Introduction
Dehydration in cats is a serious condition that occurs when the cat’s body loses more fluid than it takes in. Dehydration happens because of an imbalance of water and electrolytes in the body. It can occur slowly over time in a chronic form, or happen rapidly in an acute form.
Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe. Mild dehydration constitutes a 3-5% loss of body weight in fluid. Moderate dehydration involves a 6-8% loss, and severe dehydration refers to a deficit of over 10%. Dehydration greater than 12% can be life-threatening if left untreated.
This article will provide an overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dehydration in cats. We will examine the risk factors that make cats prone to becoming dehydrated, and provide tips on when veterinary attention is advised. Proper hydration is essential for a cat’s health, so understanding dehydration and how to avoid it is key for any cat owner.
Causes of Dehydration
Some of the most common causes of dehydration in cats include:
Not Drinking Enough Water
Cats who do not drink enough water are at risk for dehydration. This can happen if water is not readily available, if the cat does not like the taste or temperature of the water, or if the cat has a decreased thirst drive (Cornell Feline Health Center). Providing fresh, clean water in multiple locations can help encourage water intake.
Illnesses
Certain illnesses can lead to dehydration in cats. These include:
- Kidney disease – Damaged kidneys have trouble concentrating urine, leading to increased water loss (WebMD).
- Hyperthyroidism – This condition increases metabolism, leading to more water loss (PetMD).
- Diarrhea – Loose stools lead to excessive fluid loss from the body (Cornell).
- Vomiting – Throwing up leads to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances (WebMD).
- Fever – High body temperatures increase water requirements (PetMD).
Symptoms
Some of the key symptoms of dehydration in cats include:
Dry gums: Dehydrated cats often have dry, sticky gums rather than the normal moist, pink gums. You can check for this by lifting your cat’s lips and feeling their gums with your finger. Dry gums indicate a lack of hydration (Source).
Sunken eyes: Dehydration causes the eyes to appear sunken into the sockets. This happens as the body tissues shrink due to fluid loss (Source).
Lethargy: Dehydrated cats tend to be extremely tired and lethargic. They have little energy or interest in normal activity.
Loss of appetite: Dehydration frequently causes a loss of appetite in cats. They do not feel like eating or drinking.
Dry nose: The nose may appear dry instead of moist. You can check this by touching your cat’s nose gently.
Weakness: Dehydrated cats often have muscle weakness and seem generally unwell. They may have trouble standing or walking normally.
Diagnosis
There are several methods vets use to diagnose dehydration in cats:
Physical Exam
During the physical exam, the vet will check for symptoms like dry gums, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, and elevated heart rate. They may also pinch the skin on the back of the neck to see if it snaps back quickly. Delayed skin tenting can indicate dehydration (<1>).
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood tests like a packed cell volume (PCV) test can measure the percentage of red blood cells compared to plasma. A high PCV indicates thicker blood and potential dehydration. A urinalysis can check for concentrated urine and signs of kidney issues (<2>).
Skin Elasticity Test
The skin elasticity test involves gently pulling up on the skin over the shoulders or back and timing how long it takes to flatten back down. Skin that is slow to snap back can signify dehydration (<3>).
<1> https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hydration
<2> https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/dehydration-cats
<3> https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/dehydration
Risk Factors
Certain cats are at higher risk of becoming dehydrated than others. The main risk factors include:
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Older cats – Senior cats tend to drink less water and can have medical conditions like kidney disease that increase dehydration risk (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine).
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Obese cats – Excess body fat increases dehydration risk, especially in warm weather (How to Tell If Your Cat Is Dehydrated: 7 Signs to Watch for).
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Outdoor cats in summer – Hot temperatures cause cats to lose more fluids through panting and sweating (Cat Dehydration: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments).
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Chronic diseases – Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism increase dehydration risk (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine).
Treatment
The main treatment for dehydration in cats is fluid therapy to restore hydration and electrolyte balance. This is typically done either through subcutaneous fluids injected under the skin or intravenous fluids directly into the veins. The vet will determine the appropriate fluid amounts and types based on the cat’s specific needs.
Subcutaneous fluid administration involves using a needle to inject fluids into the space between the skin and underlying tissues. This allows for slower absorption but doesn’t require shaving and catheter placement. It can be performed at home by owners after training.
Intravenous fluids are administered directly into the vein through an IV catheter. This provides faster hydration than the subcutaneous method. IV fluids are given in a veterinary clinic with the cat closely monitored during administration. The vet may give an initial fast-infusing bolus then sustained fluids at a slower rate.
In addition to fluids, vets may prescribe appetite stimulants to encourage eating and drinking. Improving food and water intake helps sustain hydration. Appetite stimulants like mirtazapine are given orally as a tablet or liquid.
With prompt veterinary treatment and at-home care, most cats can fully recover from dehydration within 24-48 hours. Ongoing hydration support may be needed for cats with chronic kidney disease or other conditions causing frequent dehydration.
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent dehydration in cats:
Provide fresh, clean water daily. Cats should have access to fresh water at all times. Refresh water bowls a few times a day and wash them thoroughly.[1]
Feed wet food. Canned cat food has a high moisture content which helps cats stay hydrated. Aim for at least half the diet to be wet food.[2]
Get a cat water fountain. The sound and movement of the water can encourage drinking. Ensure the fountain is cleaned regularly.[3]
Use air conditioning in summer. Preventing overheating helps minimize fluid loss through panting and sweating.[2]
Outlook
With prompt treatment the prognosis for a cat with dehydration is generally good. According to PetMD, mild to moderate dehydration can often be successfully treated with supplemental fluids given under the skin or intravenously. This helps to restore the fluid balance in the cat’s body.
However, severe dehydration can be fatal if not treated quickly. Very severe fluid loss of over 15% can result in shock, organ damage and death (https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/dehydration). The longer a cat goes without fluids, the higher the risk of complications. That’s why it’s critical to seek emergency veterinary care if a cat is showing signs of advanced dehydration.
With aggressive rehydration therapy and treatment of the underlying cause, many cats can make a full recovery from dehydration. However, the prognosis depends on factors like the cat’s overall health and how rapidly treatment was received. In acute cases, dehydration can be fatal within 48 hours if untreated (https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/is-my-cat-dehydrated). So vigilance and prompt veterinary care are key.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is showing concerning signs of dehydration, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Some key symptoms that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
Lethargy – Extreme tiredness and lack of energy can be an indicator of severe dehydration. A dehydrated cat may seem weak, less active, or unwilling to move around.
Dry gums – Dehydrated cats often have tacky or dry gums instead of nice and moist pink gums. You can check this by lifting your cat’s lips and feeling their gums.
Weakness – Severe dehydration can result in loss of strength and muscle control. Your cat may have trouble standing up or seem unable to jump up onto furniture.
Vomiting – Repeated vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration as fluid is lost. Seek prompt vet care if vomiting persists.
Diarrhea – Like vomiting, frequent diarrhea depletes the body of water and electrolytes. Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours requires veterinary attention.
Not eating – A dehydrated cat may show no interest in food or water. This signals the dehydration is advanced and putting your cat’s health at risk.
Don’t wait if your cat is displaying any of the above symptoms. Call your vet or visit an emergency animal hospital right away. Severe dehydration can be fatal if left untreated. Acting quickly improves the chances of a full recovery with prompt veterinary fluid therapy and supportive care.
Conclusion
In summary, dehydration in cats is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. The main causes include excessive fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lack of water intake, and underlying diseases like kidney failure. Common symptoms to watch for are lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, and thick saliva. Veterinary diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and assessment of hydration status. High-risk cats include kittens, senior cats, outdoor cats in hot weather, and cats with chronic medical conditions. Treatment focuses on fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, electrolyte balancing, and addressing the underlying cause. Preventing dehydration involves ensuring access to fresh water, feeding wet food, and monitoring cats prone to urinary or GI issues. While dehydration can become life-threatening if severe, timely veterinary care and following prevention guidelines can help cats avoid this dangerous condition.