How can we identify dehydration in our feline companions, and what are the telltale signs that our cats might need some help in staying hydrated? Understanding the signs of dehydration in cats is crucial for their well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the various indicators of dehydration, why cats can become dehydrated, and how you can detect it at home.
Corks Critter Care wrote a blog on 14 Ways to Encourage a Cat to Drink Water. Dehydration of a cat can be detected by yourself or a veterinarian by detecting different signs that cats display.
Signs of Dehydration that your Cat Displays
- Sunken Eyes: Dehydrated cats may have noticeably sunken eyes, which can be a telltale sign of insufficient hydration.
- Dry, Tacky Gums: Healthy cats typically have moist gums, but dehydrated cats may exhibit dry and tacky gums.
- Poor Skin Elasticity (Turgor): You can test your cat’s skin turgor by gently pulling up the skin at the scruff of their neck and releasing it. Hydrated cats’ skin will quickly spring back to its normal position, while dehydrated cats will have slower skin recoil.
- Lack of Energy: Dehydration can make cats feel sluggish and lethargic, leading to a noticeable decrease in their usual activity levels.
- Increased Heart Rate: Dehydrated cats may have an elevated heart rate as their bodies try to compensate for the lack of fluids.
- Slow Capillary Refill Time: The capillary refill time test involves pressing a fingertip against the gum tissue above the cat’s canines and observing how quickly the pink color returns after releasing the pressure. In well-hydrated cats, it should take around 1 to 2 seconds for the color to return to normal.
- Constipation: Dehydration can lead to constipation in cats, as the lack of moisture affects their digestive system.
Testing for Dehydration at Home
You can perform quick and straightforward tests for dehydration at home to assess your cat’s hydration status. Two commonly used methods are:
Skin Turgor Test
Gently grab a generous amount of skin at the scruff of your cat’s neck.
Pull it upwards and then release it.
If your cat is well-hydrated, the skin should spring back immediately.
In dehydrated cats, the skin will retract more slowly, with the delay becoming more pronounced as dehydration worsens.
Capillary Refill Time Test
Lift your cat’s upper lip and press your fingertip against the gum tissue.
Observe the appearance of a white mark on the gum.
Count how long it takes for the pink color to return to the gum tissue after releasing the pressure.
In a hydrated cat, it should take approximately 1 to 2 seconds for the color to return to normal.
Additional Tests by Veterinarians
If you suspect that your cat is dehydrated or experiencing other health issues, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. They may recommend further tests, such as a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis, to assess electrolyte levels and kidney function. Additional tests may be necessary to investigate kidney and liver function, diabetes, or other medical concerns.
Don’t hesitate…react quickly!