My cat drinks a lot of water each day so how can he be dehydrated? This is a question I am asked very often by feline owners. To understand dehydration we should define what the term means. Dehydration occurs when the total body water decreases below normal. Clinical detection of dehydration is usually noted after 5% of body weight in water has been lost. A loss of 12% or more is life threatening.
However, the loss of water is only a part of the problem. Body water contains essential electrolytes that help stabilize the fluid and nutrients within the cells. Thus dehydration also occurs on the cellular level as well as the total body level. If dehydration is severe enough then the intake of additional fluid will not be enough. The added fluid may actually dilute the concentration of electrolytes left in the body fluid. In cases like this special fluids are needed to re-hydrate and replenish the electrolytes and water balance of the debilitated feline patient.
Many things may cause dehydration. Vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight losses due to metabolic disease, physical injury with pain causing anorexia and/or the lack of adequate food and water intake are all causes of dehydration. Dehydration may also cause lethargy, staggering, and constipation in your kitty and is very serious if left untreated.
During routine physical exams, your Veterinarian will assess your cat for dehydration by performing a simple “skin pinch test”. Your Doctor will gently lift the skin from the body and note how long it takes the skin to return to its normal position over the muscular layer beneath it. Generally the amount of delay is related to the amount of dehydration present in your kitty. This is a very simplified explanation of the test. Your Veterinarian will consider this assessment along with the results of the rest of the exam. He or she may also request laboratory tests for further diagnosis and treatment of your cat’s condition.
Cats that eat wet food (fluid filled) may not drink as much water from a bowl as cats that eat only dry food. Debilitated cats, whether it be from arthritis or other illness, will need more fluid in their diet to be sure they are not becoming dehydrated. The same is true of the very young and the very old cat. Make it a point to be sure that your cat has fresh water daily. Note how much is consumed each day. Bowls of water should ideally be placed in different areas of the house for easy access by your pet. Outdoor pets should also be granted the same treatment. It is never fun to be thirsty. Dehydration is a state beyond “just thirst.” It is a condition that may easily become fatal.
Always be aware of your cat’s eating and drinking habits. Your daily observations may be life saving!
