How to Treat a Dehydrated Cat

Like our bodies, a cat’s body is largely comprised of water. To keep her muscles and skin flexible and strong, and be able to transport nutrients throughout her body, it is imperative that a cat remain hydrated. Unfortunately, through vomiting caused by illness, lack of available water or extreme summer heat, a cat may become dehydrated. When this occurs, she needs immediate cat care.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check your cat’s hydration level by gently pinching up a bit of skin on her back. It should quickly return to its natural position. If her skin returns to normal slowly, call your veterinarian.
2. Notice your cat’s mouth and eyes. A dry mouth is a symptom of dehydration and sunken eyes indicate it is severe. In addition, a cat that seems too exhausted to move should see a vet right away.
3. Provide water immediately to a cat that shows signs of dehydration, but don’t let her drink too much. If she has gone a long time without drinking, she may vomit if she consumes a lot of water right away. Let her drink in stages until she quenches her thirst.
4. Give your cat some electrolytes to speed her hydration and recovery. Keep a bottle of electrolyte-rich drinking water on hand for cat care and give her some at the first sign of dehydration. Find it in the infant food aisle of the supermarket.
5. Probe your cat’s mouth for an obstruction that may cause her to shun drinking. A cat will sometimes get a small bone or stick lodged sideways in the roof of their mouth. An obstruction will hinder their drinking ability. If your cat refuses to comply with your examination, wrap her gently in a towel to calm her as you check her mouth.
6. Offer ice chips to a cat that is vomiting water. Sometimes a dehydrated cat needs to take in fluids slowly to keep them down. Ice provides a cooling way to hydrate your cat slowly. Make sure you offer it in small chips, not cubes.

Tips & Warnings

• Call your veterinarian for cat care advice if your cat shows signs of dehydration and they don’t improve quickly with your treatments. Dehydration is a serious and dangerous condition.