Under What Conditions Should A Rehydration Solution For Cats Be Used?

Dehydration is very common in cats and can lead to serious problems very quickly. It is therefore necessary to be extremely vigilant because this animal feels little thirst. As a result, he tends not to drink enough. The risks are all the greater if the little feline is fed exclusively on kibble, if it is sick or if it suffers from heat stroke. All masters should know how to spot the symptoms of dehydration in their cat in order to remedy them as quickly as possible. In some cases, a rehydration solution is sufficient, but it may also be urgent to consult a veterinarian.

Dehydration: Symptoms In Cats

As soon as the cat’s body no longer contains enough water, it can no longer function normally. Dehydration leads to disruption of blood circulation, dysregulation of body temperature, lack of joint lubrication. The organs function in slow motion, the toxins are no longer eliminated or even the waste… The repercussions on the health of the cat are not long in manifesting themselves.

Generally, the signs of dehydration do not deceive. The cat shows the following symptoms:

• Panting,
• loss of appetite,
• Lethargy,
• state of depression,
• Transit problems (diarrhea, constipation),
• Vomiting,
• His gums are dry or even sticky,
• His skin is less elastic,
• The cat licks less than usual and may even completely stop grooming.

A severe dehydration can cause the death of the cat in a few hours. It therefore warrants urgent consultation.

When To Use A Rehydration Solution For Cats?

If the cat is severely dehydrated, the veterinarian resorts to intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy. It is essential to quickly rehydrate the small animal.

However, if the dehydration is moderate, the master of the cat can himself give his little protege the necessary care. To do this, he must:

• Start by giving the animal a rehydration solution for cats,
• Encourage the cat to drink little at a time but regularly,
• Opt for wet food instead of kibble, but this change in diet should not be brutal because it may cause digestive problems.

The rehydration solution used at home is therefore a possible solution in the event of moderate dehydration which does not require an emergency IV.

What Is A Rehydration Solution For Cats?

This ready to use product specifically formulated for cats can be purchased from the veterinarian or even in a veterinary clinic or a pharmacy. Please note, it is very important to respect the dosage indicated on the bottle or recommended by an animal health professional.

This is a solute oral administration recommended in case of acute diarrhea or severe vomiting which very quickly leads to dehydration. Its main components are sodium chloride, sodium citrate and potassium chloride.

Note that a rehydration solution can also be used in cats that are reluctant to drink, but this product is only given to their animal after having sought the advice of the veterinarian.

Can You Prepare A Rehydration Solution For Your Cat Yourself?

It helps to know how to make this type of solution at home, which may be necessary when a cat seems moderately dehydrated or has had diarrhea for a few hours and you don’t have a ready-to-use solution on hand.

In this case, just add ½ teaspoon of salt And ½ tablespoon of glucose To 500ml water and to make the animal drink small quantities of this rehydrating drink.

As an indication, the organism of an adult cat needs – per 24 hour period – approximately 55 ml of liquid per kg of body weight to function, which corresponds for example to 220 ml for a 4 kg cat or even to 330 ml for a 6 kg cat. Note that a good part of this liquid is provided by food. A cat that eats only dry food therefore needs to drink more than a cat fed with wet food.

For prevent dehydration in cats, therefore, it is essential to leave a bowl of water at their disposal or, better, a water fountain that keeps the liquid always clean. This device is perfect because it encourages the cat to drink regularly. In a fountain, the water is protected and does not take on bad odors that could put off the animal. At the same time of course, we try to keep our cat cool during the high summer heat and we make it drink regularly when it is woozy.