4 Signs That Your Cat Is Dehydrated

Hydration is essential for keeping your feline healthy, as water helps regulate their bodily functions. While every cat is different, they all have similar hydration needs. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, a cat requires "about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight per day." This means a 10-pound kitty should drink the equivalent of a glass of water, or 8 ounces, every day. Cats that eat more wet food may drink slightly less due to getting more of their water intake from their meals.

Cats can easily become dehydrated, especially if they have an underlying health issue. Dehydration has the greatest impact on kittens and older cats, but any feline can become dehydrated due to illness, injury, a lack of access to enough water, and their environment. Watching for the common signs of dehydration, such as pale gums, vomiting, or lethargy, is always important, but it becomes even more crucial if your cat has experienced a recent illness.

One of the most common signs (and causes) of dehydration in cats is vomiting and loose stool, both of which cause a quick loss of fluids. In addition, your feline may not be able to eat or drink enough to replace the lost fluids. Underlying GI issues can also exacerbate symptoms, resulting in a looping cycle of symptoms and increasing dehydration. Further, your cat may stop eating due to feeling nauseated or unwell, decreasing their water intake even more.

If your cat is dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, they may also urinate less. You might notice fewer trips to the litter box, or less urine volume within. You can monitor this by scooping your cat's litter daily and measuring the amount of urine clumps in the litter. There are also special cat litters available that can change color or measure urine output. However, decreased urination may be harder to spot, especially if your cat is already frequently running to the box to have diarrhea.

Normally, a cat's gums are moist and bright pink. However, a dehydrated feline's lips might seem to stick to their gums, with the latter potentially appearing pale or white. In addition, your cat's saliva may be thicker or gooey compared to normal, possibly leading to eating difficulties; they may also be less interested in their food.

To check your cat's gums, gently hold them in your lap and lift their lips. You can also softly press a finger against the gums for 1-2 seconds and then see how quickly color comes back to them. If they seem dry, stay pale, are slow to return to a normal color, or your finger sticks to them, this could indicate that something is wrong, including dehydration.

The skin turgor or elasticity test, also known as the "skin tent test," is one of the most commonly used techniques to check a feline's hydration status. It's a noninvasive test you can perform at home using the extra skin over your cat's shoulders, giving you quick results to determine if something is wrong.

To start, gently place your cat in your lap or on a table where you can easily reach the loose skin behind their neck. Using your fingers, gently pinch the skin between your cat's shoulder blades and pull it upward, making a "tent" shape. In healthy, hydrated cats, the skin will quickly snap back into its normal position. If the skin seems sticky, or is slow to return to normal, this can indicate dehydration. Typically, the slower the return to normal the greater the dehydration. However, older cats and certain skin-related diseases can affect this.

Never ignore weakness and lethargy in your cat, as these are general signs that something is wrong. If you see them in tandem with other symptoms of dehydration, something serious could be going on. You might notice other odd behaviors as well, such as a cat that is panting or seems out of sorts. A very dehydrated feline may also have sunken eyes in addition to weakness and lethargy.

Cats that are weak or lethargic from underlying illnesses may have a harder time getting to their food or water, reducing their ability to rehydrate. In addition, they may feel too weak or unwell to eat. Panting can also be a sign of pain, which may point to the problem causing your cat's dehydration. Lastly, fevers in cats can exacerbate dehydration through increased fluid loss. While each symptom on its own doesn't immediately point to dehydration, this combo together is a definite cause for concern that should have you calling your vet.

If you suspect your cat is severely dehydrated or ill, the best course of action is always to seek care from your veterinarian. Some of the most common illnesses that can cause dehydration include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, GI diseases, diabetes, and even some medications, per Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Your vet can give fluids, diagnose any underlying issues, and provide long-term treatment as needed. In addition, you should never try to force your cat to drink water, as this could make problems worse.

There are a few ways you can help at home to make sure your cat gets enough water to prevent dehydration. Always offer plenty of water and wet food to entice your cat to drink more. Wet food has a higher moisture content, which can help keep your cat hydrated. In addition, a cat water fountain can encourage drinking. You also want to make sure other pets or people don't block your cat's water access. Providing additional drinking locations out of the way can help.