Signs of dehydration in cats include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry/tacky gums, loss of appetite, decreased urination, and poor skin elasticity (skin tenting), where skin pinched on the shoulders snaps back slowly. Dehydration often signals a serious underlying illness like kidney disease or diabetes, so contacting a vet immediately is crucial if you suspect it, as treatment involves fluid therapy and addressing the root cause.
Bone broth and goats milk sold at many pet stores are great hydration additions to any cats diet and a very exciting treat for them as well. Water fountains usually entice cats to drink more water. With older cats I really recommend asking your vet about administering sub q fluids at home.
Symptoms of dehydration
There are also certain signs to look out for that could indicate your dog or cat is dehydrated, which include:
Changes in your cat's urinary habits, such as increased urination or constipation, could be symptoms of dehydration. Try to monitor your pet's litter box behavior, as this can better help you understand your cat's overall health and condition.
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
Frequent or ongoing meowing or howling. Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox. Tail flicking. Won't eat or reduced appetite.
Wet food is more beneficial to cats for hydration and palatability, while dry food is convenient and can be cost-effective. Since wet cat food has a higher moisture content than dry food, it can be beneficial for cats who don't drink enough water.
Dehydrated cats often exhibit lethargy and weakness. They may be less active, sleep more than usual, and show little interest in playing or interacting. Dehydration reduces the volume of blood and oxygen that reaches the muscles, leading to fatigue.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats need to consume about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight per day, so the average 10-pound cat should drink about one cup of water per day.
Is it dehydration or something else?
Severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:
You can test for dehydration at home with the skin turgor test (pinching skin on your hand or abdomen; slow return means dehydration) or by checking urine color (darker means more dehydrated) and observing for other signs like a dry mouth, fatigue, or lack of tears in children. While simple, these methods aren't always precise, especially in older adults, so see a doctor for severe symptoms like skin tenting or persistent vomiting.
Fluids can be administered by mouth, using a syringe. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how much and how often to administer fluids. If your cat cannot be given fluids by mouth, your veterinarian will hospitalize your cat to provide the necessary supportive care.
Cats can survive without water for 2-3 days, but after 24 hours without water, cats will become dehydrated. Dehydration then causes stress on their organs, which can lead to other complications such as organ failure. Cats should have access to fresh water every day.
You can try to make your cats drink more water by flavoring it with a bit of tuna juice or chicken broth. If your cat eats dry food switch to canned. Canned food simply has more moisture.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats that are ill usually show changes in overall appearance, energy level, sociability, coat appearance, and/or amount of shedding, appetite, litter box usage, breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. In general, any sudden change should alert you that your cat needs veterinary attention.
Bonding and Affection: A Sign of Trust
Cats don't show affection in the same way dogs do, but choosing to sleep near you is a clear sign of their bond with you. Your cat's decision to rest at your feet signals that they feel safe in your presence. This behavior can also be a form of companionship.
If your cat's dehydration has reached a severe level, she may have sunken eyes and may look quite sick in the face as well. The sunken eyes symptom may also be accompanied with eyes that look glossy, which is another sign of a sick cat. If your cat looks like she has sunken eyes, take her to the vet as soon as you can.
Contact your vet right away if you believe that your cat isn't drinking enough water. Dehydration can be an indication of a serious underlying condition such as kidney disease, heatstroke, or diabetes. When it comes to your cat's health it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Offering canned food or low sodium chicken broth can be helpful to help rehydrate cats and replace any electrolytes they've lost. If they're sick or losing fluids, through vomit or diarrhea, they should be seen by a vet right away.
Two cans of wet food a day might be enough for a small or less active cat, but it often isn't sufficient for an average adult cat, who usually needs more calories, potentially 2-4 cans depending on size, activity, and food density; always check the can's feeding guide and your vet's advice. An average 10-pound cat needs about 280 calories, which could be two 5.5oz cans or three 3oz cans, so 2 cans might be short for many cats, especially larger or more energetic ones.
The 25% Rule for cat food, established by AAFCO, means if a food is named something like "Chicken Dinner," "Chicken Entrée," or "Chicken Platter," the named ingredient (chicken) must make up at least 25% of the total weight (excluding water), but less than 95%. This rule indicates a significant amount of the main ingredient but less than a "Chicken Cat Food" (95%). The named ingredient must also be at least 10% of the total diet when water is included, and if multiple ingredients are listed, they must collectively meet the 25% minimum.
Many cats, like humans, prefer their beverages chilled. You'll promote more water consumption if you serve it cold. It's hard to keep refilling your kitty's water bowl, but luckily you can buy products that keep it chilled for hours.