Not many pet owners realize how thirsty their cats are. Cats get thirsty more than other animals because of their origin. They are descendants of the desert cats that stayed hydrated by eating the right foods. Being skillful hunters, cats got their food and thirst breakers from their prey.
Today, domesticated cats do not have to struggle with the survival techniques of their ancestors. Moist is raised within the comfort of a loving environment free from the heat and lack of food. However, despite the luxury and comfort, the biology of felines hasn’t changed much. They need enough water to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, when the cat is not on a raw pet diet and mainly consumes dry food, the chances of getting dehydrated are high. Most cats never feel the urge to drink water, which makes it even riskier.
Sadly, this has led most cats into a state of chronic dehydration that costs their health. When the cats are not in their optimal state of health, they risk getting sick and suffering from all sorts of ailments.
It is the responsibility of cat parents to ensure this does not happen. It would be best if you always were on the lookout to ensure that your cat gets all it needs to stay healthy and disease-free.
Knowing when the Cat is dehydrated
Cats show certain symptoms of dehydration as advised by vet officers. But before we get to that, you need to understand what could be causing the dehydration status.
Causes of Dehydration in Cats
Several factors could trigger dehydration in cats. Some are obvious, while others may seem strange. They include:
- Dry food. Feeding your cat kibble only risks dehydration. A cat can easily become chronically dehydrated after eating kibble for a long time because they do not naturally feel the urge to drink water.
- Environmental factors. The environment can trigger dehydration when it is hot and dry outside.
- Activity. The more active a cat is, the more hydration it needs.
- Restricting movements. You must set the cat free to reach the eater dish whenever possible.
- Biology effects. Flat-faced cats suffer more dehydration because they are mostly overweight and tend to overheat and dehydrate faster.
- Other cats bully your cat. Because of territory and boundaries, some cats protect water as a valuable resource, especially if it is clean.
Signs of Dehydration
Vet officers have specific signs to look out for as potential symptoms of dehydration. These include:
- Lethargy /energy loss
- Refusal to eat
- Dry, tacky gums
- Panting
- Sunken eyes
Restoring the Cat after Dehydration
There are a few measures you can try at home. First, ensure a visible bowl of water is in the cat’s path. Also, check that the food is not too dry. Finally, try to switch to a raw pet diet and see the difference.
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