Dehydration in Cats
Key takeaways
Dehydration in cats occurs when there is inadequate water available to the body’s cells. Specific symptoms of dehydration are dry gums, tented skin, and sunken eyes.
- Dry gums are dry, sticky, or tacky to the touch
- Sunken eyes but may present as persistently partially closed eyes; often, affected cats have dull eyes or an elevated third eyelid
- Skin “tenting” or turgor refers to slow recoil of the skin
- In cats who are not dehydrated, the skin snaps back into position after it is gently pulled up and away from the body and released
- Skin turgor is when the skin remains tented and takes more than a few seconds to return to a normal position
- Cats showing signs of dehydration require immediate veterinary intervention
- Diagnostics may include diagnostic imaging, bloodwork, urinalysis, and a physical examination
- Subcutaneous or IV fluids combat dehydration while further treatment depends on the underlying condition
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A closer look: Dehydration in Cats
Dry gums, tented skin, and sunken eyes rarely present in isolation, as dehydration is usually associated with underlying conditions causing multiple symptoms. Causes and severity of dehydration can vary.
Signs of dehydration increase the severity of other symptoms that are also present. For example, a cat with diarrhea requires veterinary assistance, but if they also present with dry gums and tenting skin they require immediate medical intervention, as the situation is likely more serious. Dehydration often makes cats feel sicker, increasing the need for urgent veterinary care. Cats that are not drinking any water require emergency veterinary attention.
Possible causes
These symptoms are caused by dehydration, or inadequate water availability. Any advanced illness leading to changes in thirst or severe weakness and lethargy may lead to insufficient water intake and ultimately dehydration.
Risk factors
Mild to severe degrees of these symptoms often correspond to dehydration severity. Cats experiencing severe dehydration often have serious and potentially life-threatening underlying conditions.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics to identify the underlying cause of dehydration include:
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Specific testing depending on the underlying condition suspected
Supportive care includes fluid replacement, through administration of subcutaneous or IV fluids. Medications to reduce diarrhea and vomiting are also beneficial. Further treatment depends on the underlying cause of the dehydration.
Similar symptoms
Dry gums, tenting skin, and sunken eyes are self-evident, although they are not limited to dehydration. For example, old age or profound weight loss may also lead to sunken eyes and skin turgor.
Associated symptoms
Dehydration is a symptom of many different conditions, and therefore has many possible associated symptoms.
