster than humans because they’re not able to naturally cool themselves down by sweating or panting like we do when we’re hot.
How much water does a cat need?
- How much water does a cat need? A cat should drink about 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. That’s generally about 1/8 cup for every 10 pounds of body weight per day. Cats often get most of their water from their food, so if you feed your cat dry food, you should still offer fresh water as well. You might also see that some cats drink more than others—this is normal! However, some cats don’t drink enough or too much (which can result in health problems). If your vet thinks there’s something wrong with your cat’s hydration levels, she’ll want to test this out with bloodwork and urine tests.
What are the symptoms of dehydration in cats?
If you’re concerned that your cat may be dehydrated, look for the following signs.
- Dry mouth: If you see dried saliva around their mouth or have difficulty getting them to drink water, it could be a sign that they are dehydrated.
- Dry nose: Cats with dry noses will usually lick their fur often and sneeze frequently. A sign of dehydration is when these behaviors are absent because there isn’t enough moisture in the nose for it to function normally.
- Dry skin: Cats without enough fluids in their body will tend to have dry skin which can even lead to dandruff if left untreated long enough. Their coat may also seem duller than usual and fluffier at times due to lack of moisture in the fur follicles where hair grows out from under the skin surface (known as “follicular keratinization”).
If you notice any changes like these when looking after your cat’s hydration levels then please consult a veterinarian immediately so we can treat them accordingly!
How do you give an unwell cat water?
If a cat is dehydrated, you can give water to them by using a syringe or dropper.
If the cat is conscious and able to drink on their own, use a bowl of water with some ice cubes in it to keep it cool. The water needs to be lukewarm—not hot or cold—or else they won’t want to drink it. If they don’t like lukewarm water, try giving them warm milk instead (in an amount equal to the size of their dehydration). If this doesn’t work either, then you may have no choice but to force-feed them or get medical treatment for them with an IV drip until they’re better!
If your cat isn’t in any condition for drinking on their own then there are different ways of helping them hydrate too:
- Use a syringe filled with warm milk–the same temperature as described above–and squirt into each side of their mouth until half full; then tilt back head slightly so milk drains down throat without choking. Repeat until full (about 1/4 cup).
Can you tell if a cat is dehydrated from the outside?
- A dry mouth, nose and gums is an easy sign that your cat may be dehydrated. Dryness of these areas is the body’s way of protecting itself from damage from dehydration.
- If you see dry skin, fur or eyes it could also be a sign of dehydration. If the outer layer of skin becomes dry it can crack open and become susceptible to infection which could cause more serious health problems for your pet.
- The tongue should be moist but not wet or sticky as this can lead to dental issues if left untreated over time due to bacteria build up on the teeth due to food being left behind after eating causing plaque buildup which needs regular cleaning at home but most importantly will require professional care by your vet if not addressed right away because it can lead down a path towards dental disease which can cause pain in cats as well as other symptoms such as bleeding gums so it’s important to keep their teeth clean with regular brushing!
What can you do to help keep your cat hydrated?
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your cat to the vet immediately. Your vet will likely advise you on ways you can help your cat drink more water and keep them hydrated in the meantime.
It’s also important to ensure that your cat has access to fresh water at all times: always refill the bowl when it runs low, and make sure there is clean water available for them throughout the day. This will help prevent dehydration from occurring!
Make sure your cat is getting enough water; dehydration can be life-threatening.
If you notice your cat isn’t drinking much water, she may be dehydrated. Cats are desert animals, so they naturally conserve their water intake. Dehydration can happen quickly and be life-threatening if not treated immediately. It’s important to make sure your cat is getting enough water and that it has regular access to clean, fresh water at all times.
If your cat stops drinking altogether, take her to the vet as soon as possible because this could mean organ failure or some other serious health issue is at play.
If you think your cat is dehydrated, take her to the vet immediately. She may need fluids or other treatment right away, so don’t delay! If you have any questions about how much water your cat needs, talk to your vet or pet store staff member.
