Is Your Cat Drinking Enough Water? Signs of Dehydration to Watch For
Table of Contents
- Monitor Water Intake
- Dry Mouth
- Sunken Eyes
- Skin Elasticity Test
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Poor Appetite
- Encourage Drinking
- When to Call the Vet
1. Monitor Water Intake
The first step is knowing how much water your
cat normally drinks. Make note of the water level in their bowl throughout the
day. A healthy cat should take in around 1 oz of water per pound of body weight
daily. If intake drops significantly, dehydration may be developing.
2. Dry Mouth
Gently open your cat's mouth and check for
tacky gums or saliva reduction. Dry sticky gums indicate inadequate hydration.
You can also stroke their ear - a properly hydrated cat will have cool, moist
ear skin.
3. Sunken Eyes
Dehydration causes the eyeballs to appear more
sunken into the sockets. Check for this along with dry eyes or thick mucus
discharge. Sunken eyes signal a 5% or more fluid loss.
4. Skin Elasticity Test
Use your thumb and forefinger to gently pinch
the skin over your cat's shoulders, with fur pinched between. Release - the
skin should snap right back. If it stays tented, your cat is likely dehydrated.
5. Lethargy
Severe dehydration depletes electrolytes like
sodium and potassium that nerves need to function. Watch for unusual lethargy,
muscle weakness, or unsteadiness on the feet. Your cat may lose interest in
playing or seem generally fatigued.
6. Constipation
Dehydration causes the colon to draw extra
fluid from the body for stool formation. Constipation is a common result. Look
for straining, hard stools, or no stools for over 24 hours. Vomiting and loss
of appetite may also occur.
7. Poor Appetite
A dehydrated cat often doesn't feel well
enough to eat normally. Weight loss, reduced appetite or disinterest in
favorite foods can signal inadequate hydration. Cats who stop eating for more
than 24 hours need veterinary assessment.
8. Encourage Drinking
To promote water intake at home, give your cat
wet food, kitten milk or broths. Place multiple bowls around your home and
change water daily. Consider adding a pet drinking fountain. Track intake to
make sure it increases.
9. When to Call the Vet
Contact your vet if you notice multiple
dehydration symptoms, or if symptoms last more than 24 hours. Dehydration in
kittens and elderly cats is especially dangerous. IV fluids may be needed to
restore hydration. Catching dehydration early vastly improves the prognosis.
Conclusion
Watch for reduced drinking, dry mouth, sunken
eyes, poor skin elasticity, lethargy, constipation and appetite loss. Make
water readily available, incorporate wet food, and monitor intake daily. With
vigilance, you can keep your cat properly hydrated and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should my cat drink per day?
The general guideline is 1 oz of water per
pound of body weight per day. A 10 lb cat needs around 10 oz daily. Intake
varies based on diet, activity level and health status.
What are some tips to get my cat to drink
more?
Try different water bowls, filtered water,
fountains, ice cubes, canned food, broths, kitten milk or veterinary hydration
aids. Place bowls throughout your home and keep them freshly filled.
What causes dehydration in cats?
Excess fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea or
diabetes, inadequate water intake, fever, hot weather, mouth pain, kidney
disease, and some medications can all contribute to dehydration in cats.
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Monitor for reduced drinking, dry sticky gums,
sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, lethargy, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea,
and poor appetite. Your vet can do a skin turgor test also.
When should I take my dehydrated cat to the
vet?
Contact your vet promptly if symptoms last
more than 24 hours or if your cat is showing multiple signs of dehydration.
Kittens, seniors and ill cats need quick veterinary assessment to restore fluid
balance.
