It was Summer Sunday afternoon, and everything was going well. Kids were playing on the lawn, my cat was sleeping, and I was working on my laptop. I was thinking about how life was going peacefully after welcoming the new member, Catsy. It’s been 4 months since we brought her home. Everyone was happy and joyed, With time, even Catsy adopted this home as hers, she was looking happy.

Amid ongoing thoughts, I saw Catsy coughing, thought it was a normal cough but suddenly she vomited. She started crying and this made me scared. I took her and rushed to the vet. In the midway, my cat fainted, and this frightened me more. When the checkup was done, the doctor told me that it was due to dehydration .

At this moment Catsy was saved, and immediate action and treatment prevented further mishappening, but to make sure this doesn’t happen with your pet, you should be aware of these issues. In this blog, we will cover dehydration and its causes and impact.

Dehydration is a situation where the body of the cat loses more fluid than it takes in, leading to water deficiency and essential minerals like sodium, and potassium. Water is essential for the body to function. Although it doesn’t contain any nutrients, it helps in nutrient absorption in the body. Other functions include proper digestion, maintaining body temperatures, maintaining stool quality, extracting waste from the body, and many more. Someone wisely said “ “Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium.

Apart from not drinking enough water, other reasons contribute equally to the dehydration problem. They occur rarely but are important to look upon. Here’s the list:

1. Increased Fluid Loss

Conditions like vomiting and diarrhoea lead to significant loss of fluids from the body. Lack of fluid and not drinking water for longer periods can lead to dehydration in cats.

2. Environmental Factors

During summer or humid weather, the body tends to release fluids to maintain the body temperature and to keep it cool. During this process, the body loses a lot of fluids. If the water intake is not proper, the body will not be able to maintain its temperature which will lead to dehydration.

3. Underlying Medical Conditions

There are some conditions which also lead to water loss. Even in normal weather or with proper water intake, there are chances that your pet can suffer dehydration. Diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease can disrupt the fluid balance and can lead to dehydration.

It is very important to have knowledge about the signs and symptoms of dehydration. When a cat is suffering from these kinds of problems, they show some unusual movements or behaviours, this can seem normal but can be very crucial. Ignoring them can put your pet in danger. So, just to make you aware, effective signs are listed below:

1. Weakness in Cat

A cat suffering from dehydration loses all its energy levels. He will become lethargic and will resist any physical activities like playing, jumping, and interacting. Etc.

2. Loss of Appetite

When a cat is suffering from any dehydration, their organs will not function properly which leads to less absorption of nutrients. Due to this, cats lose their appetite. They will resist eating or drinking anything.

3. Constipation

Water plays a major role in bowel movements. Dehydration disturbs bodily functions such as digestion or absorption, which ultimately affects bowel movements. The stool will be very infrequent. And uncertain.

4. Decreased Skin Elasticity: The Skin Tent Test

Perform the skin tent test on your cat. Gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck, if the skin returns quickly to the normal position then your pet is having good water intake but if not then probably he is suffering from dehydration.

Keeping some of these things in check can prevent your pet from dehydration. If taken care of at home, there is a chance that your pet will never face dehydration. Below are the listed points:

Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh and clean water. As cats are active animals, place multiple bowls in the corners of the house so they can drink water whenever they want. If possible make a routine for them to drink water.

Keeping track is recommendable. Always pay attention to how much your cat is drinking water. It is recommended that an average-sized cat should drink approximately 400-500 ml of water every day, so ensure that your cat is drinking that much water or not. If you notice a significant decrease in water intake, always prefer to consult a veterinarian.

Provide a balanced and nutritious diet to your cat. Consider including Omega-6 acids, minerals like sodium, and potassium, and vitamins in your pet’s diet. Try to avoid giving dry food to your cat, offer wet food to your cat, or add water to the dry food.

During summer or warm days, there are high chance that your cat can suffer heatstroke. Leaving your cat in open areas or a packed parked car can be dangerous as it increases the chances of heatstroke. Instead, keep them in the shade, or a cooler place, such as under a fan or air conditioner.

Water, a non-caloric drink holds a major responsibility in your pet’s body functions. Water plays an ambient role in regulating bodily functions like digestion, nutrition absorption, temperature regulation, waste elimination, and several other functions. Proper water intake keeps the immune system, skin and coat, and organs healthy, shiny, and strong.

A cat who drinks more water feels much fresher and is more active in comparison to other cats with less water intake. A pet parent can also increase the water intake by including wet foods. These foods contain moisture that provides ease in eating and also completes the water requirement. 

According to the veterinarian, a healthy cat needs 50-60 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This amount can vary according to the diet, activity levels, or health. For example:

If your cat weighs 7 kg, then the minimum litres of water that he should drink is 350-420 millilitres of water which converts to approx 0.4 litres of water.

Although dehydration can be treated at home. Through proper care and diet, a normal pet parent can control the problem without consulting a vet or any medications but sometimes due to negligence, things can go out of hand. Here are the signs:

• Persistent vomiting

• No urination for an extended Period

• Rapid breathing

• When your pet collapses

• Dry, sticky gums.

So, just like humans, cats have also minimum criteria to fulfil. By understanding the signs and symptoms of dehydration, we can proactively take some actions or consult a vet. At Supertails, we understand the seriousness of the situation and also understand your condition when your pet suffers from dehydration. That’s why we have all the medicines required for a cat suffering from it. On top of that, we also have one of the best vet doctors in the town. 

While human electrolyte drinks may contain some similar components, they are not formulated for cats and may contain ingredients that are harmful to them. It's crucial to never administer any medications or supplements to your cat without consulting your veterinarian. They can recommend appropriate fluids and electrolytes specifically designed for feline patients.

There are several ways to encourage your cat to drink more water:

• Provide multiple water sources: Place water bowls in different locations throughout the house.

• Use a water fountain: The running water often entices cats to drink more.

• Add flavour to the water: Consider adding a small amount of low-sodium broth or a splash of tuna water to their water bowl.

• Offer wet food: Wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food, helping to increase fluid intake.

If your cat is in the early stage of dehydration, then through home remedies you can try to rehydrate the cat. But the the situation is serious and your cat is showing signs like persistent vomiting, nausea, and no urination for a longer period then it can be harmful to attempt to rehydrate your cat at home using homemade solutions. Incorrectly prepared solutions can cause serious health problems. If your cat is dehydrated, seek immediate veterinary care.

Monitor your cat's water intake and observe their overall behaviour. A healthy cat should drink regularly throughout the day. Signs of adequate hydration include a shiny coat, regular urination, and normal energy levels.