Can a cat die of dehydration

Can a cat die of dehydration?

Can a cat die of dehydration? You are asking yourself this question because your cat is weak, seems ill, and is no longer drinking. Suddenly you are afraid that he will die because he is not hydrated enough anymore.

And it is true that water is essential for the good health of cats. It has vital functions (renewal of the water evacuated in the urine and the stool, allows a good circulation of the blood, a good functioning of the digestive system, etc ... But can a cat die of dehydration?

Here are the answers to the following questions:

  • Why and how can a cat become dehydrated?
  • How to recognize a cat that is dehydrated?
  • How much water does a cat need to keep from becoming dehydrated?
  • How do you know how much water a cat is drinking?
  • What is the risk of my cat who no longer drinks?
  • How to rehydrate a cat?

How can a cat become dehydrated?

Dehydration in cats is caused by the cat not drinking enough water or by excessive water loss. Not only will the cat lack water in its body, it will also have a loss of essential minerals such as chloride, sodium or potassium.

Dehydration can be caused by many factors:


Can a cat die of dehydration - Symptoms

A cat that becomes dehydrated has symptoms that you should look out for:

  • Fatigue and loss of energy;
  • Loss of appetite ;
  • Decreased urine;
  • Gasps;
  • Sticky, dry gums;
  • Sunken, dull eyes;
  • Looser, less elastic skin;
  • Dull, tousled coat.

How much water should a cat drink to keep from becoming dehydrated?

By nature cats do not drink a lot. However, they must drink enough so as not to become dehydrated.

 The water needs of cats vary depending on:

  • of their age,
  • their state of health,
  • if he is active or if he sleeps all day,
  • of his typefood (wet food or croquettes),
  • weather especially for cats that live outdoors.

On average, an adult cat should drink 40 and 60 ml per kilogram of its weight. Which comes down to saying that a 5 kg cat should drink 1/4 liter of water per day (a little more than a large glass).

But in times of great heat or when a cat is hyper active, expends a lot of energy or in the case of nursing cats, the need for water is much greater.

HOW TO MOISTURIZE A CAT SO IT DOESN'T DIE FROM DEHYDRATION

How do I know if my cat is drinking enough?

It is difficult to know how much water a cat drinks during the day because you are not always there to control the amount he drinks.

To measure the amount of water your cat is drinking, you must give him the same amount of water every morning in a graduated bowl. So, at the end of the day, you will be able to assess how much he has drunk by measuring the remaining water level.

Here is a graduated bowl very useful to know exactly how much water a cat drinks during the day.

HOW TO PREVENT MY CAT FROM DEHYDRATING

Can my cat die of dehydration?

Yes, a cat can die of dehydration because in severe cases it can lead to life threatening health issues for the cat.

Why a cat can die of dehydration

Cats that are not hydrated enough produce less urine. Suddenly, their quantity of urine is more concentrated than in normal hydration. However, a too low volume of urine will promote the appearance of mineral crystals, promote the appearance of urinary stones or will cause serious effects on the kidneys ... In addition, dehydration reduces blood flow and oxygen to the kidneys. vital organs.

What can be done so that a cat does not die of dehydration?

When a cat is showing symptoms of dehydration, the first thing to do is to get to a vet right away.

Indeed, only the veterinarian will be able to assess the severity of the dehydration. In some cases, he may infuse the cat or inject it with a treatment to rehydrate it urgently.

But, the prognosis will depend on kidney damage, the age and general health of the cat.


How to avoid that one can die of dehydration?

Before you get to the risk of dying from dehydration, you can make sure your cat is drinking enough. Here are a few tips :

  • Place several water points self-service so that your cat can quench his thirst wherever he is;
  • If he doesn't want to drink, add some flavor and flavor to the water in the bowl (meat, fish broth, tuna, sardine or mackerel juice);
  • Wet its croquettes with water;
  • Alternate a few meals with pâtés or bites in sauce ;
  • Give preference to ceramic bowls, bowls or bowls, porcelain or glass rather than plastic;
  • Make sure that these water points are very clean and that the water is not stagnant (change the water regularly);
  • Install him a water fountain. In fact, it is the best equipment to make your cat want to drink water. Indeed, with a water fountain, the water is always in motion, purer because it is filtered. Thus, the cat is more attracted to this water rather than to water that is stagnant in a bowl. It's a bit the same principle as tap water that cats love to drink.
Can a cat die of dehydration - Water fountain to encourage him to drink

See also: How to hydrate a cat who refuses to drink?

At what age does a kitten drink water?

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