Monitoring the amount of water your cat drinks daily is not easy, so you need to be able to recognize the signs of dehydration in order to quickly find a solution. Fortunately, there are easy-to-spot signs of dehydration, which we'll look at in this article, as well as "rapid home tests" to check that your cat is drinking enough.
If you think your cat is not drinking enough water, you can implement changes in your habits, in particular by creating favorable conditions to help it. However, if in doubt, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian, who will be able to rule out more serious causes and provide treatment if necessary.
Many factors influence how much water your cat should drink, from the type of food they eat to the environment you live with them. But keep in mind that if your cat does not drink water for at least two days, is vomiting or has diarrhea, it is likely that it is dehydrated. Here is how to spot the warning signs:
Summary
- Signs of dehydration in cats
- 4 tests to know if your cat is dehydrated
- The causes of dehydration in cats
- Treatment of dehydration in cats
- How much water should a cat drink?
- Why does my cat refuse to drink water?
- Does my cat have clean, fresh water available?
- Does my cat have access to a suitable water bowl?
- Is my cat's water bowl properly placed?
- Have I changed my cat's diet?
- When should I take my cat to the vet?
1- Signs of dehydration in cats
Depending on how long your cat doesn't drink water, the signs of dehydration can be hard to spot or much more severe, says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Rover team member and chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Clinic. . If your cat shows any signs that could lead to dehydration, consult a veterinarian immediately.
- sunken eyes;
- loss of skin elasticity (or prolonged “skin tent”);
- lethargy;
- sticky gums;
- glazed look.
Related: How to know if your cat is in pain: 10 unmistakable signs
2- 4 tests to know if your cat is dehydrated
For the mildest cases, Dr. Greenstein recommends observing your cat at home. If the signs indicate dehydration or if you have any doubts, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
1- The skin tent test Depending on the age of your cat, his skin should be elastic. To tell if he's dehydrated, gently gather his skin behind his shoulders and lift it slightly. Her skin should snap back into place quickly, although older cats will have less elasticity. If it forms a “tent” or drops slowly, your cat is likely dehydrated.
2- The gum test Your cat's gums should be pink and moist. If they are dry, sticky and/or pale, it means he is not feeling well. Sticky gums can be a sign of dehydration. Stand near your cat's mouth, see if his tongue is dry and if his saliva is thick and white. Gently press your finger against her gums. If the white spot left by your finger lingers for two seconds or more, it may be a sign that your cat has an extended capillary refill time, says Dr. Greenstein. You should immediately consult a veterinarian.
3- The litter box test If your cat is eating and drinking normally, she should produce a normal amount of urine. A change in urination may indicate medical issues, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian immediately. If you find that he has diarrhea or loose stools, it means he is losing fluids and may be dehydrated.
4- The eye test Cats that suffer from severe dehydration have glassy eyes. If your cat's eyes seem a little more sunken than usual and don't have their usual glow, Dr. Greenstein recommends you see a veterinarian.
3- The causes of dehydration in cats
If your cat suddenly changes its hydration habits, Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian in Los Angeles, believes an underlying disease may explain the change. "It's likely that your cat isn't feeling well and doesn't want to drink," he explains. Illnesses that can put your cat at risk of dehydration include:
- gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting or diarrhoea);
- heatstroke ;
- diabetes ;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- hyperthyroidism;
- periodontal disease;
- cancer.
Whatever the underlying cause, a lack of hydration should not be taken lightly. If your cat goes 48 to 72 hours without drinking, or if this change in habits is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, you must consult a veterinarian. The latter will ask you questions about your cat's diet and hydration, grooming habits and other behavioral changes.
4- Treatment of dehydration in cats
At the first sign of minor dehydration or when you find that your cat is drinking less water, making a few changes can make all the difference to your cat's health and prevent an emergency visit to the vet. Dr. Mahaney gives you these tips to quench your capricious feline's thirst:
1- give him wet food. Wet foods contain a good amount of water. Replacing kibble with canned foods, stews, or dehydrated foods can help her get her daily water intake;
2- add water or other hydrating liquid to your cat's food. My cats love goat's milk, which provides them with hydrating probiotics, and they love it when I add a little homemade bone broth to their breakfast bowl (beware, this recipe is cat-friendly , do not put vegetables!).
3- prepare tuna flavored ice cubes. Typically, tuna shouldn't be part of your cat's diet, but if necessary, Dr. Mahaney recommends making tuna-flavored ice cubes to give them a hydrating treat.
If your cat shows serious signs of dehydration, or if these tips do not work, you must consult a veterinarian. The latter will most certainly perform a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. He will also ask you questions in order to diagnose the underlying cause.
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5- How much water should a cat drink?
The reference value for water consumption in cats is 0.12 liters for a cat that weighs 2 kg. This means that an average sized indoor cat weighing 5 kg should consume around one cup of water per day. If you live in a warm and humid environment, if your cat is very active or spends time outdoors, it may need more water to adapt to its lifestyle.
Also note that drinking from a bowl is not the only way for your cat to replenish water. Like humans, cats also draw water from the food they eat, and those on a wet diet will drink less often than those on a dry diet.
6- Why does my cat refuse to drink water?
If you notice a sudden change in your cat's water drinking habits without other symptoms, examine their surroundings. Here are the questions to ask yourself:
7- Does my cat have clean, fresh water available?
Veterinarians recommend cleaning your cat's water bowl at least every other day using warm water and dish soap. Note, however, that some cats prefer the taste of room temperature water to that of cold water.
8- Does my cat have access to a suitable water bowl?
"When they put their face in their bowl of water to drink, their whiskers sometimes brush the side of the bowl, which can bother them," says Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian in Los Angeles. Choose a wide bowl that his whiskers won't rub against. For cats that want a more enticing source of water, you can purchase a water fountain.
9- Is my cat's water bowl properly placed?
Some cats prefer to drink in a place away from their food, and others don't like to eat or drink in the presence of other cats. Try to place his water bowl in a quiet, uncrowded area, away from his litter box and bowl.
10- Have I changed my cat's diet?
A wet diet can contain up to 80% water. When a cat switches from a dry diet to a wet diet, owners usually find that their cat drinks less water.
11- When should I take my cat to the vet?
Since water is an essential element for your cat's overall health and well-being, a lack of hydration should not be taken lightly. If your cat goes 48-72 hours without drinking, or if you notice that their drinking habits are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as a decrease in the frequency of urination or defecation, or a loss of appetite, please immediately consult a veterinarian.
Related: The most dangerous foods for cats
Indeed, an appropriate level of hydration helps keep your cat's body in good working order, whether it's blood circulation, digestion and the functioning of its organs. However, monitoring your cat's water intake and determining their water preferences can be quite difficult. And believe me, as a Rover petsitter, I've seen my fair share of wacky methods cats use to hydrate themselves!
When cats are discreet, it is all the more important to recognize the first signs of dehydration and any underlying illnesses that may be the cause. If you have any doubts about your cat's habits in this regard, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian.